can you eat fish when pregnant?

Answer 1

Yes, you can eat fish when pregnant.

You should avoid fish high in mercury: the fish that doctors and the FDA recommend you avoid for mercury reasons are swordfish, king mackeral, tilefish, or shark. Also, there has been debate about the mercury levels in tuna: right now, the official word is that "white" or "albacore" tuna has high mercury levels but that those levels are much lower in "light" tuna; personally, I would just avoid tuna altogether.

The FDA, and doctors, recommend that you do eat some fish during pregnancy, for all the health reasons fish is recommended generally. In addition, a recent study concluded that eating fish during pregnancy is healthy for the baby's development (no surprise there). It is recommended that pregnant women eat up to 12 ounces (generally, with fish, that comes to 2 meals) per week of a variety of fish that is low in methylmercury. Methylmercury levels are highest in large fish. (And definitely steer clear of the fish specified: shark, tilefish, swordfish, and king mackeral.) If you're considering eating fish caught locally you should check to see if there are any mercury advisories for that kind of fish locally, and, if no advisory exists, the FDA suggests eating up to 6 ounces of that fish in a week...but not to eat any other fish that week.

Of course, also remember that the 12 oz/week recommendation is flexible, like all else. If you eat 18 ounces one week don't panic! Just eat only 6 ounces the following week. Your body doesn't know from a 7-day cycle, so it's really a matter of moderation and averages.

The FDA specifically advises against eating refrigerated smoked fish and seafood during pregnancy because of the risk of listeriosis. So, for example, lox/nova/smoked salmon is out. The risk of listeriosis is small, but the consequences can be serious. (Avoidance of listeriosis is the same reason pregnant women are advised to avoid luncheon meats and hotdogs (unless they are thoroughly reheated), soft cheeses, and anything containing unpasteurized milk.)

Note that all fish should be cooked and you should not eat raw fish during pregnancy. The risk of a problem is small, but because parasites do live in raw fish meat, and pregnancy suppresses your immune system, chances of getting a parasitic infection from raw fish would be great when pregnant than when not pregnant. So, it's probably best to avoid it. (There is some difference of opinion on this issue, although most OBs will tell you not to: why take the risk?)

There's a lot of information on fish and pregnancy on the Web, and the FDA/EPA have issued joint releases on the issue as well. Some sites to check out include: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/admehg3.html
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/02/15/seafood.pregnancy/index.html

Answer 2

You can eat CERTAIN fish. You should avoid all shellfish, swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish. This is due to the high mercury content.

However, research has shown that 2 portions per week of oily fish helps the baby to settle into better sleeping patterns post Natal then those who's mothers didn't have the 2 portions per week.

With my first child I craved Tuna and from being 1 month old he was in an established evening and nigh time routine. My second child, I couldn't stand fish, didn't eat it at all, completely omitted it from my diet while pregnant and she is now nearly 4 and only just started sleeping through the night.

Also, oily fish contains omega 3, that contains all the necessary 'B' vitamins to aid a healthy brain, growth, hair and skin!

Answer 3

Mercury is the reason most people don't eat fish while pregnant. However, it depends on what fish you are eating. I've heard that red-meat fish like salmon are bad, but fish with white meat like, halibut are good. This is just what I've heard. If fish is a big part of your diet, and you'd like to eat it while you are pregnant, do some more research online and you'll definitely find the answer.

Answer 4

Fish and shellfish can be an extremely healthy part of your pregnancy diet — they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, and are high in protein and low in saturated fat. But limit the types of fish you eat while pregnant because some contain high levels of mercury, which can cause damage to the developing nervous system of a fetus. Mercury, which occurs naturally in the environment, is also released into the air through industrial pollution and can accumulate in streams and oceans, where it turns into methylmercury. The methylmercury builds up in fish, especially those that eat other fish.

Answer 5

Fish is great for pregnant women!!!! Eat lots! It has so many nutrients in it. The only fish you should avoid is marlin and sword fish(as if you would!!!) as these contain high levels of mercury. Tinned tuna should only be eaten about 1 - 2 times a week apparentely (don't really know why!) You musn't have shellfish(crab, prawns, lobster, mussels etc) due to the (small) risk of food poisoning.

Answer 6

Hi, Fish is really good for you, especially when you're pregnant - all that omega B for your baby's developing brain! There are a couple of types of fish that can be higher in mercury, which you need to avoid - swordfish and shark being the main culprits. Shellfish can also be a bit dodgy, so limit your portions of these to one a week, or avoid altogether. If in doubt, ask your midwife for the most up to date advice, this is based on the advice I was given when I was pregnant two years ago. I wish you a very happy healthy pregnancy and baby!

Answer 7

the undertaking with many fish and seafood products are the mercury tiers cutting-edge in those fish. The methyl mercury accumulates in fish with long existence spans, subsequently the particular warnings approximately specific fish. there is likewise a threat with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). This became as quickly as used in electric kit yet is now banned. even however, it could nevertheless be cutting-edge in many lakes and streams, there sparkling caught fish not a factor of a advertisement manufacturing is extra in threat. some fish you somewhat could stay far off from and others you're able to have moderately - extra information:

Answer 8

I think it is recommended that no more than 2 portions of oily fish such as tuna and mackerel are eaten a weak due to mercury toxicity.Other fish of the non oily variety are safe to eat and full of omega 3 oils which are beneficial to both mother and baby.

Answer 9

Hi Cheryl,
The best thing to take when pregnant is Omega Three. It comes in capsules and will help your baby to develop a clever brain, It is fish oil. My Doctor has been to a lecture about it and has been ranting and raving about it. You can check it out with your doctor. Which one should always do,but it is supposed to help developement in every way. Good Luck and I am sure you will have a bonny baby.

Answer 10

Welcome to reality,
I don't suppose shark, cod, herring, tuna, crab, lobster, mussel, cockle, snapper, eels, cod, whale, even barbie squid will do any harm.
All full of goodness for the child.
The mother of my children went into a fish mode during pregnancy, and the offspring are now doing well operating a salmon farm thing.
I kid you not.
Perhaps if you only eat spuds, the blessing of a child will love chips. I really don't know, but best of bringing new life into the world. With fishy stuff, and meat, and lots of veg, cerials, and the list goes on.

I wish you well with a fish + varied diet for your child.

Bob