Something Smells Fishy: How Lipid Mediators Impact the Maternal-Fetal Interface and Neonatal Development

Normal pregnancy relies on inflammation for implantation, placentation, and parturition, but uncontrolled inflammation can lead to poor maternal and infant outcomes. Maternal diet is one modifiable factor that can impact inflammation. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids obtained through the diet are metabolized into bioactive compounds that effect inflammation. Recent evidence has shown that the downstream products of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids may influence physiology during pregnancy. In this review, the current knowledge relating to omega-3 and omega-6 metabolites during pregnancy will be summarized.

Automated summary

Normal pregnancy relies on inflammation for various processes, but excessive inflammation can result in adverse outcomes. Maternal diet, particularly the intake of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, can impact inflammation. The metabolites derived from these fatty acids have been shown to influence pregnancy physiology. This review summarizes the current understanding of omega-3 and omega-6 metabolites during pregnancy.