Eating a variety of fish during pregnancy offers preventive health benefits and can promote a higher and healthier birth weight. Fish contains omega-3’s, the B vitamins and lean protein. However, some fish, such as tuna, can have high levels of contaminants that can cross the placenta and be harmful to your baby if consumed in large amounts. Eat about 1-2 (6 ounce) cans of tuna per week. Limit albacore tuna and tuna steak to one serving per month. If you have any questions consult you doctor.
Eating Fish with Mercury
Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Canned, chunk light tuna generally has a lower amount of mercury than other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation. Certain types of fish used in sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury. Please see Mercury in Fish for specific types of fish and further information on how to calculate mercury levels.
What is mercury and Methylmercury?
Mercury occurs naturally in the environment and can also be released into the air through industrial pollution. Mercury falls from the air and can accumulate in streams and oceans and is turned into methylmercury in the water. It is this type of mercury that can be harmful to your unborn baby and young child. Fish absorb the methylmercury as they feed in these waters and so it builds up in them. It builds up more in some types of fish and shellfish than others, depending on what the fish eat, which is why the levels vary.
USDA’s MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding women choose foods from each food group that provide the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy pregnancy. From the meat and beans group, pregnant and breastfeeding women should choose fish such as halibut, cod, rainbow trout, herring, sardines, rockfish and yellowfin tuna. The USDA suggests avoiding shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish during pregnancy or breastfeeding because they contain higher levels of mercury.
For more information about Mercury, fish, shellfish and pregnancy read the < a href="http://www.fda.gov/food/foodsafety/product-specificinformation/seafood/foodbornepathogenscontaminants/methylmercury/ucm115662.htm" target="_blank">FDA Guidelines
