Fish Oil During Pregnancy: Benefits, Safety & Recommended Dosage

Fish Oil During Pregnancy: Benefits, Safety & Recommended Dosage

What happens when you have lower inflammation, triglycerides (bad fat), and improved blood vessel function?

The answer is simple: You will get the following benefits:

  • Support for health (especially DHA in the brain and retina)
  • Improve heart health
  • Overall cellular function

Also Read: Top 5 Pregnancy Apps Every Mum-to-Be Should Download in 2026​

There are many ways to achieve lowered inflammation, triglycerides (bad fat), and improved blood vessel functions, such as:

  • Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  • Daily movement
  • Taking the doctor’s recommended dose of omega-3s (EPA & DHA) from a source like fish oil.

Omega-3s (EPA & DHA) from fish oil are very beneficial for your body’s overall health, especially during pregnancy. 

Also Read:
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Is Fish Oil for Omega-3s During Pregnancy Considered Safe

Quality fish oil for omega-3s (EPA & DHA) is safe to take during pregnancy. 

Fresh fish may often contain environmental toxins such as mercury that build up during their life span. These toxins can be virtually removed during the manufacture and processing of fish oil.

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Benefits of Fish Oil During Pregnancy

Fish oil primarily contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), along with some vitamins and fatty acids.

These help provide the following benefits.

  • Benefits to Mother

  • Lower the risk of preterm labor and delivery
  • Decrease the chances of preeclampsia (persistent high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy due to high levels of protein) and gestational hypertension
  • Supports mood stability
  • Lower  likelihood of postpartum depression
  • Improves immune function
  • Lower inflammation
  • Support cardiovascular health through better lipid profiles

     

  • Benefits to Baby’s Development

  • DHA helps support brain and cognitive development
  • Encourage healthy retinal and visual acuity formation
  • Increases gestational length for better maturity at birth
  • Help develop a strong immune system, potentially lowering allergy/asthma risks
  • Improves birth weight
  • Lower low birth weight incidence


Potential Comprehensive Health Benefits

  • Heart Health

  • Reduces Triglycerides
  • Lowers Blood Pressure
  • Prevents Plaque

     

  • Brain and Mental Health

  • Improves Cognitive Function
  • Improve Memory and Concentration
  • Fights Depression and Anxiety
  • Supports Development

     

  • Inflammation and Joints

  • Reduces Inflammation
  • Eases Arthritis

     

  • Other Possible Key Health Support

  • Liver Health
  • Eye Health
  • Skin Health
  • Weight Management
  • Kidney Protection

Also Read : Pregnancy Pillow Guide: Benefits, Types & How to Choose


How to Choose the Best Fish Oil Supplements for Safe Intake?

Cryoviva Singapore (a stem cell preservation bank trusted by many parents across Singapore) says, while fish oil is safe, you need to consider its quality.

Always look at these qualities before buying it:

  • Third-party tested for contaminants such as mercury, PCBs, dioxins, and heavy metals.
  • Look for a “Non-GMO Verified” label to rule out any genetic modification concerns.
  • High DHA content (at least 200-500 mg per serving) for maximum cognitive and cardiovascular benefits.
  • It should be its natural triglyceride (rTG) for superior absorption over ethyl esters.
  • Low oxidation levels (total oxidation, TOTOX < 26) to avoid rancidity (the process where fats and oils in food get spoiled).


Recommended Intake (Dosage) of Fish Oil for Omega-3s During Pregnancy

Always consult your doctor nearby in Singapore to know the accurate dosage of  Omega-3s during pregnancy. 

The general recommendations for pregnant women, trimester-wise, are:

Trimester

Suggested DHA Intake

1st

200-300 mg daily

2nd/3rd

300-650 mg daily

Lactation

500-1000 mg (or higher)

What Are Good Sources of Omega-3 Besides Fish?

Here are some other sources of Omega-3. However, ask your doctor if you can take them during pregnancy or not for safety reasons.

  • Seeds & Nuts

  • Flaxseeds and Flaxseed Oil
  • Chia Seeds
  • Hemp Seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Oils

  • Flaxseed Oil
  • Canola Oil
  • Soybean Oil
  • Vegetables & Legumes

  • Edamame
  • Soybeans
  • Dark Leafy Greens (offer small amounts), such as Spinach, Brussels sprouts, etc.
  • Kidney Beans
  • Fortified & Other Options

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Yogurt, Juices
  • Algal Oil

Note: Pregnant women, women planning pregnancy, and young children are most vulnerable to the negative effects of mercury. It can damage the developing brain and nervous system, so they should avoid high-mercury fish entirely.

Conclusion 

Pregnancy comes with various hormonal, structural, and mental changes in your body. These changes bring many symptoms, which are usually not harmful but can be unforgettable. 

That’s why you need to focus on holistic care, including a balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and fish oil for Omega-3). Follow your doctor’s advice and take the supplement in the recommended dose for your and your baby’s future health

Other Ways to Secure Your Baby & Family’s Future Health

Stem cell preservation from a private cord blood bank, Cryoviva Singapore, is one of the ways that many parents in Singapore are considering. 

Stem cells from cord blood offer the following benefits:

  • It can be used as a treatment method for more than 80 diseases, including cancers, blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and genetic conditions.
  • Support rebuilding blood and immune systems post-chemotherapy.
  • Its collection is non-invasive, painless, and risk-free for mother and baby just after childbirth.

Looking for a cord blood stem cell preservation bank for your baby’s health to protect their health in the future? 

You can contact Cryoviva Singapore, trusted by many parents across Singapore.

Speak to our dedicated team to guide you further in the stem cell preservation services.

  • Phone number: (65) 8339 8482
  • Address: Corporate Office 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #01-06 Mapex, Singapore 577177
  • Write Us: enquiry@cryoviva.com.sg

FAQ's

What fish should be avoided because of high mercury content?

If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or feeding young children, avoid these kinds of fish or consult your doctor for the right serving:

High mercury content

  • Shark
  • Swordfish
  • king mackerel
  • Marlin
  • Orange roughy
  • Bigeye tuna
  • Tilefish (Gulf of Mexico)

Moderate mercury fish

  • Bigeye tuna
  • Grouper
  • Spanish mackerel
  • Chilean sea bass
  • Halibut
Should I take fish oil during pregnancy?

If your doctor allows it, you can take fish oil (omega-3s, especially DHA/EPA), which is generally recommended during pregnancy and vital for baby brain and eye development.

What are the safety considerations of fish oil for expectant mothers?

You should consider the following safety factors:

  • High-quality
  • Purified to remove toxins (mercury, PCBs, dioxins)
  • Take recommended doses (around 250-300mg DHA/day)
  • Choose brands with third-party testing