Omega-3 fatty acids have received specific attention in the treatment of perinatal depression, because of the known health benefits of these compounds for pregnant and postpartum women as well as some data showing positive effects on mood in the general population.
Omega-3 fatty acids such as the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oils, are the key building blocks for the development of a baby’s central nervous system
while in utero,129 and depletion of maternal omega-3 fatty acids occurs during pregnancy to facilitate this process.
One often-cited cross-national study131 evaluating major depression in the general population demonstrated that per capita fish consumption was inversely related to the risk of developing major depression.
Further epidemiologic data support an association between low omega-3 intake from seafood and increased risk of high levels of depressive
symptoms during pregnancy.