Depression during pregnancy is estimated to occur in 10-20% of women and is associated with adverse outcomes for both the mother and child. Although depression during pregnancy is relatively common in Western countries, researchers at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD have found that in other countries with a high seafood intake, depression during and after pregnancy is virtually non-existent while it is more common in those with lower seafood intake. Other research indicates that high seafood intake during pregnancy and after delivery is also associated with healthier children who have better IQ scores, as well as behavioral and communication skills. Seafood is high in Omega-3 EPA/DHA (flax, while high in Omega-3, is in the form of ALA not EPA/DHA).

Mothers may become depleted of critical Omega-3s called EPA/DHA found in seafood and fish oil because the fetus receives them preferentially for neurological development from mom (even while breastfeeding); therefore this can leave mom with a deficiency of these Omega-3s. Omega-3 EPA/DHA deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of depression.  We know that the Western diet is already deficient in these so moms may have little reserve when the need for Omega-3 EPA/DHA climb during and after pregnancy and therefore possibly leaving them more susceptible to post-partum depression.

Regular (2-4 times per week) consumption of Omega-3 EPA/DHA (especially in seafood) has major public health consequences that can benefit the mother, improve the chances of a safe delivery of the fetus, and the overall health of the newborn child. More studies will determine if fish oil alone in supplement form can replicate the same benefits as seafood consumption seems to have throughout pregnancy. Other fish oil supplement trials in depression (not necessarily post-partum) seem very promising.