Take Fish Oil During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

From americanpregnancy.org: Omega-3s are essential for both neurological and early visual development of the baby. After birth they are also passed to the baby through breast milk. Taking omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy also prevent pre-term labor and delivery, lower the risk of pre-eclampsia and may increase birth weight and gestational weight. Omega-3 deficiency also increases the mother's risk for depression. The best sources of EPA and DHA are from fish, but many people are justifiably concerned about mercury and other toxins in fish. For this reason, purified fish oil supplements are often the safest source of EPA and DHA. Omega-3 from flaxseed contains the shorter-chain omega-3, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which is different from the longer-chain EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are the omega-3s that the body needs for optimal health and development. While it was once thought that the human body could convert ALA to EPA and DHA, current research shows that such conversion rarely and inefficiently occurs. Fish oil is a more reliable source of EPA and DHA. Plus, Flaxseed can act like the hormone estrogen and can possibly be unsafe during pregnancy, even though to date there is no reliable clinical evidence on its effect. Another good vegetarian source is from algae, even though fish oil is still a better source since it is in readily available form for the body. However, fish oil can't be used to supplement infant formula because it contains other fats that slow babies' growth, and that is why algae is regarded as a superior source of DHA for infant formula.