Why Is Fish A Concern In The First Place?
Advice to stay away from all fish while pregnant is largely based on fictitious information. The majority of the worries are caused by the presence of mercury in fish, a metal that accumulates in lakes, rivers, and oceans and is ingested by fish as well as taken in through the water. Pregnant women may feel that they should abstain from seafood for nine months due to the numerous detrimental developmental effects of mercury exposure during pregnancy. Fortunately, many popular fish species consumed in the United States, such as salmon, tuna, and tilapia, have mercury levels that are so low that they can be consumed occasionally each week without running the risk of endangering an unborn child.
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One of the healthiest foods to consume while expecting is fish, but some varieties should be avoided. Here is everything you need to know about eating seafood while pregnant, including the advantages for both you and your unborn child and which types are safe.
There have been many contrasting opinions over the years, so you’re not alone if you’re unsure of the laws regarding fish and pregnancy. Fish is heart healthy! But wait, it also contains mercury. Fish contains PCBs in addition to baby-friendly DHA, so be careful.
The truth about fish consumption during pregnancy is revealed here, along with information on which seafood is safe and which should be avoided.
Eating sufficient amounts of the right kinds of seafood is not only healthy but also advised for you and your unborn child.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pregnant and nursing women should consume 8 to 12 ounces (two to three servings) of low-mercury fish each week.
Fish is a healthy lean protein.
You require between 70 and 100 grams of protein per day while pregnant. which is significantly more than the 46 grams per day that you needed before becoming pregnant. Your unborn child cannot grow or function properly without protein, which means they cannot make their own muscles, organs, tissues, hair, skin, or nails. (Additionally, protein may promote uterine and breast tissue growth during pregnancy. ) But not all protein is the same. It’s best to replace a large portion of your saturated-fat-rich red and processed meats with lean proteins, like, you guessed it, seafood.