Eating Fish: Is it Safe During Pregnancy?

Is it safe during pregnancy? Yes and no. The FDA has created strict seafood consumption guidelines for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. This is because toxins such as mercury, lead, PCBs and dioxins, which are often found in fish, are not safe for a developing fetus. According to the FDA, fish that may contain high levels of mercury— specifically shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish—should be avoided. Consumption of all other fish, including canned tuna fish, should be limited to one serving (approximately 12 ounces) per week if you're concerned about your pregnancy health (and the health of your developing fetus).

That said, I recommend that pregnant woman try to consume at least a moderate amount of seafood. The omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in oily fish have great health benefits. More than just safe, they're essential for the healthy development of brain, retina and nervous tissue. During pregnancy, these fatty acids are transferred from the mother to the fetus. After birth, as the infant's brain and nervous system continue to develop, the baby obtains omega-3s from breast milk or infant formula fortified with EFAs. So while eating large amounts of fish isn't recommended, eating a small amount every week can be very beneficial for you and your baby.