Pregnancy I - Seafood
September 5th 2008 00:39
Part One: Research
Chapter One: Pregnancy Nutrition
I have always been fascinated by the sheer number of food stuffs that people recommend staying away from. Or worse, absolutely berate a pregnant woman for ingesting. I want to take a look at a few of these in an attempt to muddle through the old wives' tales and find a little bit of truth.
Seafood.
One of the biggest no-no's that I've heard as far as pregnancy food intake is seafood. But what makes seafood more dangerous to a fetus than to a grown adult or even a child? And further, is all seafood off limits, or just certain sea creatures?
Seafood is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acid, both of which are nothing if not beneficial to the development of that little sea monkey in there. Cutting seafood out completely can actually be harmful to certain developmental aspects, such as verbal skills. But the concern with all things water bound is that most seafood contains mercury, which can damage the nervous system.
According to Mayoclinic.com older and bigger fish have more mercury. The FDA discourages the consumption of Swordfish, Shark, King Mackerel, and Tilefish.
Lucky for me, I have only ever tried swordfish and shark. I didn't like shark in the least, and can tolerate not consuming swordfish (especially since I've had it twice in my life and also living in Colorado severely limits my exposure to big wide ocean dwelling fish).
Now, before those of us that are used to chowing down on seafood go into panic mode side note: being from New Orleans, I can't imagine completely giving up swimming critters for nine whole months! there is hope. The FDA states that you can safely munch up to, hold on to your hats, 12 whole ounces a week of certain seafood! A cup and a half! Oh happy day! Included in this less than massive list is Shrimp, Catfish (woohoo!), canned light Tuna, and something called Pollock which I have never ever heard of in my entire not quite thirty years of life.
Sorry Sushi lovers, you need to make sure your little Nemo combo has seen a frying pan. No raw fish or shellfish for an impregnito.
Chapter One: Pregnancy Nutrition
I have always been fascinated by the sheer number of food stuffs that people recommend staying away from. Or worse, absolutely berate a pregnant woman for ingesting. I want to take a look at a few of these in an attempt to muddle through the old wives' tales and find a little bit of truth.
Seafood.
One of the biggest no-no's that I've heard as far as pregnancy food intake is seafood. But what makes seafood more dangerous to a fetus than to a grown adult or even a child? And further, is all seafood off limits, or just certain sea creatures?
Seafood is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acid, both of which are nothing if not beneficial to the development of that little sea monkey in there. Cutting seafood out completely can actually be harmful to certain developmental aspects, such as verbal skills. But the concern with all things water bound is that most seafood contains mercury, which can damage the nervous system.
According to Mayoclinic.com older and bigger fish have more mercury. The FDA discourages the consumption of Swordfish, Shark, King Mackerel, and Tilefish.
Lucky for me, I have only ever tried swordfish and shark. I didn't like shark in the least, and can tolerate not consuming swordfish (especially since I've had it twice in my life and also living in Colorado severely limits my exposure to big wide ocean dwelling fish).
Now, before those of us that are used to chowing down on seafood go into panic mode side note: being from New Orleans, I can't imagine completely giving up swimming critters for nine whole months! there is hope. The FDA states that you can safely munch up to, hold on to your hats, 12 whole ounces a week of certain seafood! A cup and a half! Oh happy day! Included in this less than massive list is Shrimp, Catfish (woohoo!), canned light Tuna, and something called Pollock which I have never ever heard of in my entire not quite thirty years of life.
Sorry Sushi lovers, you need to make sure your little Nemo combo has seen a frying pan. No raw fish or shellfish for an impregnito.
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