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View Full Version : Teratogenicity concern


paloma01
Jan 9, 2015, 06:46 AM
I am 20w pregnant, have been taken prenatals (2.664 IU of retinol) along with 1 capsule omega 3 (salmon oil, does not specify if liver or not) from weeks 12-20 (2 months). Also have cereal and milk almost daily which are fortified with vit A. Just today read lable on omega 3s which says: do not take if pregnant. I know this must be because of high levels of retinol in fish oil. I will not take omega 3s any more but am very much afraid I may have caused CNS teratogenicity with what I have taken.
I have had sonograms on weeks 12 and19 w/ normal looking brain, tone and movement but last sonogram showed undercoiled cord. I am very worried and wanted an expert opinion.

J_9
Jan 9, 2015, 07:48 AM
The best expert opinion you can get would be from your OB/Midwife.

DoulaLC
Jan 10, 2015, 09:37 AM
Omega 3s are important in pregnancy and, if you are planning to do so, also in breastfeeding. Don't confuse fish oil, which is what you will find in most Omega 3 supplements, with cod liver oil, where you will find the vitamin A. Is it a well known brand? Check the label of ingredients on your supplement and see if retinol or palmitate is listed. Many supplements and medications will state not to use in pregnancy, or to consult your doctor first, as a means to protect themselves from possible repercussions. Avoidance may not always be necessary. However, did you let your doctor or midwife know about any supplements that you were taking? That is always a wise action to take as there are some health conditions where daily fish oil may not be appropriate.

Supplements really should be treated as medications as they can be overdosed on, may not be compatible with other things a person might be taking, or with certain medical situations. As was said, discuss it with your doctor or midwife.

**Just reread and saw the concern about an undercoiled cord. Did your doctor or midwife discuss it with you or was it more of just a mention? It may not be enough to be of real concern, perhaps just at the lower end of normal. If your doctor or midwife is concerned, they will talk about perhaps another scan to confirm, and keeping a little closer eye on things towards the end of pregnancy.