Dish On Fish
To Eat or Not to Eat:
Because fish may be contaminated with mercury or other pollutants, the FDA and other agencies recently issued safety guidelines for expectant seafood lovers. Fish is still good for you and your baby-to-be; just follow these restrictions (which also apply to nursing mothers).
| FISH | HOW OFTEN | WHY? |
| Cod, Herring, Salmon (not smoked), Pollack, Haddock, Flounder, Fish Sticks, Sardines (in their own oil), Shrimp, Scallops, Crab and Lobster (but not liver), Tilapia | Two 6oz. servings per week. (Or no more than 12oz total) |
The Omega-3 fatty acids found in these types of fish boost fetal brain development and may prevent postpartum depression. |
| Canned Tuna | Two 6oz. cans of light tuna per week. One 6oz. can of Albacore tuna per week. |
High levels of mercury in utero can lead to neurological problems at birth (Albacore contains twice the mercury as light tuna). |
| Freshwater Fish (caught in lakes, ponds, and rivers) | No more than 6oz. once a week. Never if locally caught. |
These types of fish contain higher levels of mercury than the ocean variety. |
| Raw Fish (e.g., sushi or oysters), undercooked seafood (e.g., mussels or clams), and smoked fish | Never | May contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria or Vibrio vulnificus, which can cause serious illnesses such as meningitis. |
| Striped Bass or Bluefish | Once a month to never (Varies by pollution level — check with your local health agency) |
Because contaminants are stored in fat, the fattier the fish, the more likely it is to contain PCBs and other pollutants. |
| Swordfish, Shark, King Mackerel, Tilefish, Tuna Steaks | Never | The mercury levels in these fish are dangerously high. (Tuna steaks come from larger species than canned tuna and contain more mercury). |
| Catfish, Carp, White Fish, Brown Trout, Walleye, White (Silver) Bass, Small Mouth Bass | Never if locally caught (Limited if caught outside of Michigan) |
Contains dioxins and PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls), which can impair fetal brain development, harm immune system function, and increase cancer risk. |