Fish, shrimp, shellfish, and other seafood are always appetizing. However, is it still okay  to serve seafood  dishes to pregnant women?

One of the concerns that pregnant women may feel when eating seafood  is the mercury content and the risk of infection. To answer these concerns, see the following information.

Can pregnant women eat seafood

Pregnant women can eat  seafood . In fact, seafood is a good food for pregnant women because of its role in supporting maternal health and fetal development. One of the nutrients that is found in the highest amounts in seafood is healthy fat in the form of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is needed to support fetal brain development, the baby's cognitive abilities after birth, and reduce various risks of pregnancy complications. Various seafood also contains vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for fetal development and the health of pregnant women. However, pregnant women and women who are trying to get pregnant are not advised to consume too much seafood.

This is because it is feared that several types of food sourced from the sea contain small amounts of mercury. If pregnant women eat excessive amounts of seafood  high in mercury, the mercury content may be carried into the placenta and interfere with fetal development.

The risks of eating a lot of seafood during pregnancy

 The healthy children page  states that mercury will not cause harmful side effects for most people, especially those who are not pregnant. However, exposure to foods containing mercury while you are pregnant or undergoing a pregnancy program is feared to increase the following risks to the fetus.

• Disorders of the nervous system or brain.
• Disorder of cognitive development.
• Decreased hearing

Seafood that high in mercury is generally large fish, such as shark, bigeye tuna, swordfish , and king mackerel.

However, it does not mean that pregnant women should avoid seafood . As mentioned earlier, seafood can provide various benefits during pregnancy.

However, pregnant women should choose fish with lower mercury content, such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines. Pregnant women can also choose types of seafood other than fish , such as shrimp, shellfish, or squid. Compared to other seafood, the mercury content in shrimp is relatively lower.

However, you should still limit your weekly portions. Consult your doctor about  safe seafood  portions to consume during pregnancy.

Tips for eating seafood for pregnant women

After choosing seafood that is low in mercury, here are some tips for processing seafood so that it does not cause negative effects for pregnant women.

1. Choose fresh seafood

In addition to assessing the freshness of seafood from its appearance, make sure as much as possible that the food comes from a guaranteed water source. This is because seafood from polluted water sources may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause infectious diseases. One of the bacteria that can grow in non-fresh seafood is Listeria. If carried through the placenta, this bacteria can increase the risk of various pregnancy complications to premature labor.

2. Cook the seafood until cooked

Even fresh seafood  may not be completely safe from harmful microorganisms. That is why pregnant women should women should noteat raw food. Well, the best way to eliminate various bacteria and microorganisms from seafood is to cook it thoroughly. In general, seafood should be cooked at 145°F (63°C). You can watch for changes in color and texture to ensure that the seafood you are processing is fully cooked.

3. Limit the portions

Pregnant women are advised to consume only 2–3 servings (220–340 grams) of seafood per week. Choose seafood that is fresh, low in mercury, and cooked thoroughly. Seafood is indeed a food that contains various important mutrients for pregnant women, but it is not the only one. This means that pregnant women can get similar nutrients by consuming other food sources, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein sources other than fish. There may also be pregnant women who have certain conditions so they are advised to consume more seafood or even reduce it. To find out the exact rules about seafood consumption during pregnancy, you can ask your obstetrician.

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