Food is a main thing when you are pregnant. It can be difficult
to know what you can and can't eat.
Normally, fish containing mercury as high level. It could potentially cause the
development of a baby's central nervous system. So is fish safe to eat during pregnancy??????
Which fish can I eat and which have high levels of mercury? How often should I
eat fish?
The NSW Food Authority recently commissioned a benchmark survey of women:
64 percent of women were aware that some fish contain high
mercury levels that could cause on the health of pregnant.
44 percent of women did not know which types of fish contained
higher than normal mercury levels.
Naturally, Mercury occurs in the aquatic food chain environment. In other
countries it's been found that pollution can increase mercury levels. In
Australia the water level has very low mercury level. As from sources, read
that most mercury level in Australian waters occurs naturally. As the results
concluded as per the NSW Food Authority and NSW Health by enough testing and studies
has shown no increase in mercury levels in fish over a decade.
The Mercury level found in Australian fish do not pose a health risk to the
general population. So pregnant women’s, breastfeeding mother’s and children’s
under six age should reduce their consumptions of species to limit their
overall mercury levels.
·
Fish contains nutrients and they are an important source for a
balanced diet, particularly for pregnant and breastfeeding women’s.
·
Fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to development of
the nervous system in unborn babies and young children.
·
Fish also contains iodine and vitamin B12.
·
Many fish contain high levels of Omega-3 and are safe for
pregnant and breastfeeding women’s to eat.
·
As per the conclusion and research suggests Omega-3 is more
easily absorbed in its natural form than in dietary supplements.
·
Fish are also high in protein and low in saturated fats.
·
Mercury level in fish is not reduced by canning, freezing or
cooking.
·
In aquatic environment all the fish contains some level of
mercury, which occurs naturally.
·
Pregnant women’s and breastfeeding mother’s, women planning to
become pregnant and children’s less than six years are advised to reduce the consumption
of the fish which are known to accumulate mercury.
·
Do not consume no more than one serve per fortnight of Shark
(Flake), or Billfish (Broadbill, Swordfish and Marlin).
·
Limit themselves to only one serve per week of Orange Roughy
(Deep Sea Perch) or Catfish.
·
All species other than fish contains more Mercury level are safe
to eat at the recommended levels of 2 to 3 times per week as per health care
provider’s advice.
Normally, as per the health care provider’s advice fishes are
always a very important component of a balanced diet. Pregnant and
breastfeeding women’s shouldn't reduce their consumption. But should be aware
of consuming the right type of fish or other sea foods.
