During pregnancy, women have to be extra careful with their diet to ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and child.

Previously, pregnant women were advised to steer clear of fish to avoid any potential mercury contamination, however, a new study has found that consuming fish may actually be beneficial for children’s future health.

The Study

A study conducted by the University of Virginia School of Medicine suggests that eating fish during pregnancy can actually improve children’s growth and development.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that children born to mothers who ate fish during their pregnancy had higher birth weights and were less likely to be underweight or small for their gestational age.

The study involved 1,200 pregnant women who reported their fish consumption during pregnancy.

Researchers found that children born to women who consumed more than two servings of fish per week during pregnancy had a higher birth weight compared to those who consumed less fish. The children of women who consumed fish during pregnancy were also less likely to be classified as underweight or small for their gestational age, indicating that fish consumption during pregnancy is beneficial for fetal growth and development.

The Benefits of Fish Consumption During Pregnancy

Fish is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other important nutrients that are essential for fetal growth and development.

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have a positive effect on brain and eye development, as well as reducing the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

Fish also contains vitamin D, a nutrient that affects bone health and may also play a role in brain development. Additionally, fish is a good source of iodine, which is important for thyroid function and brain development.

Pregnant women who do not consume enough iodine are at an increased risk of developing thyroid disorders, which can affect their fetuses.

The Concerns of Fish Consumption During Pregnancy

Despite the benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy, some women are hesitant to eat fish due to concerns about mercury contamination. Mercury is a toxic metal that can accumulate in fish as a result of pollution in the environment.

Mercury can be harmful to the developing fetus, and high levels of exposure can cause developmental delays, cognitive deficits, and other health problems.

However, not all fish contain high levels of mercury, and some types of fish are safe for pregnant women to consume in moderation.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that pregnant women consume between 8 and 12 ounces of fish per week, but avoid certain types of fish that are high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. To be safe, pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before adding fish to their diet.

The Bottom Line

Eating fish during pregnancy is beneficial for fetal growth and development, as it contains important nutrients that are essential for the growing fetus.

However, pregnant women should be careful to avoid certain types of fish that are high in mercury, and consult their healthcare provider before adding fish to their diet. With the right precautions, pregnant women can safely consume fish and provide their fetuses with the nutrients they need to thrive.