This is a question that comes up very frequently in my OB practice.
In June 2014, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) released new recommendations on fish consumption for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Most of us are aware of the healthy benefits of fish in our diets. Emerging science is showing that limiting or avoiding fish completely in our diet while pregnant may mean that we are missing out on important nutrients for growth, development, and general health.
The updated recommendations change the wording from LIMITING fish consumption to 8-12 ounces per week to ENCOURAGING 8-12 ounces of fish per week. This is approximately 2-3 servings per week. The recommendations are very specific about avoiding fish that are high in mercury levels. These include: tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. They also recommend limiting white (albacore) tuna to 6 ounces per week. Encouraged seafood (those with low mercury levels) include: shrimp, pollock, salmon, canned light tuna, tilapia, catfish, and cod.
In June 2014, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) released new recommendations on fish consumption for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Most of us are aware of the healthy benefits of fish in our diets. Emerging science is showing that limiting or avoiding fish completely in our diet while pregnant may mean that we are missing out on important nutrients for growth, development, and general health.
The updated recommendations change the wording from LIMITING fish consumption to 8-12 ounces per week to ENCOURAGING 8-12 ounces of fish per week. This is approximately 2-3 servings per week. The recommendations are very specific about avoiding fish that are high in mercury levels. These include: tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. They also recommend limiting white (albacore) tuna to 6 ounces per week. Encouraged seafood (those with low mercury levels) include: shrimp, pollock, salmon, canned light tuna, tilapia, catfish, and cod.
