Seafood during pregnancy - Benefits and Risks
Seafood during pregnancy - Benefits, and Risks
A pregnant woman needs vital nutrients such as Omega 3, Vitamins, Minerals, and Protein for the proper growth and development of the fetus. But choosing the right seafood during pregnancy is very essential. Consuming seafood during pregnancy is a good way to get the proper nutrients that a mother and a baby need. Seafood is very rich in a healthy oil which is known as Omega-3 DHA which is essential for the baby's brain and eye development.
Consuming Seafood during pregnancy
A pregnant woman needs to eat those foods which contain DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) Omega-3 for proper development of the baby's brain and eyesight. Seafood contains both DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids which are required for a healthy pregnancy. So, including seafood in your pregnancy diet is a good idea to get all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals during pregnancy.Safe fish during pregnancy list
Include seafood in your pregnancy diet but consume it in a moderate amount. Never consume that seafood that contains high mercury levels. The seafood which is safe to consume during pregnancy are given below :- Oily Fish
- Halibut
- Catfish
- Cod
- Salmon
(Also read: How much bleeding during pregnancy is normal?)
Is seafood safe during pregnancy?
All seafood is not safe to eat during pregnancy. But some seafood is healthy and totally safe to consume during pregnancy. These kinds of seafood are loaded with vitamins and nutrients which are essential for the mother and her growing baby inside the womb.Seafood to avoid during pregnancy
Avoid some of the seafood which can be harmful to the growing baby inside your womb. Avoid the following seafood during pregnancy :- Crabs
- Prawns
- Oysters
- Winkles
- Mussels
(Also read: Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water during pregnancy)
Benefits of consuming fish during pregnancy
Fish contains lots of vitamins, minerals, proteins and omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for a pregnant woman and her baby. The benefits of consuming fish during pregnancy are given below :- Consuming fish prevents blood clotting issues.
- Fish contain Omega-3 fatty acids which help in the development of the baby's brain and eyesight.
- Eating fish during pregnancy helps in regulating blood pressure.
- Fish is a rich source of lean protein that helps in fetus growth.
- Fish also lowers the risk of cardiac arrest in a pregnant woman.
- Omega-3 helps in boosting memory.
- Consuming fish in an adequate amount also helps in lowering the risk of depression during pregnancy as well as postpartum depression.
How much fish is safe to consume during pregnancy?
A pregnant woman can eat 8 to 12 ounces of low-mercury seafood which means about 2 to 3 servings of seafood per week.
(Also read: Foods to avoid during pregnancy)
Seafood to avoid during pregnancy
Some fish contain high levels of mercury which can be harmful to the unborn baby. The fishes which you have to avoid during pregnancy are listed below :- Shark
- King Mackerel
- Tilefish
- Swordfish
- Bigeye Tuna
- Marlin
- Cray Fish
- Raw Shellfish
- Orange Roughy
Hope this article helps you. Have a happy and safe pregnancy. May God bless you and your baby.
Also, read other 'pregnancy-related' articles:
Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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