Doctors play a crucial role in guiding expecting mothers, but when it comes to nutrition during pregnancy, particularly omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, many OB/GYNs may not be fully up to date. Surprisingly, you—as the patient—might actually know more about the benefits of omega-3s in pregnancy than your physician.
Don’t let that stop you from having important conversations about your nutritional needs. DHA is a vital nutrient during pregnancy, on par with folic acid, calcium, and iron. It supports fetal brain and eye development and reduces the risk of preterm birth. So how can we bridge the knowledge gap and ensure that women and their healthcare providers prioritize DHA intake?
Why Doctors May Not Emphasize Omega-3s
A 2016 US News & World Report article revealed a long-standing problem in the medical field: limited nutrition education. In fact, a study in the International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health showed that incoming pediatric residents answered only 52% of nutrition-related questions correctly.
There are several reasons for this gap, including:
-
Lack of funding for nutrition curriculum
-
Shortage of qualified nutrition faculty
-
Emphasis on treatment over prevention
As NYU’s nutrition professor Marion Nestle puts it, “The assumption is that doctors will refer patients to dietitians.”
Although many primary care physicians recognize the importance of nutrition counseling, barriers like lack of time, compensation, and proper training often prevent them from offering detailed dietary advice.
Confusion Around Fish and Omega-3s
Omega-3s—particularly DHA and EPA—are most commonly found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. However, some doctors are overly cautious due to concerns about mercury contamination. This has led many to advise their patients to limit fish intake during pregnancy.
Unfortunately, this well-meaning caution may be doing more harm than good. A 2019 study in Public Health Nutrition found that fears about mercury have led pregnant women to reduce their fish consumption dramatically. Awareness of the health risks of fish seems to outweigh understanding of the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, which may compromise maternal and fetal health.
The Truth About Fish Oil and Pregnancy
Here’s the reality: consuming omega-3-rich fish or taking a purified fish oil supplement during pregnancy is not only safe—it’s highly beneficial. The American Pregnancy Association recommends at least 200 mg of DHA per day. High-quality omega-3 supplements, like Ballstad Omega-3, are molecularly distilled to eliminate harmful contaminants such as mercury and PCBs.
Women who prefer to avoid fish altogether can safely meet their needs with a daily omega-3 supplement. Better still, they can measure their DHA levels with a Prenatal DHA Test, which provides an objective look at whether their diet is meeting their needs.
Scientific research suggests that maintaining a DHA blood level of 5% or higher is associated with better birth outcomes, including a reduced risk of early preterm birth.
What Doctors Know About Omega-3s (And What They Don’t)
A recent study published in Public Health Nutrition surveyed OB/GYNs in Belgium about their understanding of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy. The findings were eye-opening:
-
43% of OB/GYNs gave no information about DHA or EPA to their pregnant patients
-
46% did not take any preventative action regarding omega-3 status
Despite the proven benefits of omega-3s—such as supporting fetal brain development, improving maternal mood, and reducing inflammation—these nutrients remain under-emphasized in routine prenatal care.
Fortunately, the study also revealed a silver lining: OB/GYNs are eager to learn more. Nearly two-thirds expressed interest in receiving further education on the topic. This creates an opportunity for both patients and providers to engage in more meaningful conversations about nutrition.
Empowering Patients to Lead the Conversation
Interestingly, this same study found that the more knowledgeable a patient was about DHA, the more likely she was to consume it regularly. Education matters. Women who understood the value of omega-3s during pregnancy had higher Omega-3 Index scores—a biomarker of overall omega-3 status.
Researchers concluded that patient education and routine nutritional screening—such as an Omega-3 Index test—could drastically improve maternal and fetal health outcomes. They also called for clearer guidelines and communication tools to help OB/GYNs better counsel their patients.
Simple Steps for Ensuring Optimal DHA During Pregnancy
Preventing nutritional deficiencies doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, DHA is one of the most cost-effective interventions for improving pregnancy outcomes. Here are three easy steps to ensure you’re getting enough DHA:
-
Eat fatty fish (like salmon or sardines) at least 1–2 times per week, or take a high-quality omega-3 supplement with at least 200 mg of DHA daily.
-
Take a Prenatal DHA Test to measure your current DHA levels.
-
Adjust your diet or supplementation based on your results, and retest in 2–3 months to confirm improvement.
Ballstad Omega-3: A Trusted Source of DHA for Moms and Babies
Choosing a reliable supplement matters. Ballstad Omega-3 offers purified, potent, and sustainably sourced fish oil rich in both EPA and DHA. It's an ideal choice for expecting mothers who want to ensure the healthiest possible start for their babies—without worrying about contaminants.
Ballstad Omega-3 supports:
-
Fetal brain and visual development
-
Lower risk of preterm birth
-
Maternal mood and cardiovascular health
Whether you’re pregnant, planning to conceive, or just had a baby, Ballstad’s high-quality fish oil supplements are a smart, safe, and research-backed investment in your family’s future.
Starting the Conversation About Omega-3s
In February, OmegaQuant launched the first Prenatal DHA Test for both consumers and practitioners. Alongside it, they introduced the Prenatal DHA Initiative—an educational program designed to spread awareness about the importance of DHA before, during, and after pregnancy.
Despite growing research, many women still don’t get enough DHA—often only 30% of the recommended daily intake. Yet this simple nutrient supports healthy pregnancy, reduces healthcare costs, and has a profound impact on lifelong development.
Help spread the word. Educate yourself, talk to your doctor, and consider testing your DHA level. And when you're choosing a supplement, go for one you can trust.
Choose Ballstad Omega-3—for you, and for your baby.
