The risks of eating seafood for pregnant women

 The risks of eating seafood for pregnant women.

The first step towards making your pregnancy safe and healthier is knowing how to eat well while pregnant. Unfortunately, many people don't know what they should be avoiding or which foods are best for them. Here's what to avoid if you're pregnant and what to eat instead.

 - Foods To Avoid:

 • Fish contains high levels of mercury, which is known to cause problems in fetuses and babies. If you do have fish in your diet, limit yourself to two servings per week - preferably oily fish like salmon or sardines. Try not to consume any shark or swordfish at all.

 • Shellfish (like shrimp) can contain high levels of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. If you want to enjoy shellfish, stick to just one low risk type of shrimp, like sweet shrimp or peeled shrimp, and avoid the rest. Shellfish can even contain small amounts of mercury, so it's best to avoid those altogether.

 • Beef is off limits - except for rare cases where you have been diagnosed with a serious case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease. You may be able to buy some types of beef that haven't been exposed to BSE, but check before you order anything.

 - Foods To Eat:

 • Lean meat and poultry are great choices for pregnant women. These meats generally have less fat and fewer calories than red meat. In addition, lean meat contains higher levels of protein that your body need.

 • Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that help promote fetal growth and brain development. Pregnant women should focus on eating lots of fruits and veggies, especially citrus fruit. Dark leafy greens are also great options for pregnant women - just make sure to wash them thoroughly before consuming.

 • Nuts and seeds are excellent snacks or additions to meals. Almonds and walnuts are rich in vitamin E, which helps the body produce hormones necessary for pregnancy. Also, try adding a little salt to nuts to boost their flavor.

 • Whole grains are excellent choices for pregnant women and offer plenty of nutrition for both mother and baby. Just make sure to read labels carefully to ensure you aren't getting any too much added sugar.

 • Dairy products provide valuable nutrients like calcium for building strong bones and teeth for your child. However, dairy is only recommended for certain women who are breastfeeding. Otherwise, it's best to stay away from milk and cheese.

 • Freshly cooked fish, lean cuts of meat, eggs, and chicken are good choices for pregnant women. But remember that cooking methods can affect the nutritional value of these foods, so always look out for specific information about preparation methods.

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