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Prenatal Nutrition

Question

Is there certain seafood I should avoid while I'm pregnant?

Answer

Seafood, a low-fat, nutritious protein source, can be incorporated into a balanced diet for pregnant women. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to pregnant women regarding specific types of fish. According to the FDA, there are four types of fish that pregnant women should avoid because they could contain enough mercury to damage the brain of a fetus:

  • shark
  • swordfish
  • king mackerel
  • tilefish
  • Meet Our Experts

    The START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center panel of experts offers practical advice, answering many questions typically asked by parents and expecting parents.

    Lillian M. Beard
    Lillian M. Beard, M.D. Pediatric Health

    Lillian M. Beard, M.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national TV programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in the Washington, D.C., area.

    José M. Saavedra
    José M. Saavedra, M.D., FAAP Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

    José M. Saavedra, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a pediatric gastroenterologist with long-term experience and expertise in nutrition. Medical and Scientific Director of Nestlé Nutrition North America, Dr. Saavedra is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, the Sub-board of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the American Board of Nutrition. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins-Bloomberg School of Public Health.

    Roy M. Pitkin
    Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. Prenatal Health

    Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. is professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is former chairperson of the ob/gyn department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor to national health agencies concerned with women's health issues and has received numerous international honors for this work.

    Robert N. Hamburger
    Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. Food Intolerances

    Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. is professor of pediatrics emeritus and former head of the pediatric immunology and allergy division at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla, California. Professor Hamburger is a consultant and continues as an educator and clinician in the UCSD Free Clinics in San Diego and Tijuana, Baja California.

     
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