Getting Down To The Fins!!

So when I went to my last appointment, I had one of the most important questions about my diet because it is important to me. What's the deal on fish? Fish is actually a big part of my diet because I am not a big meat eater and I don't consume pork.  So Lady, you want me to eat something but how are you gonna take my fish away?? This is unfair. I must call Congress or somebody....PLEASE DON'T DO THIS!! LOL!! Yes, this is what my brain was saying.  However here's the skinny...or the fishy!!

So the scoop (or the net, lol) is that YES you can consume fish.  However it is which fish that you consume and how much of it.  Now you should not stop eating fish. NO, NO, NO. Because fish contains mercury, specifically methylmercury, is absorbed in fished and can b e passed to humans.  Because of it's toximity, consumption f fish with a high mercury content doesn't need to be eaten by pregnant women. 

SO WHAT FISH CAN WE YOU EAT?

Well I'm glad that you asked (teehee!). First you should be including 1-2 fish meals in your diet per week because it helps with the brain development for your child.  This is important in the 2nd and 3rd Trimester.  

DO NOT EAT LIST

Swordfish

Shark

Kimg Mackerel (King-Fish)

Ahi Tune

Yellowfin Tuna

Bigeye Tuna

Chilean Sea Bass

Orange Roughy

Marlin

Amberjack

Spanish Mackerel

Freshwater Bass*

Albacore or White Canned Tuna

Fish carries TONS of vitamins, is a great source of protein and are very high in OMEGA 3-fatty acids which help with brain development, reduce the risk of heart disease and help prevent arthiritis.  

Now I know that this is a hard pill (fish, HA!) to swallow but Salmon and Tilapia are still very available. Along with shrimp, clams and oysters. To be sure make sure you check with your OB, Midwife or Doula on serving portions and more elaboration on fish.  And you can also check with your local seafood department and ask for a list of which fish are safe for you and the bundle of joy!!!