n-3 PUFA during pregnancy have been subject to intense research interest, but also much controversy, creating a situation of confusion among patients and health-care providers. The present study was carried out to explore knowledge, attitude and practices regarding n-3 PUFA in two independent populations of pregnant women and gynaecologists–obstetricians in Belgium and to assess the relationship between the pregnant women’s attributes and their n-3 PUFA status measured by the omega-3 index.

Cross-sectional study. Knowledge, attitude and practices were collected by self-administered questionnaires while laboratory data were available for each pregnant woman.

During the first antenatal hospital appointment (for the pregnant women) and by email (for the gynaecologists–obstetricians).

Women in early pregnancy (n 122) and gynaecologists–obstetricians (n 67).

Marked discrepancies in perception were evidenced between the pregnant women and health-care providers. While 82 % of the women attached high importance to n-3 PUFA during pregnancy, only a third of the gynaecologists–obstetricians did. About 35 % of the women declared paying particular attention to their consumption of n-3 PUFA. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, these positive dietary practices were significantly associated with higher omega-3 index (P=0·04). Overall, 43·3 % of professionals did not provide any information about n-3 PUFA to their pregnant patients and 46·3 % did not take any preventive actions.

Evidence-based guidelines, refreshment training and communication tools are needed to improve awareness and clinical practices among caregivers regarding n-3 PUFA to benefit both mothers and their children.