Flaxseed oil is a natural source of alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, an essential fatty acid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your body has the capacity to convert ALA into two other essential fatty acids your body needs; these additional fatty acids are called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In addition to the benefits of flaxseed oil for general health, there are some benefits specific to pregnancy. If you are pregnant, however, talk with your doctor before adding flaxseed oil to your diet; it can interfere with certain conditions and medications.
Fetal Development
A growing baby needs DHA and AHA for proper development of his eyes and brain, according to The Franklin Institute. In fact, about two-thirds of the human brain is made from specialized fats. A pregnancy diet that includes flaxseed oil can help make these essential fatty acids available for the baby.
Birth Weight
Inadequate amounts of essential fatty acids may contribute to low birth weight and smaller than normal head circumference. This is significant, writes The Franklin Institute, because these two factors are tied to later cognitive ability.
Less Prematurity
Adequate intake of essential fatty acids may reduce premature births. Studies thus far have focused primarily on fish oil, such as the 1992 study published in the “Lancet.” In that study, researchers Olsen et al. found that women who took supplemental fish oil had longer pregnancies than women who took supplemental olive oil. Researchers reported that that the fish oil supplements did not cause problems with labor or fetal size. Because flaxseed oil contains some of the same essential fatty acids as fish oil, flaxseed oil could theoretically help reduce the risk of premature birth.
About this Author
Stephanie Crumley Hill is a childbirth educator who for more than 20 years has written professionally about pregnancy, family and a variety of health and medical topics. A former print magazine editor, her insurance articles for “Resource” magazine garnered numerous awards. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Georgia.
