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by Christine Goudge, MD, Updated by Michael A. Murati, MD, Updated by Joey Lopez,
MD, March 2008
 Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids found in the foods we eat.
Recent research in both the alternative and conventional medical fields suggests
that this essential fatty acid may play an important role in decreasing the
incidence of many major health problems in our society. Omega-3 fatty
acids are involved in the metabolic pathway that creates natural
anti-inflammatory mediators in your body. The products of omega-3 fatty
acid metabolism compete with other pro-inflammatory mediators in your body to
protect tissues such as blood vessels and muscle.
One role of these anti-inflammatory mediators is to prolong pregnancy by
inhibiting the substances that often induce contractions in the pregnant uterus.
It is because of this relationship that the role of omega-3 fatty acids in
reducing the incidence of preterm labor has been studied. It seems there
is some evidence of support the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in
pregnant women to reduce the likelihood of preterm labor. This evidence is
especially compelling if the woman has a history of preterm labor during a
previous pregnancy.
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variety of sources, including both scientific medical journals and other website
material.
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