Pregnancy is a crucial time in a woman’s life as she has to take care of herself as well as her unborn child. As an expecting mother, what you eat affects your baby’s health.

Fish, being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and other nutrients, is an excellent addition to a healthy diet during pregnancy. However, certain types of fish contain high levels of mercury and other harmful toxins, which can have adverse effects on the baby’s brain and nervous system development.

Therefore, it is essential to know which fish to avoid during pregnancy to nurture a healthy baby. Here are the fish types to avoid during pregnancy:.

Shark

Shark meat is rich in mercury, which can accumulate in the baby’s developing brain and nervous system, causing severe damage. Shark meat should be avoided entirely during pregnancy.

If you are an expecting mother in dire need of seafood, you can opt for low mercury seafood alternatives like salmon, shrimp, or cod.

Swordfish

Swordfish contains high levels of mercury, making it unfit for consumption during pregnancy. Eating swordfish during pregnancy can lead to developmental abnormalities in the baby. It is best to avoid consuming swordfish during pregnancy.

King Mackerel

King mackerel is another fish type to avoid during pregnancy. It not only contains high levels of mercury but also has a high concentration of methylmercury, posing a severe threat to an unborn baby’s nervous system and development.

Tuna

Tuna has different types, ranging from light tuna to albacore (white) tuna. Albacore tuna contains mercury levels that can be harmful to an unborn baby, and therefore, it is advised to avoid during pregnancy.

However, light tuna can be consumed in moderate servings during pregnancy.

Grouper

Grouper contains high mercury levels, making it unsuitable for consumption during pregnancy. Eating grouper during pregnancy can lead to developmental abnormalities in the child.

Halibut

Halibut is another fish type that contains high levels of mercury, and therefore, it is advised to avoid consuming during pregnancy.

Tilefish

Tilefish is another fish type that contains high levels of mercury and should be avoided during pregnancy. Consuming this fish during pregnancy can lead to brain and nervous system damage in the unborn child.

Marlin

Marlin is a type of fish that contains high mercury levels, making it unsuitable for consumption during pregnancy. Consuming this fish during pregnancy can lead to developmental abnormalities in the unborn child.

Raw and Undercooked Fish

Raw and undercooked fish can contain harmful parasites and bacteria, leading to foodborne illnesses like Listeria and Salmonella in pregnant women. To prevent these infections, it is best to avoid consuming raw and undercooked fish during pregnancy.

Smoked Fish

Smoked fish contains high levels of sodium and could have been preserved with nitrates and nitrites, which can be harmful to an unborn child in high concentrations. Therefore, it is best to limit the intake of smoked fish during pregnancy.

Conclusion

As an expecting mother, it is crucial to follow a healthy and balanced diet to ensure your unborn child’s proper development. While fish offers many health benefits, some types of fish can be harmful during pregnancy.

Avoiding high mercury seafood during pregnancy is essential to promote a healthy pregnancy. It is best to consume low mercury seafood alternatives like salmon, shrimp, or cod to reap the benefits of seafood.