Can I Eat Seafood While Pregnant?

When you first find out you're expecting, it's a very exciting time. But then when you find out the lengthy list of things you can't eat while pregnant, those 9 months feel like a lifetime. Many new mothers-to- be are often told not to eat seafood, however that's not completely true. While there are certain types of seafood pregnant women must take care not to eat, avoiding seafood altogether can be harmful to you and your developing baby.

As a pregnant woman, you should try to eat between 8 to 12 ounces of seafood each week. Seafood is a bountiful source of protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids which you and your growing baby both need. When eating seafood, make sure you adhere to the following to keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy.

No raw meat

Sorry sushi lovers. But you'll have to wait until after the baby is born to enjoy your favorite raw fish. That goes for other meats as well. The dangers of getting food poisoning from it are too great. This also includes any ceviche or smoked varieties of fish.

Avoid high levels of mercury

Mercury can occur naturally in the environment as well as from industrial pollution. Some fish accumulate more mercury than other fish, and it all depends on factors from diet to size to habitat. Fish that have high levels of mercury are shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel.

Enjoy safe and quality seafood

When buying seafood, check to see if the fish has bright and clear eyes and a fresh or even mild saltwater scent to it. It should be firm to the touch too. Safe fish are tilapia, cod, salmon, shrimp, crab, sardines, canned light tuna, catfish and pollock.

Now that you know what kinds of seafood are safe to eat during your pregnancy, you can find a seafood restaurant near you to enjoy it at!