How much cod can i eat while pregnant

Though the benefits of fish are many, you should still avoid a few types during pregnancy. Some — particularly large, ocean-faring, predator-types — contain high levels of mercury, a distinctly baby-unfriendly toxin. Others — especially those that live in polluted lakes and rivers — can be laden with PCBs, a chemical you definitely don't want to feed a fetus or an infant.

To play it safe, the latest FDA and EPA recommendations suggest avoiding or limiting the following fish while you're pregnant and nursing:. Exercise extra caution if you're planning to eat recreationally-caught fish: Check local state advisories for the waters where the fish was caught. If no information is available, stick to one serving of these fish per week, with skin and excess fat removed.

Despite the long list of fish to limit during pregnancy, the vast majority of fish you'll find in the store and at restaurants are considered safe to eat when you're expecting at two to three servings that's 8 to 12 ounces per week. These include:. Heard conflicting advice on salmon during pregnancy, too?

Salmon is definitely one of nature's best providers of DHA. But to ensure you're not also feasting on the high levels of PCBs often found in farmed salmon, opt for wild which also contains more of those healthy omega-3 fats or organic farmed salmon. Here are a few tips to properly prepare fish and help reduce your exposure to any potential contaminants:. This chart can help you choose which fish to eat, and how often to eat them, based on their mercury levels.

Enlarge in PDF. Learn which nutrients in fish support child development. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating fish as part of a healthy eating pattern. Fish are a source of other nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium too. Strong evidence shows that eating fish, as part of a healthy eating pattern, may have heart health benefits.

A healthy eating pattern consists of choices across all food groups vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein foods, which includes fish , eaten in recommended amounts, and within calorie needs.

What fish should I avoid? What if I ate one of the high-mercury fish? Is it okay to avoid all fish and just take omega-3 supplements? How can I eat fish low in Mercury? Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:. Share on facebook Facebook. Share on twitter Twitter. Share on linkedin LinkedIn. Share on email Email. Similar Post. Healthy Pregnancy. Is it Safe While Pregnant. Fish and shellfish, eggs, beans, peanut butter, and dairy like cottage cheese are all good sources of protein.

Vitamin D may also help lower the chance of getting high blood pressure during pregnancy. Fish like salmon, shrimp, and canned or pouch tuna contain vitamin D. Fortified food sources include milk and orange juice. Most moms-to-be begin their pregnancies without enough iron in their diets. Many people think of meats like turkey, beef, and chicken as top sources of iron. However, seafood like clams, halibut, crab, shrimp, and cooked oysters are also iron-rich.

Vegetarian sources include red and kidney beans. Popular types like catfish, clams, cod, crab, pollock, salmon, scallops, shrimp, tilapia, trout, and canned tuna are all not only safe fish, but healthy fish to eat during pregnancy.

Most moms-to-be should simply eat a variety of the types of seafood they like — just more often. Stop asking can pregnant women eat fish; instead enjoy.