Fish During Pregnancy

Some women fear that being pregnant means saying "catch you later" to fish, but that isn't always the case.

Pregnant and nursing women can eat fish, but not long-lived fish -- such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish -- because of the methyl mercury they may contain. Pregnant women should also pass on raw seafood.

But expectant mothers can still enjoy other types of fish: shellfish like shrimp, canned fish such as tuna, smaller ocean fish or farm-raised fish such as salmon. Eat up to 12 ounces of other kinds of fish every week with a maximum of six ounces of albacore (white) tuna a week.

For more information regarding nutrition while you are pregnant, visit www.eatright.org to locate a dietetics professional in your area.