Which Seafood Should Pregnant Women Avoid for Safety?
Learn which high-mercury seafood to avoid during pregnancy and safer options to protect your unborn baby's nervous system.
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During pregnancy, it's advisable to avoid seafood high in mercury because of its potential to harm an unborn baby's nervous system. Key seafood to steer clear of includes shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. Opt for safer choices like shrimp, salmon, pollock, and catfish, and limit seafood intake to 12 ounces per week to minimize exposure to mercury.
FAQs & Answers
- Why should pregnant women avoid high-mercury seafood? High-mercury seafood can harm the developing nervous system of an unborn baby, increasing the risk of developmental delays and other health issues.
- What are safer seafood options for pregnant women? Safer seafood choices during pregnancy include shrimp, salmon, pollock, and catfish, which have lower mercury levels and provide beneficial nutrients.
- How much seafood can pregnant women safely eat per week? Pregnant women are advised to limit seafood consumption to 12 ounces (approximately two average meals) per week to minimize mercury exposure while gaining nutritional benefits.