The Baby Mum-Mum Blog

Infant Health - More Experts Weigh In On Pregnancy and Fish Consumption

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

 

The continued study of the benefits of fish oils and infant development has raised new questions.  If fish is so good for pregnant and nursing mothers, and subsequently for babies, should mothers eat more fish while pregnant and nursing? To avoid consuming large amounts of mercury in fish, the FDA advises pregnant and nursing mothers not to consume more than 12 ounces of fish per week. Despite the FDA's recommendations, however, a coalition of top scientists declared in a public advisory that pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume at least 12 ounces of fish per week.  With all this conflicting information, how does a mother know what's best to eat?

There is a large debate about what amount of fish consumption is safe for expectant and nursing mothers.  What is known, is that the essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3, found in fish oils have been proven time and time again to be crucial for infant brain development. A team of professors and doctors who partnered with the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) claim women do not eat enough fish and the brain-boosting benefits of eating fish far outweighs the risk.  The HMHB also claims the risks of pregnant women consuming harmful levels of mercury are exceedingly rare.

 

Something Fishy

Just a few short weeks after this controversial rebuttal to the FDA’s long-standing recommendations, many experts expressed shock and concern over the HMHB’s statements.  As the Environmental Working Group explains, the coalition received a large amount of financial support from one of the largest fisheries in the nation thus “tainting” the medical advice.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) agrees most pregnant and nursing moms do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet, yet claims it had nothing to do with the HMHB coalition’s statement.  The AAP also states it is not just mercury that is a potential risk to babies, it is also several other environmental toxins fish may contain.

What is the Concern Over Mercury?

Certain fish contain high levels of mercury, which may cause damage to the developing brains and nervous systems of fetuses. As a result of industrial environmental pollution, mercury is released into the air and accumulates in oceans, streams, and lakes.  The mercury-laden water then contaminates our fish supply making its way to our plates. 

What This Means For You

All debate aside, experts agree that pregnant and nursing women benefit from eating fish.  Here are a few things you can do get the benefits while minimizing health risks:

• Eat less than 12 ounces of fish per week (that's about 2 meals) that are lower in mercury such as pollock, salmon, shrimp, catfish and tilapia
• Review mercury levels of fish and be aware of local mercuy advisories before dining
• Consider taking a fish oil supplement, but be sure to talk to your doctor before taking supplements of any kind
• Avoid fish that contain high levels of mercury such as swordfish, mackerel, tuna steak and shark

When it comes to canned tuna, the jury is still out but the FDA advises pregnant and nursing mothers to consume less than 6 ounces per week.  If you are still feeling confused about how much or what kind of fish you can eat, you are not alone. Be sure to talk with your physician about what kinds of fish you can eat to keep both you and your baby as healthy as possible.