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Omega-3 fatty acids: an ideal treatment for depression in pregnancy?

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Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine

Abstract

Maternal depression affects a mother and her baby. However, treatment with antidepressants during pregnancy may pose risks. Optimal care of depression during pregnancy would be efficacious and safe for both mother and baby. Treatments that provide additional health benefits to the mother and baby would be ideal. Currently there are no evidence-based guidelines to inform the use of antidepressant medications in pregnancy and postpartum. Some women may be unwilling to accept standard antidepressant medications in pregnancy because the long-term effects on the child are unknown. Omega-3 fatty acids are natural compounds with many established health benefits. The safety of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy has been demonstrated, and specific health benefits during pregnancy have been associated with their use. Epidemiological data, treatment data and biochemical rationale support the research of omega-3 fatty acids for depression during pregnancy.

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  1. Women’s Mental Health Program, Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA

    Marlene P. Freeman

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Freeman, M.P. Omega-3 fatty acids: an ideal treatment for depression in pregnancy?. Evid-Based-Integrative-Med 1, 43–49 (2004). https://doi.org/10.2165/01197065-200301010-00008

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