Food for the Brain....
Eating Fish during and
after pregnancy
Seafood can provide nutritional value before, during and after pregnancy. Ocean fish are the richest fish sources of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) an Omega-3 fatty acid. DHA Long-Chain Omega 3-Fatty Acids are an essential nutrient during pregnancy and while nursing.
Why DHA?
Infants need DHA for prenatal and postnatal neural development. DHA helps to improve vision as well as cognative, motor and behavioral skills. DHA has also been linked to a reduction in pre-term birth as well as prevention and management of post-partum depression. DHA has also been shown to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Ocean fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel are sources that meet he need for DHA. In pregnancy they also provide a lean protein source with important micronutrients like selenium, iodine, vitamin D, B-complex and zinc.
Pregnant, breastfeeding and post-partum women are recommended by the Maternal Nutrition Group to consume a minimum of 12 oz. of seafood per week (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines) six ounces of the recommended fish per week can come from albacore tuna.
NOTE: the FDA/EPA advisory recommends that women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant and who are breastfeeding should not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.
Information taken from National Healthy Babies Healthy Mothers Coalition. www.hmhb.org
