Just by eating fish a few times a week, you can exceed mercury levels the EPA deems safe during pregnancy. One in 12 women of childbearing age have mercury levels that are above the EPA’s limits. One in three women who eat fish three or more times a week exceed levels considered safe for pregnant women.
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What fish can a pregnant woman eat?
The healthiest fish to eat while pregnant are catfish, clams, cod, crab, pollock, salmon, scallops, shrimp, tilapia, trout and canned tuna. These fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia (high blood pressure), and other health problems in the mother and baby.
Fish that are safe for pregnant women include mackerel – Check the list below
- Herring
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Tuna
- Flounder
- Halibut
- Snapper
- Mussels
- Sea urchins
- Shrimps
- Oysters
- Prawns
- Perch
- Swordfish
- Salmon
Some of these fish also contain high levels of vitamin B-12, a nutrient that is important for brain development and growth.
What happens if you eat too much raw fish while pregnant?
Increased mercury exposure to your baby can be caused by raw fish. When a pregnant woman is exposed to high levels of mercury, the health of the baby and mom are at risk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high levels of mercury can cause brain damage, hearing, and vision problems in the baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about how much fish you can eat and how often you should take fish supplements.
How much salmon can I eat pregnant?
It is possible to reduce your risk of delivering early by making sure you eat enough seafood.
Unlike other types of fish that need to be limited further or eliminated altogether, salmon can be eaten two to three times per week. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may want to limit your intake of red meat and processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and hamburgers.
Society recommends limiting your consumption of these foods to no more than one serving per day for women and two servings for men. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your health care provider about the best foods for your baby.
Can I eat salmon every day while pregnant?
Eating 8 ounces of salmon per week is recommended by the FDA. You can eat it every day, but in smaller amounts. If you’re pregnant, the FDA recommends eating 8 to 12 ounces of seafood per week from sources that have lower mercury levels.
Is eating too much salmon bad during pregnancy?
Fish. Americans don’t eat enough fish. FDA recommends eating 8 to 12 ounces of fish low in mercury per week. A serving of fish can be eaten in place of other fish, such as sardines, mackerel, salmon, and tuna.
FDA also recommends that pregnant women eat no more than 2 ounces (50 grams) of any fish a week and that women who are breastfeeding should limit their fish intake to 1 ounce (25 grams). .
How much fish is too much?
A variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury can be eaten for up to 12 ounces a week. Low-mercury fish include shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. White tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna.
Limit your intake of albacore tuna to once or twice a month. If you are pregnant, talk to your health care provider about the best way to reduce your exposure to mercury during pregnancy.
Can I eat fish in my second trimester?
A baby’s healthy cognitive development can be promoted by eating fish with Omega 3s. As long as you avoid fish known to be high in mercury or contaminated with pollutants, seafood can be a regular part of your diet.