Is high consumption of fatty fish during Pregnancy a risk factor for Fetal Development?

(December 22, 2009)

When going through a pregnancy, it is always good to have done your research on the kinds of food that will help against those that will have a detrimental effect on the process. While people will usually be concerned about the amounts of food they consume, one should not ignore that the type of food will also play a significant role in the entire fetal development phase. During the latter part of the pregnancy, when the growth of the baby is considerably accelerated, an expecting mother will usually require to consume around 300 extra calories a day in order for her body to generate the energy required. However, it is important to keep in mind that these calories should come from nutritious sources so it contributes to the development of the baby. Eating fish during a pregnancy is not necessarily a restriction, but one should be careful about the type of food they eat. On the whole, fish are a food source that is rich in proteins, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D – which all have their respective health benefits. However, most varieties of fish also contain traces of methylmercury, which is known to be rather harmful to the babies developing nervous system when ingested in high doses.

Experts maintain that an intake of a maximum of 6 to 12 ounces of light ‘canned’ tuna and other cooked fish is acceptable. Some of the varieties of fish that pose no considerable danger include farmed trout, cod, haddock, sardines, herrings and crab. The varieties of seafood that must be avoided at all costs include swordfish, shark, marlin, king mackerel and northern pike amongst many others. It is also important to remember that deli meals have been known to be contaminated with listeria, which is a known aggravator of miscarriages. Listeria has the ability to cross over the placenta and infect the baby, thereby leading to an infection or even blood poisoning. Listeria is also present in unpasteurized milk – therefore making it another food source that should be stringently avoided at all costs. Studies have also shown that while a moderate consumption of caffeine is alright, any excessive intake could play a significant role in a miscarriage. As a result, most expecting mothers are usually instructed by their doctor to avoid caffeine during the first trimester in order to reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage. Alcohol must be avoided at all costs as any prenatal exposure of he baby to alcohol can interfere with the development of the baby.

Submitted by P T on December 22, 2009 at 11:51

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