As many as one in eight women, suffer depression in pregnancy. Some scientists believe that the rapid increases in hormones during the first trimester, disrupts brain chemistry and can lead to prenatal depression. Others believe that depression in pregnancy can be caused by the anxiety and stress of impending motherhood.

Symptoms Prenatal depression often goes undiagnosed as women dismiss their emotions. Hormones and tiredness take the brunt of the blame. If you are experiencing low moods, you should speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Symptoms of prenatal depression include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Constant low moods
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and guilt
• Loss of appetite or binge eating
• Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Panic attacks

You may be high risk for prenatal depression if you have a personal history of depression or anxiety. If you are having relationship difficulties, or have previously been a victim of abuse, this can increase your risk of suffering from depression. Fertility problems, previous pregnancy loss or a problem pregnancy also increase this risk. Women with unplanned pregnancies are more likely to experience depression in pregnancy.

Stressful life events can also be the catalyst for depression in pregnancy. The death of a loved one, moving house and financial difficulty can increase the risk of suffering from prenatal depression.

Risks to your baby

Not enough research has been done to determine the effects of prenatal depression on the unborn child. If left untreated, prenatal depression can have a potentially negative effect on the baby. It is important to seek help as soon as you notice symptoms of prenatal depression.

Treatment

Speak to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of prenatal depression. Treatment options include counselling and antidepressant medications. Your healthcare provider will be able to assess which of these will be most appropriate for you. As well as seeking medical advice, you could also try the following:

• Have a support system in place – tell your partner, friends and family that you are experiencing postnatal depression. Talking to loved ones may help you to process the anxiety and stress you are feeling.
• Find a support group – your healthcare provider should be able to refer you to a local support group. You will be able to speak to other sufferers of prenatal depression. It is important to realise you are not alone.
• Light exercise – yoga, swimming and walking are all great ways to relieve some of the minor stresses in life. Exercise will help to clear your head, and may also help with your sleep problems.

Postnatal Depression

Around half of all sufferers of prenatal depression, will go on to experience postnatal depression. Being treated for depression during pregnancy, reduces your chances of suffering from depression once the baby arrives. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are worried about developing postnatal depression.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Energy levels during the first trimester
Many women notice a drop in energy levels during the first trimester. In fact, falling asleep on the sofa before dinner may have been one of the first clues you might be pregnant. The pregnancy hormones and rapidly developing fetus can leave you feeling a little washed out in those first few months of pregnancy.

Energy levels during the second trimester
As the pregnancy hormones even out, and fetal development slows to a more manageable pace, you may experience an increase in energy levels during the second trimester. The second trimester is often thought of as the best trimester. For most women, the sickness and fatigue of the first trimester are behind them, and the aches and discomfort of the final months have not yet begun.

Energy levels during the third trimester
During the final trimester, the baby begins to pile on the pounds in preparation for for the birth. This excess weight can begin to take its toll on your energy levels. You may find it a bit more difficult to get around during the final months, and may be starting to feel those infamous aches and pains of pregnancy. You may also be finding it more difficult to sleep now, with your growing bump preventing you from getting comfortable, and the baby performing acrobatics in your uterus.

If you’re suffering from low energy during pregnancy, no matter which stage you are, there are some things you can try for an energy boost:

1. Take regular exercise – if you’re struggling for energy, you may not feel like exercising, but it could help. Exercising regularly can help to keep energy levels up. Even a 30 minute walk around your neighbourhood could do you the world of good.
2. Embrace naps – naps aren’t just for babies, they’re for pregnant women, too. If you’re feeling a little sleepy, go for a nap. There’s no shame in grabbing sleep while you have the chance.
3. Listen to your body – don’t over do it. You probably have lots of commitments and things you feel you should be doing; but if you’re tired, spend some time resting. The low energy levels could be a sign that you’re doing too much, so give yourself chance to recuperate.
4. Stay hydrated – you should be drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day during pregnancy. Tea, coffee, fruit juices and sodas count towards this total – it doesn’t all have to be water. Staying hydrated can help keep energy levels high.
5. Eat energy foods – not the sugary, processed snacks you might usually go for when you need a quick pick-me-up, but real energy food. Bananas, nuts, seeds and beans are all good high-energy foods to help give you a boost.
6. Eat little and often – keep your blood sugar levels up by eating six small meals a day. Have healthy snacks, such as nuts and seeds, with you to snack on throughout the day.
7. Eat iron – having low iron levels can leave you feeling exhausted, so make sure you have enough iron in your diet. Green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds are all good sources of dietary iron.

What are you doing to boost your energy levels during pregnancy?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Experiencing cramps while pregnant can be a cause of alarm to expecting mothers. The cramping can vary from mild to severe, but are just often a sign of the stretching and growing uterus. However, there are cases in which cramping may be caused by a serious problem. So, should you be concerned if you experience cramps? Here are some of the common causes of cramps so you can decide whether they are normal or if they need more attention.

First Trimester Cramps

Implantation Cramps If you experience cramping 8 to 10 days after ovulation, you may be experiencing cramping as a result of implantation.

Stretching Uterus Another cause of cramps in the first trimester can be the stretching and expanding uterus. The pain occurs when the ligaments that support your uterus stretch. Don’t worry! Your body is only preparing itself for your growing baby.

Miscarriage If you experience cramping accompanied by spotting or bleeding, you should contact your health care provider immediately. This is a possible warning sign of miscarriage. However, spotting or bleeding does not always indicate a miscarriage, some women with bleeding during their first trimester continue to have healthy, happy babies! But with every bleeding, you should always inform your doctor.

Ectopic Pregnancy Cramps in the first trimester can indicate an ectopic pregnancy. It is serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. As soon as you experience cramping accompanied by spotting or bleeding, and abdominal pain on one side, contact your health care provider.

Other causes of cramping during early pregnancy include gas pains and constipation.

Second or Third Trimester Cramps

Round Ligament Pain Round ligament pain is a mild pain often experienced during the second and third trimester. It occurs as the uterus continues to stretch and grow, pulling on the ligaments of the abdomen and pelvis.

Preterm Labour If you experience cramping accompanied by back pain and mild to severe diarrhoea, and you haven’t reached 37 completed weeks, you may be having preterm labour. Immediately contact your health care provider or go to the hospital.

Braxton Hicks Contractions You may experience cramping caused by irregular, intermittent, ‘practice’ contractions.

Early labour If you are close to  your due date, cramping and back pain are common symptoms of early labour.

Since it can be hard to differentiate normal pregnancy cramping from a warning sign, it is best to discuss any cramps during pregnancy with your health care provider.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

There are certain foods that pregnant women are advised to avoid. It’s important to know which foods to avoid during pregnancy, so you can lessen any risk to you or your baby.

Foods to avoid during pregnancy include:

Soft Cheeses – Certain cheeses are considered unsafe to eat during pregnancy. Mould-ripened soft cheeses, and soft blue-vein cheese should be avoided due to the risk of listeria. Listeria is a harmful bacteria and, while rare, it can lead to miscarriage and stillbirth, and so pregnant women are advised to avoid any food with an increased risk of allowing listeria to grow. These include blue cheese, camembert, brie, and more.

Pâtés – Pâtés can harbour listeria, so pregnant women are advised to avoid all pâtés, including vegetable pâtés, for the duration of the pregnancy.

Undercooked Eggs – Pregnant women are advised to avoid raw or partially uncooked eggs because of the risk of salmonella poisoning during pregnancy. Salmonella poisoning would not harm the baby, but can lead to severe vomiting and diarrhoea. If you’d like to enjoy your eggs, eat them hard-boiled or over-well, rather than over easy or poached.

Undercooked Meat – Rare and undercooked meats could carry the infection toxoplasmosis, a serious condition that can harm developing babies. Be sure meats are eaten well-done.

Liver – Liver products contain high levels of vitamin A and this could harm your unborn baby, and should be avoided completely in pregnancy.

Vitamin and fish oil supplements – You should avoid fish oil and other supplements that contain high levels of vitamin A.

Some Types of Fish – Swordfish, marlin and shark are not advised during pregnancy. These fish may contain high levels of mercury which could harm your developing baby.  You should also be careful to limit your intake of tuna to just two steaks, or four medium sized cans, per week. Pregnant women advised not to eat more than two helpings of oily fish per week.

Shellfish – Pregnant women are advised to avoid raw shellfish which can contain harmful bacteria.

The above foods are to be avoided, but there are plenty of other things you can enjoy. For example, you can’t eat certain soft cheeses, but are fine to snack on cheddar. Raw shellfish should be avoided, but cooked shellfish is fine during pregnancy.

Make sure that you wash all food thoroughly before eating, and be careful to properly wash your hands before and after handling any food items. Though the risk of bacteria or food poisoning is low, these can be extremely serious if they occur during pregnancy.

Are any of your favourite foods on the banned list, and if so, how are you coping without them?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

As you are no doubt aware, each pregnancy is different. Even if you have experienced pregnancy before, there is no way to predict how your next pregnancy will be. While you may be suffering with backache and fatigue, your prenatal class friends may be glowing and full of energy. Here are some of the potential high and lows of pregnancy:

The first trimester

The high– as your hormones kick into overdrive, you may experience an increased sex drive. Some women find they simply cannot get enough during those first few months. Whether it is the confidence of being pregnant, the impact of the extra hormones, or an increased blood flow to your lady parts leaving you feeling aroused, take advantage of this boost while you can.

The low– morning sickness was bound to crop up here, wasn’t it? That nausea that haunts some women for the first few months of pregnancy is definitely one of the lows of pregnancy. You may find your favourite foods end up off-limits as you struggle with sickness on a daily basis. The only way to get through this period is to remember it won’t last forever. Most women find that their sickness eases by week 16. Until then, try eating ginger biscuits to battle the nausea.

The second trimester

The high – being awake past 7pm may not have been a high pre-pregnancy, but it probably will be after the first trimester fatigue. All of a sudden you have the energy to see friends again and start getting organised for the baby. And you’re even awake to watch your favorite television program when it airs. All of these things seemed impossible just a few short weeks ago.

The low – your body really starts to change during the second trimester. Your breasts continue to grow, your bump finally appears, and your hips and ribs start to widen to accommodate your growing uterus. While all of this is great for your pregnancy, it can leave you feeling a little self-conscious. While you want to feel beautiful and make the most of your pregnancy, you may find yourself obsessing over stretch marks and your rapidly increasing bra size. Try not to worry too much, focus instead on staying healthy throughout the pregnancy.

The third trimester

The high– the second trimester confusion is over, you’re now obviously pregnant and can finally reap the rewards. Seats on public transport, not having to lift a finger, and the smiles of strangers are just some of the benefits of being heavily pregnant. All of a sudden, the entire world will seemingly do their utmost to ensure you are comfortable.

The low – where to start? The backache, the indigestion, and that unpleasant heavy feeling in your pelvis are all common complaints during the final trimester. Really though, the thing that drags down pretty much all pregnant women, is the waiting. Whether your pregnancy has been filled with problem after problem, or a carefree nine months, the last few weeks will drag. It may be unbearable, especially as your due date comes and goes. Try to make the most of those final weeks before the baby is outside demanding your 24/7 care.

Does this list describe your pregnancy, or do you have different highs and lows for each stage?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

There is no right way to tell your boss about your pregnancy, but there are things you can do to make it easier both for yourself and your boss. You may find yourself feeling nervous about spilling the beans, and worrying that your boss will be inconvenienced by the news. Your boss may worry about the impact your pregnancy will have on the company, but is more likely to worry about losing you as an employee in case you decide not to return after maternity leave. Follow these simple tips to make telling your boss about your pregnancy as pain-free as possible:

1. Get the timing right – you should announce the pregnancy before you start to show. Some people prefer to wait until they are into the second trimester, but if you are suffering from nausea that is affecting your work, you may wish to announce it sooner
2. Tell her in person – a face to face conversation is always the best way to break big news
3. Tell her first – your boss may be annoyed to hear the news second hand from another colleague, so make sure your boss if the first person you tell at your workplace
4. Offer ideas – your maternity leave is likely to impact upon the company, so try to come up with a few ideas of how you can limit this impact. Writing handover notes, tying up loose ends and training up a colleague to cover your work are all ways you could try to limit the damage
5. Health and safety – are there any aspects of your role that could be unsafe to you or your developing baby? If so, you should inform your boss of this as soon as possible, and work out suitable alternatives for ensuring the work is done
6. Know your rights – maternity leave entitlements differ from state to state, and will also differ between companies. Some companies go above and beyond the legal minimum, whereas others will offer simply what they must. Find out what you are entitled to before the meeting, this will allow you to have an informed discussion
7. Be honest – it’s important to be honest with your boss. If you are planning to leave your job after your maternity leave, you should let them know in advance. Bear in mind, however, that this may affect your maternity benefits. It is also worth bearing in mind that it can be difficult to predict how you feel once the baby arrives, and for this reason many women choose to wait before deciding whether or not to return to work
8. Be clear – tell your boss your expectations, and how you plan to make the pregnancy work for the company. Are you planning to keep in touch with the office during maternity leave, or would you prefer to be oblivious to work news during that time? Both options are fine, but let your colleagues know in advance so they can act accordingly

Do you have any tips to add?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

In the US, three percent of pregnant women will give birth to twins or triplets. This number has increased in recent years in part because of a rise in drug-assisted infertility treatments, and also because of an increase in older mums.

Multiple pregnancies
Women expecting twins are at an increased risk of morning sickness, and are more likely to experience back problems because of the extra weight they are carrying. Your pelvic floor is under more stress than during a normal pregnancy, so you should be extra vigilant about doing your pelvic floor exercises. If you are carrying multiple pregnancies, you may find yourself tiring more easily. You should make sure you get enough rest, and listen to your body.

Giving birth to more than one baby
If you are carrying multiple pregnancies, you may have a shorter pregnancy. Twins and more tend to be born earlier, in part because they have less room in which to grow. The placenta becomes less efficient earlier in multiple pregnancies, which could be another reason for the reduced term. For twins, 37 weeks is considered full term, and for triplets this number drops to 34. For quadruples, pregnancy lasts just 32 weeks.

Multiple pregnancies often result in lower birth weights. Multiple pregnancies are more likely to encounter preterm labour and premature birth. If you are worried that you may be experiencing preterm labour, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Multiple pregnancies carry more risk, but is important to remember that these babies are now safer than ever, thanks to advances in medicine.

You should be able to try for a vaginal delivery if you are carrying twins or triplets. Unless there is another reason to opt for assisted delivery, your healthcare provider will recommend a vaginal birth. There is a slightly increased risk of complications arising during labour, but you will have professionals on hand to monitor yourself and your babies throughout the delivery.

Bonding with twins or more
You may be worried that you will struggle to bond with your babies because you’ll be overwhelmed with caring for two or more babies at once. It is true that parents of multiple babies have their work cut out for them, but preparing yourself for this in advance can help. You may like to arrange for extra help following the birth, to allow you to feel rested and able to best care for your babies. Friends and family will no doubt be more than willing to help out for a few hours in exchange for a few cuddles from the twins.

Are you expecting twins?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

If you are pregnant, chances are you will have at least one ultrasound before your baby is born. Around 70 percent of pregnant women in the US will have an ultrasound. In the UK, this number is higher because ultrasounds are carried out as routine procedures for all pregnant women.

Ultrasounds are used to determine the size of your baby, the estimated due date, and whether the baby’s organs are developing well. If your healthcare provider considers your pregnancy to be high-risk, you may be offered more frequent ultrasounds to monitor the health of your developing baby.

How do ultrasounds work?

Ultrasound is a medical technique for creating images using high frequency sound waves and echoes. An ultrasound during pregnancy is used to give the sonographer a look at how the baby is developing inside your womb, and this may help to detect any problems.

If your scan takes place early in the pregnancy, you may be asked to attend the appointment with a full bladder. Having a large drink and then refraining from visiting the toilet can be easier said than done during pregnancy, but it’s important to get a good image of the baby. Early in the pregnancy, your uterus sits close to your bladder. A full bladder will push your uterus out of your pelvis, and allow the sonographer to get a better view.

When you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked to lie down on the examination bed. The sonographer will apply a cold gel to your bump, and then use a hand-held transducer across your stomach. If you are very early in the pregnancy, overweight or have a deep pelvis, your ultrasound may be carried out vaginally. In this instance, a vaginal probe will be inserted into your vagina to get a clear image of your baby. This will not harm your baby, but may be slightly uncomfortable for you.

The transducer, whether internal or external, will transmit millions of high-frequency sound pulses into your bump each second. The sound waves travel into your body and hit a boundary between tissues (for example, between bone and soft tissue) until they are eventually echoed back to the transducer.

The time difference between sound pulse and echo, is collected by the machine and this information is used to calculate the distance between the various boundaries inside your body. The ultrasound machine then displays this information as a two-dimensional diagram on the screen. This diagram shows the distances and strengths of the echoes received by the transducer, or in layman’s terms, it shows an image of your baby.

Are you having an ultrasound scan to check the development of your baby?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

As soon as you found out you were pregnant, you probably started to look for ways to improve your health. Many women find that pregnancy gives them a renewed interest in healthy eating, exercise and clean living. All of a sudden your body goes from being taken for granted to having the ability to create and sustain life. Some women describe pregnancy as giving them a deeper respect for their body. With this in mind, now is the perfect time to improve your health.

1. Take your vitamins – lots of people have a dusty tub of vitamins in the cupboard that they take sporadically when they stumble upon them looking for the oregano. Now that you’re pregnant, you should start taking your vitamins seriously. Invest in some vitamins specifically formulated for pregnancy – these have higher levels of folic acid and iron than regular vitamins. You should take the vitamins daily during the first trimester, and can continue even longer if you wish.
2. Eat a heathy diet – now is the perfect time to cut down on take aways, reduce your intake of fatty foods and up your fresh fruit intake. There’s no need to eat for two. In fact, you only need to be eating an extra 300 calories per day by the end of the pregnancy – that’s the equivalent of two slices of buttered wholemeal toast.
3. Exercise – if you exercised before you became pregnant, then you should aim to continue exercising throughout the pregnancy. If you’ve never exercised before, then now is the perfect time to start. Your pregnancy, and your baby, will both benefit from regular light exercise. Walking, swimming and yoga are firm favourites amongst mums-to-be.
4. Cut it out – there’s a whole host of things you should avoid during pregnancy – smoking, alcohol and drugs are the most notable. You should also avoid certain foods and medications. Speak to your healthcare provider and find out what you should cut out. If you need help to quit smoking or drinking, ask for it – there’s plenty of help available.
5. Up your fluids – during pregnancy, you may find yourself feeling thirstier than usual. Increase your fluid intake to ensure your body is getting enough fluids. The healthiest drink you can choose is water.
6. Get some zzz’s – if you’re feeling sleepy, have a lie down. You are growing a whole other person, so don’t beat yourself up for falling asleep on the sofa. If you are tired, it’s because your body needs to rest. You might be surprised just how much sleep you need, especially during the first trimester, but try to get as much as you can to help you feel and stay healthy.
7. Don’t overdo it – thanks to pregnancy hormones, you are more susceptible to muscle sprains. Take it easy to avoid ending up with unnecessary aches and pains. If you have a physically demanding job, ask to relinquish some of your more hazardous duties. Lifting boxes, pushing heavy loads, even lifting your toddler may cause sprains, so be cautious or even avoid doing these things.
8. Talk about it – you may feel during pregnancy you are expected to be happy, excited and blissful at your approaching motherhood, but it’s not true for everyone. Hormonal mood swings, financial worries, concerns over the birth, and even uncertainty about what kind of mother you will be are all to be expected during pregnancy. Don’t keep all of your worries bottled up inside, but instead find someone you can talk to. You could talk to you partner, friends or even an online community of pregnant women. Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health, so please do seek help if you feel you need it.
9. Relax – pregnancy can be an overwhelming time. You may feel you can’t possibly get everything done in time, and this might lead to feelings of stress. Dedicate fifteen minutes each day (more if possible) to relaxing. Meditation, yoga or even simply taking a warm bath are all great ways to unwind at the end of the day. Clear your mind, stop thinking about your to-do list, and let yourself focus on you and your developing baby.
10. See a professional – you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as you discover you are pregnant, or even before you start trying. Your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with the information to allow you to enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will be your go-to person for the next nine months, so the sooner you get to know each other, the better!

What else are you doing to enjoy a healthy pregnancy?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Eating healthy during pregnancy is vital in order to ensure that you and your baby are getting the right nutrients. Whether you are a seafood lover or not, you might have heard that eating fish during pregnancy can be good since it is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. You may have come across contradicting statements, as well, claiming that eating fish during pregnancy can be dangerous. So you are wondering, “Can I eat fish during pregnancy or not?”

Both of the statements are true in their own way. If you are not careful about what type of fish you are eating during pregnancy, it can go from being one of the healthiest foods to one of the most harmful. Be sure to educate yourself on what is healthy and what is not healthy for you and your baby. So for all you sushi and sashimi lovers out there, brace yourselves, because we’re about to reveal the skinny on eating seafood during pregnancy.

Why Is Fish Good for You?

Fish is filled with healthy nutrients that are good for your baby’s development. These nutrients include essential fatty acids, proteins, iron, zinc, and much more. The good part about fish is that it is low in fat, making it an ideal food for not just pregnant women but for anyone who wants to stay healthy. Most importantly, fish is the richest source of Omega-3, which plays a vital role in the development of your baby’s brain and in your baby’s visual development. Most experts believe that the benefits of eating fish outweigh the risks, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful!

How Can Fish Be Dangerous?

The biggest problem with certain types of fish is the high level of mercury and other contaminants. Predatory fish, or those that have a longer life span, usually have a higher level of mercury and should be avoided. Make sure you do research on what types of fish has longer life spans so you can avoid it. Eating fish that contains contamination during pregnancy can put your baby’s developing body at the risk, so make sure you are well aware of what you’re eating.

What Is Safe to Eat?

The trick to eating fish during pregnancy is to learn which type of fish is low in mercury and, hence, safe for your consumption. “Friendly” fish, or fish that you can eat safely throughout your pregnancy include salmon, pollock, trout, haddock, flounder, sole, ocean perch, cod and halibut – a good variety of fish!

Other types of fish that you can eat, but in a limited quantity approved by your doctor or from a certified authority include shellfish, canned or packaged tuna, and fresh-water fish (wild caught or store-bought).

Other types of fish, usually ocean fish, should be avoided as much as possible. The fish that you should stay away from during your pregnancy include shark, fresh tuna, swordfish, king mackerel, sea bass, amberjack, mahi-mahi, grouper, and tilefish.

How Much Fish Should You Eat?

In order to ensure staying safe while pregnant, the US Food and Drug Administration has provided a complete guideline regarding the safe consumption of fish during pregnancy. They advise you limit the consumption of fish from 6 ounces to 12 ounces per weeks. In addition, if you are unsure about fish, why not consult your healthcare provider? He or she will be able to guide you towards the right kind of nutrition for your baby, especially since every pregnancy is different. Depending on your medical history and general well-being and fitness, your doctor can be in a much better position to advise you.

What are your favorite fish recipes?

Written by Team Health & Parenting

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.