Pregnancy brings joy, excitement, and anticipation — but it can also come with a range of concerns. Among the most serious is the risk of preterm birth, a condition that affects the health and development of newborns and poses emotional and financial challenges for families.
As researchers look for effective ways to reduce this risk, one solution continues to stand out: omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
What Is Preterm Birth?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preterm birth occurs when a baby is born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. In 2016, over 10% of infants in the U.S. were born preterm. Even more critical is early preterm birth, defined as before 34 weeks, which can lead to long-term complications and significantly higher hospital costs.
While the U.S. saw a decline in preterm birth rates from 2007 to 2014, rates began to rise again in 2015 and 2016. Racial disparities also persist: for example, African-American women face a 50% higher rate of preterm birth compared to white women.
Omega-3s and Pregnancy: What’s the Link?
A growing body of research shows that omega-3 fatty acids — especially DHA — play a vital role in pregnancy, particularly in reducing the risk of early delivery. In addition to avoiding common risk factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol, unmanaged diabetes, and hypertension), improving maternal omega-3 status could be a powerful, natural strategy for supporting full-term birth.
Groundbreaking Research from Harvard and Denmark
A study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health and Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen revealed that women with low omega-3 levels during their first and second trimesters had a significantly higher risk of early preterm birth compared to those with sufficient levels.
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Blood samples were taken at 9 and 25 weeks of pregnancy
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Women with lower DHA and EPA levels were up to 9 times more likely to deliver before 34 weeks
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Risk was particularly high in those with a red blood cell (RBC) DHA level below 3.54%
This is the first large-scale study to link measured omega-3 status in early pregnancy to birth outcomes — offering both clinical insight and practical guidance for expecting mothers.
Why Focus on DHA?
Many pregnancy guidelines emphasize DHA intake over total omega-3s, as DHA plays a direct role in:
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Fetal brain and eye development
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Regulating inflammation and hormonal signals that control labor
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Supporting placental function and uterine health
Although some omega-3 supplements contain only ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), it’s important to know that ALA does not convert efficiently into DHA or EPA. That’s why direct DHA supplementation is essential during pregnancy.
What Do Current Guidelines Say?
Current omega-3 recommendations for pregnant women include:
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600–800 mg of DHA per day, starting in early to mid-pregnancy
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Limiting high-mercury fish like swordfish, king mackerel, and shark
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Choosing lower-mercury, DHA-rich fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, and anchovies
If dietary intake is limited, high-quality supplements become the most reliable option to raise omega-3 levels safely and effectively.
DHA Supplementation in Clinical Trials
A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed 350 women who began taking 600 mg of DHA daily starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy:
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Increased DHA levels in both mother and newborn
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Longer gestation period
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Higher birth weights and head circumference
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Fewer early preterm births and shorter hospital stays among preterm infants
The children are being followed until age six to determine if prenatal DHA improves long-term cognitive development and school readiness.
Larger Trials Underway
Two major studies in the U.S. and Australia are currently evaluating whether 800–1000 mg of DHA daily, taken from early to late pregnancy, can significantly reduce preterm birth risk. These trials also include blood testing for DHA levels — a crucial move toward routine omega-3 screening during pregnancy.
Omega-3 Status: A Public Health Opportunity
A 2016 systematic review concluded that omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy:
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Reduces early preterm birth risk by 58%
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Decreases overall preterm birth by 17%
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Increases gestational age by an average of two weeks
Researchers noted that omega-3s are a simple, low-risk intervention with significant potential for population-wide impact in reducing early delivery.
What Should You Do?
1. Eat More Omega-3-Rich Fish
Prioritize seafood like wild salmon, herring, and sardines — and avoid high-mercury varieties.
2. Choose the Right Supplements
Select omega-3 products with clearly labeled EPA and DHA content, not just "omega-3" or plant-based ALA sources.
3. Get Your Omega-3 Index Tested
Consider measuring your Omega-3 Index or DHA level early in pregnancy to guide your supplementation needs.
Support a Healthy Pregnancy with Ballstad Omega-3
Ballstad Omega-3 is designed to meet the nutritional needs of mothers and their babies with:
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High concentrations of DHA, supporting fetal development and reducing early delivery risk
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Purity-tested ingredients, safe for pregnancy
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Sourcing from clean marine environments for maximum quality and bioavailability
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Trusted, evidence-aligned dosing to help achieve ideal Omega-3 Index levels
If you're expecting, planning, or supporting someone who is, Ballstad Omega-3 is a vital part of a smart, safe pregnancy plan.
