One of the most common questions asked with regards to childbirth is – what is a safe fish to eat during pregnancy. Cravings are common during pregnancies, and for the fish lovers the question becomes all the more significant. It is important to pick the best fish that provides you with maximum nutrition and is least harmful. You should look at the list of safe fish to eat during pregnancy, as well as the list of fish to avoid during pregnancy in order to be sure that you are eating healthy.
First and foremost, it is important to realize that consumption of fish is very beneficial during a pregnancy because of the fact that it contains important nutrients such as Omega 3 – fatty acids, vitamin D and rich protein content. However, there are some fish that have traces of a chemical known as Methylmercury, which is known to be rather harmful in higher doses to an unborn baby. Remember that the larger predatory fish contain higher amounts of Methylmercury. Some fish contain traces of Polychlorinated biphenyls, which is associated with toddler problems like lower IQ levels.
The list of the best fish to eat while pregnant include salmon, farmed trout, sardines, herrings, Pilchards, cod, haddock, perch and crab. Some of the dangerous types of fish that you should definitely avoid include shark, swordfish, marlin, Northern Pike, lake Whitefish, Gar, bowfin and toxic species such as pufferfish and sea squab. Something that is very important to point out when it comes to fish consumption is to make sure that you pay attention to local fish advisories as only the locals are best placed to tell you what kinds of fish contain traces of harmful chemicals when bred in their waters.
The FSA recommends that pregnant women or those breastfeeding must eat up to two portions of oily fish in a week.
Submitted by N H on July 29, 2013 at 02:36