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Does Omega-3 supplementation increase profuse postpartum hemorrhage? A hospital-based register study
Julia Lichtenstein1, Irene Sterpu2, Pelle G Lindqvist1
1Clinical Sciences and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|October 20, 2024
Summary
Omega-3 use in early pregnancy increased the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) by 25% and doubled the risk of massive PPH. Discontinuing Omega-3 in late pregnancy may reduce these risks.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Omega-3 fatty acids are known for anticoagulative properties.
- Potential adverse effects of Omega-3 during pregnancy, especially on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), are not well-studied.
- No prior research has specifically assessed Omega-3's impact on PPH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Omega-3 intake during pregnancy and the occurrence of profuse or massive PPH.
- To determine if Omega-3 supplementation poses risks for postpartum bleeding.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study using delivery data from Karolinska University Hospital (2007-2011).
- Inclusion of 41,139 deliveries.
- Categorization of women into Omega-3 exposed (early pregnancy use) and unexposed groups.
- Bivariate and adjusted multivariate analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Omega-3 use was linked to a 25% increased odds of PPH (aOR 1.25, 95% CI [1.06-1.47]).
- A more than doubled odds of massive PPH were observed in Omega-3 users (aOR 2.36, 95% CI [1.26-4.44]).
- A slight increase in overall blood loss was noted; however, low-dose use discontinued by 36 weeks showed no significant association with blood loss.
Conclusions:
- Observational data indicates a 25% higher likelihood of PPH and a twofold higher likelihood of massive PPH in pregnant women using Omega-3.
- Findings suggest considering the discontinuation of Omega-3 supplementation in late pregnancy to mitigate PPH risks.
