A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found omega-3 supplement consumption was associated with a 58% decrease in the likelihood of early preterm birth (babies born before 34 weeks) and a 17% decrease in any preterm delivery (babies born before 37 weeks). Data also showed a longer gestation period and higher average infant birth weight.

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of infant death worldwide. There is a need for effective, easily available, safe and acceptable interventions to prevent preterm delivery, especially before 34 weeks of gestation.

Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are often taken by women to improve pregnancy outcomes without any clear recommendations. Researchers undertook a systematic review to assess the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on early (<34 weeks) and any (<37 weeks) preterm delivery. They searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library from inception to 2014 without any language restrictions. Study selection, quality assessment and data extraction were done by two independent reviewers.

Of the nine included trials (5,980 women), six (4,193 women) evaluated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on early preterm delivery. The risk of early preterm delivery was reduced by 58% (RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.27-0.66; I2=0%; p=0.0002) and any preterm delivery by 17% (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.70-0.98; I2=0%; p=0.03) with the intervention, researchers noted. There was a significant increase in the mean gestational age by 1.95 weeks (95% CI 0.42-3.48 weeks; I2=0.47; p=0.01) and mean birth weight by 122.1g (95% CI 47.4-196.8; I2=0.84; p=0.001) in the intervention group compared to the controls. Subgroup analysis showed no significant differences in the effects between the groups according to the risk status, dose and timing of the intervention.

Researchers concluded omega-3 fatty acids may be effective in preventing early and preterm delivery. “The intervention is simple and easily available and has the potential to influence population based strategies in the prevention of preterm birth,” they wrote.