The Food and Drug Administration recommends that pregnant women have up to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish per week. Low mercury fish includes shrimp, light tuna, salmon, pollock and catfish. Women need about 250 mg of DHA (a type of omega-3) daily during pregnancy, but few women get this amount.

On the Other: Risks with Mercury

Although there are risks with mercury in fish during pregnancy, supplements are available through algae derived sources in health stores. Nutritionist Barbara Levine, PhD, believes that DHA omega-3 is important during pregnancy, and compares it to folic acid in the diet during pregnancy. She says, "It is true that we don't get a lot of DHA in our diets. It took forever to get the message across about the importance of folic acid early in pregnancy, but now it is in our wheat products and most women get what they need. Now we are trying to get the message out about DHA."

Bottom Line

Understanding how much omega-3 acid, specifically DHA omega-3, is already in a pregnant woman's diet is the cornerstone to knowing how much of a supplement to take. Discuss with your healthcare professional if there is a need to add an algae derived supplement during pregnancy.

Source:

Pregnant? Omega-3 Essential for Baby's Brain

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet