Could fish oil help prevent early births? Study finds supplement can stop premature delivery and cut the risk of pregnancy complications

Taking fish oil supplements extends pregnancy and can reduce complications, Australian researchers have found. 

Fish oil supplements had long have been thought to reduce the likelihood of post-natal depression, but new research has found it doesn't have an impact.

However, during the study of 2,500 women, researchers noticed those who were taking one gram of concentrated fish oil daily had their pregnancy extended by an average of two days.

The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute are now looking for a further 5,500 pregnant women as part of a wider study, and hope to confirm their findings. 

The power of fish oil: New study finds that while fish oil doesn't assist in reducing the risk of post-natal depression, secondary findings show that those who took it, had a longer pregnancy 

 

 

Halving the number: The number of babies born prior to 34 weeks was reduced by 50 per cent in the study 

'The original study was designed to look at whether omega 3 fats were needed in supplement form during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of post natal depression and improve developmental outcomes for babies,' Professor Maria Makrides from the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute told Daily Mail Australia.