Seafood and Pregnancy

Do’s and Don’ts for Expecting/Nursing Moms

1. DON’T eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.
2. DO eat up to 12 ounces of fish and shellfish a week. Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
3. DO mix up the types of fish and shellfish you eat.
4. DON’T eat the same type of fish or shellfish more than once a week.

Sushi

Certain types of cooked sushi such as eel and California rolls are safe to eat when pregnant. However, raw fish should also be avoided during pregnancy because it may contain parasites such as flukes or worms

Mercury in Fish and Seafood

Fish and seafood can be an important part of a balanced diet for pregnant women and those of childbearing age who may become pregnant. Nonetheless, some large long-lived fish contain high levels of a form of mercury called methyl mercury that may potentially harm an unborn baby’s developing nervous system.

PPM=parts per million

ND=Not detectable – mercury concentration below detection level (Level of Detection (LOD)=0.01ppm)