Fish is a rich source of protein for the body, also a source of a large amount of unsaturated fats, omega-3, iodine for humans and is especially necessary for pregnant women. However, some types of fish contain mercury, a substance that is very toxic to the body, especially for pregnant women. Therefore, choosing the right fish and eating the right amount of fish is something that mothers, pregnant women or women preparing for pregnancy should pay special attention.
As recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should eat about 220g - 340g of low-mercury fish per week, that is, eat 2-3 meals containing fish per week. You should choose fish with low mercury concentrations such as salmon, tilapia, canned tuna, cod, ...
As recommended by the FDA, you should avoid eating 4 types of fish with the highest mercury concentrations, including: tilefish, swordfish, shark and mackerel.
In fishes, mercury exists in the form of methymercury, a methylated form of mercury, a neurotoxin that can paralyze the human nervous system.
You need to eat up to 340g (2 meals) per week of lower mercury fish and shrimp, crab, shellfish and mussels.
Five of the most common types of seafood low in mercury are shrimp, canned white tuna, salmon, pollock and catfish;
Another commonly eaten fish is albacore ("white") tuna that contains more mercury than canned white tuna. Therefore, when choosing two meals of fish and shrimp, crab, shellfish, and mussels, you can eat up to 170g (1 meal) of albacore tuna per week;
You should check local recommendations for the safety of fish caught by family or friends in local lakes, rivers and coastal areas. If there are no recommendations, you can eat up to 6 ounces (1 meal) of locally caught fish per week, but during the week you should not eat any other fish.
Follow the same instructions when giving your child fish and shrimp, crabs, shellfish, and mussels, but with smaller servings.
Eating fish, in addition to supplementing with Omega-3, also provides the body with other essential nutrients such as unsaturated fat, protein, iodine, ... So, best of all, you should still use. fish. You can still eat fish while taking additional omega-3 to get the right source of omega-3 for fetal development.
Prenatal vitamins can worsen nausea, especially on an empty stomach. Learn practical timing and food adjustments, safer options to discuss, and when to call your pregnancy care team.
Nighttime leg cramps are common in pregnancy, but their exact cause is often unclear. Learn likely contributors, safe relief steps, and warning signs that need prompt care.
Pack a small hospital bag with the essentials, protect important medical aids, and check which items your hospital provides or restricts.
Learn when pregnancy swelling can wait for routine discussion, when to call maternity care the same day, and which symptoms need emergency help now.
Ease pregnancy heartburn with smaller meals, smart timing, and pregnancy-aware medication advice—without cutting nutritious foods or skipping prenatal supplements.
Help older children adjust to a new baby with honest, age-appropriate conversations, optional ways to join in, steady routines, and space for mixed feelings.
Try pregnancy-safe pillow positioning and gentle turning strategies for hip pain at night, and learn when persistent pain or other symptoms need medical care.
Morning sickness can ease and return as pregnancy symptoms fluctuate. Learn common triggers, practical steps, and when nausea or vomiting needs medical attention.
Fetal movement can feel different as pregnancy progresses, but a clear change in your baby’s usual pattern needs prompt attention. Learn what may affect what you feel and when to call.
Build a flexible birth plan by comparing pain relief, birth setting, support, and newborn care—and writing backup preferences for an unpredictable labor.
