SA launches universal omega-3 pregnancy testing following decades of SAHMRI research

Every expectant mother in South Australia will now be offered a free omega‑3 blood test during early pregnancy as part of an effort to reduce the risks of preterm birth.

From 1 June, the omega‑3 test will be included in routine healthcare for every pregnant woman in the state. No extra appointments. No extra cost. Just a simple test and clear advice as part of standard pregnancy care to give babies the best start in life.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing the Hon. Blair Boyer MP says the initiative reflects the state’s leadership in evidence‑based antenatal care.

“By acting on decades of research, we are taking practical steps to reduce preterm birth and improve outcomes for mothers and babies,” Minister Boyer said.

“Preterm birth can have lifelong consequences, and prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have.”

Through analysing blood taken before 20 weeks of pregnancy, the initiative aims to identify women with low levels of omega‑3 fatty acids and provide timely supplementation guidance where needed.

Preterm birth is one of the most serious challenges in maternity care. Babies born too soon face higher risks of complications, long hospital stays and long‑term health and development issues. For families, it can mean weeks in neonatal intensive care.

Omega‑3 fatty acids commonly found in foods such as oily fish, algae and egg yolk play a critical role during pregnancy. However, many women do not get enough omega‑3 from their diet alone. The only accurate way to determine oma‑3 levels is via a blood test.

Omega‑3 antenatal testing is based on decades of world‑leading research led by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). A major review of 70 international studies involving around 20,000 women found omega‑3 supplements in pregnancy reduced the risk of preterm birth. Building on this evidence, SAHMRI led the world’s largest clinical trial of omega‑3 in pregnancy.

Researchers found omega‑3 supplements are most effective for women with low omega‑3 levels early in pregnancy, where they reduce the risk of early preterm birth (birth before 34 weeks) by up to 77 per cent.

SAHMRI Pregnancy and Newborn Health Program Lead Dr Karen Best says the program is a great example of translating health research into routine care.

“Measuring a woman’s omega‑3 status during pregnancy allows us to deliver the right advice, for the right woman at the right time, helping reduce the risk of babies being born too soon,” Dr Best said.

“South Australia is the first place in the world to integrate omega‑3 testing into routine antenatal care at scale, and the approach is attracting strong national and international interest.”

Higher‑dose omega‑3 supplementation for women with low levels was included in the Australian National Pregnancy Guidelines in 2020.

SAHMRI and SA Pathology have since partnered to translate this evidence into routine care, making omega‑3 testing part of standard antenatal screening in South Australia. Since the program began in 2021, more than 37,000 South Australian women have been tested, with around 17 per cent found to have low omega‑3 levels.

SA Pathology Genetics and Molecular Pathology Director David Cox said the program reflects a shift toward preventive healthcare.

“This is a practical, evidence‑based intervention that can make a real difference at a population level and reflects a shift toward preventive healthcare,” Mr Cox said.

Omega‑3 testing and supplementation advice will be integrated into existing antenatal appointments, ensuring minimal disruption while enhancing the standard of care.

SAHMRI researchers will stay connected to omega-3 testing by evaluating its impact on maternal, neonatal and preterm birth outcomes over time, and turn their efforts to scaling the program nationally.