Pregnant which fish to eat

When incorporated into a healthy diet, fish has also been associated with heart health and decreased obesity risks, says the FDA. To get the benefits of fish without the harmful effects of mercury, follow FDA guidelines for serving sizes. An adult serving size is 4 ounces about the dimensions of your palm , so the ounce recommendation is equivalent to two or three servings of fish per week.

Savvy eaters should look for clean seafood that's high in omega-3s, low in mercury and PCBs, and sustainably caught or farmed. The FDA further breaks safe fish into two categories: "best choices" and "good choices. Do you have a fisherman in the family? Note that if eating freshly caught fish, you should "eat only one serving and no other fish that week," says the FDA.

Avoid eating any fish involved in current fish advisories. Certain fish, particularly large predators at the top of the food chain, contain high levels of methyl-mercury, a potent neurotoxin dispersed into the air by coal-fired power plants.

Mercury is particularly damaging to the developing brain, and studies have found that its negative impacts can cancel out the brain-boosting powers of fish oil. Like omega-3s, mercury can pass to babies through breast milk —and so can polychlorinated biphenyls PCBs , flame-retardant chemicals linked to neurological damage and cancer.

Though banned in , PCBs persist in oceans and waterways and accumulate in the bodies of certain fish. Registry Builder New. Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Wu, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Fish is one of the best foods to eat when pregnant, but some types are off limits. Back to Top. In This Article.

Is fish safe during pregnancy? What types of fish should you avoid during pregnancy? To play it safe, the latest FDA and EPA recommendations suggest avoiding or limiting the following fish while you're pregnant and nursing: Fish to avoid during pregnancy It's best to avoid these seven types of fish, which are all higher in mercury: Tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico Shark Swordfish Orange roughy Bigeye tuna Marlin King mackerel Fish you should limit to one serving per week during pregnancy The following fish are considered "good to eat," which means you can safely eat one serving per week that's approximately 4 ounces : Continue Reading Below.

More Healthy Eating Tips. Best and Worst Drinks for Pregnant Women. Best Foods to Eat While Pregnant. View Sources. Your Health. Pregnancy Groups. First Trimester. The Association recommends the brand Nordic Naturals. Safe Catch individually tests each and every fish for mercury levels. Safe Catch also raises their mercury level restrictions even further than what the FDA allows creating an even healthier fish option. Lewine, H.

Fish oil: friend or foe? Nordic Naturals. Why omega-3s. Food and Drug Administration. Fish: What pregnant women and parents should know. Mercury Levels in Fish. What fish should I avoid? What if I ate one of the high-mercury fish? Is it okay to avoid all fish and just take omega-3 supplements? How can I eat fish low in Mercury? Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:. Share on facebook Facebook.

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