Fish consumption linked to lower pregnancy hypertension risk

A Japanese study published in the European Journal of Nutrition suggests that maternal fish consumption may influence the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia.

Researchers analyzed dietary patterns from more than 86,000 pregnancies as part of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). The findings indicate that higher fish intake before conception is associated with a lower risk of early-onset HDP. Additionally, higher fish consumption during pregnancy was linked to a lower risk of late-onset HDP in certain groups, particularly among women having their first child.

Fish is a primary source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as EPA and DHA, which possess anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties. While HDP affects approximately 5% to 10% of pregnancies and increases long-term cardiovascular risks, previous observational studies on the link between fish intake and HDP have yielded inconsistent results.