Jun 23, 2008 7:35 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: Fish Consumption & Pregnancy
How Much Is Too Much, Or Not Enough For Women
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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How much fish is healthy for pregnant and nursing women? Doctors and scientists are now urging more — despite the risk of high mercury levels.
Deciding what to eat and what not to eat during pregnancy can be complicated, especially when it comes to fish. Packed with vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and protein, fish has also been regarded as a potential health hazard if not eaten in moderation.
Certain seafoods are reportedly high in mercury, and this balance between the good and the bad of fish is most important for pregnant women.
"I usually eat salmon. I try to minimize it to once a week," said patient Mabel Neira.
Like all pregnant women, Neira wants to do what's best for her baby. But when it comes to eating the right amount of fish, the information can be confusing.
"I didn't know if I was doing the right thing or the wrong thing," she said.
The issue with fish is mercury. It's a toxin found in most seafood that can affect the developing baby. Reports have always suggested that babies exposed to high levels of mercury have alterations in their brain development and growth. So later in life, they will typically have learning disabilities and developmental delays.
Mercury builds up in fish living in water contaminated by industrial pollution. Although this wasn't much of a concern a few generations ago, now the problem has gradually gotten worse, to the point of danger for consumers.
It's a concern that has many mothers giving up fish completely, but recent research shows that has risks too.
"Women who did not have any seafood increased the risk of low IQ in their children by 50 percent," said Dr. Jennifer Wu.
Dr. Wu says pregnant women should eat seafood, but the kind of fish matters.
"I recomment that pregnant patients have at least 2 servings of fish or seafood a week, but, that they should choose the fish and seafood which are low in mercury levels," she said.
Especially high levels of mercury have been found in tilefish, swordfish, shark and king mackerel. Dr. Wu suggests staying away from these fish completely.
She also recommends being cautious when eating tuna, halibut, trout and lobster. Women should not consume any of these fish more than three times a month.
Salmon, tilapia, perch and shrimp were some of the fish found to have the least amount of mercury, and according to Dr. Wu, can be consumed twice a week.
Doctors say it can take up to a year to decrease mercury levels in the body.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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