Preventing Pregnancy Blues  

Omega-3 essential fatty acids may significantly reduce the risk of depression in pregnancy, new research claims.

This study by National Institutes of Health and University of Illinois-Chicago researchers found pregnant women who had a deficient intake of omega-3 acids had double the risk of depression than women with a normal to high intake.

"During pregnancy, the baby gets omega-3 at the expense of the mother," explains study co-author Dr. John Davis, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Using British data compiled from 14,541 women who were expected to deliver between 1991 and 1992, the researchers used a statistical model to analyze the association between omega-3 fatty acids and depression.

The subjects' omega-3 intake was recorded at 32 weeks' gestation and was compared to the mothers' scores on a standardized depression test given at 18 and 32 weeks' gestation and again at eight and 32 weeks after birth.

Their findings were supported by an additional analysis, which showed that in countries where omega-3 intake is the highest, the incidence of depression appears to be the lowest.

"We suspect that too little omega-3 in the diet may be a risk factor for depression," Davis says.

"The results are consistent with prior epidemiological work and consistent with more recent clinical trial work," says Dr. Andrew Stoll, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard University.

According to Stoll, fatty cold-water fish such as salmon and omega-3 supplemented eggs are excellent sources of the healthful nutrient.

Find more tips for a healthy pregnancy at HealthyOntario.

TORONTO (March 2004) - The Ontario government took a major step forward in banning pay-your-way-to the front-of-the-line health care, and making the public system accountable to Ontarians, as the Ontario government tabled its amendments to the Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act.

"Medicare is the best expression of Canadians' values. This Bill protects a vital part of our heritage for now and for generations to come," said Health and Long-Term Care Minister, George Smitherman.

"Bill 8 will bring strong accountability to health care in Ontario. Accountability agreements and the Ontario Health Quality Council will make health providers and governments answerable to Ontarians for spending precious public dollars to deliver quality care," said Smitherman.

The Ontario government tabled the following key amendments to clarify the intent of the Bill :

• Stating that the government must make decisions that are in the public interest.
• Making explicit that trade unions, individual doctors and groups of doctors are not subject to accountability agreements.
• Supporting and enhancing the role of voluntary Boards.
• Spelling out the four providers that are subject to accountability agreements - hospitals, long-term care facilities, community care access centres and independent health facilities.
• Stating that accountability agreements will be negotiated between Boards and the Minister.
• Committing to consult with the public about regulations.

Amendments to the legislation are now before the government's Standing Committee on Justice and Social Policy. The Committee held public hearings around the province in February following the Bill's first reading.

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