Why are pregnant women advised not to take codliver oil capsules.?

Answer 1

Cod liver oil during pregnancy and lactation may improve children's IQ
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) are important for the development of the central nervous system in mammals. The effects of supplementing pregnant and lactating women with very-long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the mental development of children were investigated in a recent randomised double-blind study.

Pregnant women were assigned either cod liver oil (10ml) or corn oil (10ml) to take from week 18 of pregnancy until 3 months after delivery. The cognitive function of the infants was then tested at 6 and 9 months and their intelligence was assessed at 4 years.

It was found that the infants of the women who were supplemented with cod liver oil scored higher in the mental assessment tests than those of the women who took corn oil.

These results suggest that supplementation of very-long-chain omega-3 PUFAs during pregnancy and lactation may augment the mental development of children.

Pediatrics 2003 Jan; 111(1): e39-44

Editors note: In view of the caution required with regard to taking excess vitamin A during pregnancy (contained in cod liver oil), we advise caution against taking excessive cod liver oil at this time. A safer option may be flaxseed oil or fish oil, but first check with your medical advisor.
http://www.health4youonline.com/article_cod_liver_oil_during_pregnancy.htm

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Pregnant women using cod liver oil have infants with a lower risk for juvenile type 1 diabetes. Use of cod liver oil during pregnancy associated with lower risk of Type I diabetes in the offspring. This effect was found only in mothers taking cod liver oil, not in mothers taking multivitamin supplements. Cod liver oil taken by nursing mothers improves the fatty acid profile in breast milk to promote optimal brain development and also increases levels of vitamin A to prevent infections. Interestingly, cod liver oil does not provide increased vitamin D in breast milk. Nevertheless, pregnant women should be wary and not consume large amounts, since researchers in Iceland report that a high intake of cod liver oil is associated with a nearly five-fold increased risk of gestational hypertension.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cod_liver_oil

Answer 2

Because of the potential to start labor earlier than it is supposed to depending on where she is in her pregnancy. I would recommend checking with the doctor as well to see what they say.