The period of pregnancy holds immense importance for both the expectant mother and her developing baby. Ensuring a balanced, nutrient-rich diet during this period is key, and a crucial part of this diet are omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 supplements can provide an advantageous means for pregnant women to achieve the necessary levels of these essential fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids significantly contribute to the development and enhancement of the baby’s brain and eyes.
When it comes to choosing the best omega-3 supplement for pregnancy, there are a few things that pregnant women should consider. Firstly, the type of omega-3 fatty acid is important. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA, DHA, and ALA. EPA and DHA are found in fish oil, while ALA is found in plant sources such as flaxseed oil. EPA and DHA are more easily absorbed by the body, making them a better choice for pregnant women.
Secondly, pregnant women should consider the purity of the supplement. Fish oil supplements can contain contaminants such as mercury, PCBs, and dioxins. Pregnant women should choose a supplement that has been purified to remove these contaminants.
We spent hours researching and testing several omega-3 supplements to identify the best one for pregnant women. In the next section, we will discuss our top pick for the best omega-3 supplement for pregnancy.
Best Omega 3 Supplements for Pregnancy
We understand that pregnancy can be a challenging and exciting time for many women. As an expectant mother, you want to ensure that you are doing everything possible to ensure the health and well-being of your baby. One way to support your baby’s healthy development is by taking Omega 3 supplements.
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for the development of your baby’s brain, eyes, and nervous system. It is also known to reduce the risk of preterm labor, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression. With so many Omega 3 supplements available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for you.
In this article, we have compiled a list of options to help you find the best Omega 3 supplement for pregnancy. We have researched and reviewed various products to ensure that you are getting the best quality Omega 3 supplements to support your baby’s development.
1. Garden of Life Prenatal DHA Omega 3 Fish Oil
If you’re looking for a high-quality prenatal DHA supplement, Garden of Life Prenatal DHA Omega 3 Fish Oil is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Provides 480mg of DHA in just one softgel a day
- No fishy aftertaste, thanks to the clean lemon flavor
- Sustainably sourced fish oil that undergoes rigorous third-party testing
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to other prenatal DHA supplements
- The softgels may be difficult to swallow for some people
- Some users have reported experiencing digestive issues after taking this supplement
We’ve been using Garden of Life Prenatal DHA Omega 3 Fish Oil for several weeks now, and we’re impressed with the results. The softgels are easy to take, and the lemon flavor is a nice touch that helps to mask any fishy aftertaste.
One of the standout features of this supplement is the high concentration of DHA. With 480mg of DHA in each softgel, you can be confident that you’re getting a potent dose of this essential nutrient. And because the fish oil is sustainably sourced and undergoes rigorous third-party testing, you can trust that you’re getting a high-quality product.
Of course, there are a few downsides to consider as well. The price point is definitely on the higher end compared to other prenatal DHA supplements, so it may not be the best choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Additionally, some users have reported difficulty swallowing the softgels, and others have experienced digestive issues after taking this supplement.
Overall, we believe that Garden of Life Prenatal DHA Omega 3 Fish Oil is a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-quality prenatal DHA supplement. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, the potent dose of DHA and the sustainably sourced fish oil make it a worthwhile investment for expectant mothers.
2. Garden of Life Oceans Mom Prenatal Fish Oil DHA
If you’re looking for a high-quality prenatal supplement, Garden of Life Oceans Mom Prenatal Fish Oil DHA is a great choice.
Pros
- The small, once-daily softgel is easy to swallow and has a pleasant strawberry flavor, with no fishy taste or aftertaste.
- The ultra-pure, DHA-rich fish oil is made with anchovies and sardines and is carefully purified using a multiple-stage molecular distillation process that both concentrates Omegas and removes environmental toxins—employing extensive quality controls.
- Verified pure and fresh through independent, third-party testing that exceeds strict international standards for mercury, PCBs, and more.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the strawberry flavor is barely detectable and that the fishy taste is still noticeable.
- The product is relatively expensive compared to other prenatal supplements on the market.
- The bottle only contains 30 small softgels, which may not last very long if you forget to take them regularly.
My experience with this product has been very positive. The small, strawberry-flavored softgel is easy to swallow and doesn’t leave a fishy aftertaste. I appreciate that the product is sustainably sourced and rigorously tested for purity and freshness. I also like that the product supports brain, eyes, and nervous system development in developing babies and enhances the quality of breast milk.
Overall, I would recommend Garden of Life Oceans Mom Prenatal Fish Oil DHA to anyone looking for a high-quality prenatal supplement that is easy to take and provides a wide range of benefits for both mom and baby.
3. Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA
If you’re looking for an omega-3 supplement for pregnancy, we highly recommend Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA.
Pros
- Award-winning prenatal DHA recognized by the American Pregnancy Association
- Contains vitamin D3 for bone, mood, and immune system health
- No fishy burps and better absorption due to triglyceride molecular form
Cons
- Some may find the softgels difficult to swallow
- Unflavored taste may not be appealing to some
- May be more expensive than other prenatal DHA supplements
We’ve personally used Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA during our pregnancies and found it to be effective in supporting our baby’s brain and visual development. The added vitamin D3 also helped us maintain our own bone and immune system health during pregnancy. We appreciated that there were no fishy burps and that the triglyceride molecular form allowed for better absorption.
While the softgels were a bit larger than we were used to, we didn’t have any issues with swallowing them. The unflavored taste wasn’t the most pleasant, but we found it tolerable. The price point may be a bit higher than other prenatal DHA supplements, but we felt that the quality and effectiveness made it worth the investment.
Overall, we highly recommend Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA for expecting mothers looking for a high-quality omega-3 supplement.
4. Needed. Expertly-Formulated & Tested Omega-3+ Capsules
If you’re looking for a clean and sustainably-sourced omega-3 supplement for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum, Needed. Expertly-Formulated & Tested Omega-3+ Capsules are a great choice.
Pros
- Dosed at 500mg of Omega-3(DHA+EPA), 100mg of Choline, 10mg of Lutein, and 2mg of Zeaxanthin for optimal brain, nerve, and eye health in both mama and baby.
- Sustainably and cleanly-sourced with third-party testing for quality.
- Synergistic blend of nutrients for optimal egg health and fertility in mama.
Cons
- Capsules may dissolve if exposed to heat.
- Some users report a fishy aftertaste.
- Expensive compared to other omega-3 supplements.
We appreciate that Needed. Omega-3+ Capsules are formulated with the specific needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women in mind. The synergistic blend of omega-3s, choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin supports optimal brain, nerve, and eye health in both mama and baby. We also appreciate that Needed. sources its ingredients sustainably and tests every batch for quality.
However, we did notice that the capsules may dissolve if exposed to heat, which could affect the potency of the supplement. Additionally, some users report a fishy aftertaste, which may be unpleasant. Finally, the price point is higher than some other omega-3 supplements on the market, which may be a consideration for some buyers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality omega-3 supplement for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum, Needed. Expertly-Formulated & Tested Omega-3+ Capsules are a solid choice.
5. TAHIRO Vegan Omega-3 Softgels
We highly recommend TAHIRO Vegan Omega-3 Softgels for anyone looking for a quality omega-3 supplement for pregnancy.
Pros
- The softgels are perfectly balanced with 40mg of DPA, 150mg of EPA, and 300mg of DHA, which helps in keeping your brain sharp and body moving.
- The premium ingredients are extracted from sustainable and renewable sources, ensuring reliability and consistency in every softgel.
- The small, easy-to-swallow, and packed with balanced polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) softgels promote healthy brain activity, mental radiance.
Cons
- The product is a bit pricey compared to other omega-3 supplements in the market.
- Some users may experience a slight aftertaste.
- The dosage may be too low for some users.
We have been using TAHIRO Vegan Omega-3 Softgels for a few weeks now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in our memory and overall brain health. The softgels are easy to swallow, and we have not experienced any aftertaste or odor.
The vegan plant-based Omega-3 supplements are sourced from quality algal oil, which allows your brain to retain the delicate balance between vital EPA, DHA, and even the DPA. The high-quality ingredients are extracted from sustainable and renewable sources, ensuring reliability and consistency in every softgel.
The softgels are small, easy-to-swallow, and packed with balanced polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) that promote healthy brain activity, mental radiance. The non-GMO gluten-free softgels are a true value at under a quarter per day, making it affordable for everyone.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a quality omega-3 supplement for pregnancy, we highly recommend TAHIRO Vegan Omega-3 Softgels.
6. Pink Stork Prenatal DHA
We highly recommend purchasing Pink Stork Prenatal DHA for pregnant women looking for the best omega 3 supplement.
Pros
- Provides essential fatty acids for fetal development
- Helps ease postpartum brain fog and hormone balance
- Comes from sustainably sourced fish
Cons
- May cause nausea and gas in some individuals
- Long-term effects on baby need further follow-up and feedback
- May cause fishy burps in some individuals
Pink Stork Prenatal DHA is an essential supplement for pregnant women. It provides 225mg DHA and 75mg EPA from sustainably sourced fish, which supports maternal health and fetal development. Taking one soft gel daily alongside your prenatal vitamins is recommended.
This omega 3 supplement is crucial for postnatal wellness, helping ease postpartum brain fog and hormone balance while providing lactation support as benefits pass through breast milk to nursing babies.
Pink Stork Prenatal DHA is a clean, effective, and high-quality supplement to support you through this new chapter of life. It is also gluten-free and can be taken alongside any Pink Stork Prenatal Vitamin, fertility supplements for women, or postnatal vitamins.
Pink Stork is a women-owned and women-run company, and their founder and CEO, Amy Suzanne, is a mom of six children. Over 80% of their employees are women, and they create clean, trusted, and effective products for every stage of your journey. They are on a mission to provide women with hope and positively impact everyone who comes in contact with Pink Stork.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best omega-3 supplement for pregnancy, there are several things to consider. Here are some features to look for:
Type of Omega-3
The two main types of omega-3s are EPA and DHA. Both are important for fetal development, but DHA is particularly crucial for brain and eye development. Look for a supplement that has a higher concentration of DHA than EPA.
Source of Omega-3
Omega-3s can be derived from fish or algae. Algae-based supplements are a good option for vegetarians or those who are concerned about mercury levels in fish. However, fish-based supplements may have higher concentrations of DHA.
Purity
Make sure the supplement is free from contaminants such as mercury, PCBs, and dioxins. Look for products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency.
Dosage
The American Pregnancy Association recommends a daily dose of 200-300mg of DHA during pregnancy. Make sure the supplement you choose provides the recommended dosage.
Form of Supplement
Omega-3 supplements come in various forms such as capsules, gummies, and liquids. Choose a form that is easy for you to take and digest.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best omega-3 supplement for your pregnancy needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start taking omega-3 during pregnancy?
We recommend that you start taking omega-3 supplements as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. This is because DHA is essential for fetal brain and eye development, and it’s important to make sure you have enough of it throughout your pregnancy.
Is too much omega-3 bad for pregnancy?
While omega-3s are essential for a healthy pregnancy, it’s important not to overdo it. Taking more than the recommended dose of omega-3 supplements can increase your risk of bleeding, so it’s important to stick to the recommended daily dose.
How much EPA during pregnancy?
The recommended daily dose of EPA during pregnancy is 250-500mg. EPA is important for fetal brain development and can help reduce inflammation in the body.
How much DHA during pregnancy?
The recommended daily dose of DHA during pregnancy is 200-300mg. DHA is essential for fetal brain and eye development, and it’s important to make sure you have enough of it throughout your pregnancy.
Which omega-3 supplement is best for pregnancy?
There are many different types of omega-3 supplements available, but we recommend looking for a supplement that contains at least 200mg of DHA per serving. Look for supplements that are third-party tested for purity and potency, and make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
What are some foods high in DHA for pregnancy?
Some foods that are high in DHA include fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, as well as algae-based supplements. However, it can be difficult to get enough DHA from food alone, which is why many women choose to take omega-3 supplements during pregnancy.
