Mercury exposure during pregnancy - All you need to know

Mercury exposure during pregnancy - All you need to know -

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Are You are concerned about mercury exposure during pregnancy? You wonder if it is safe to eat seafood when you expect? If nodded along, consider giving a reading of this post. Here, we talk about mercury and how it can affect pregnancy.

What is mercury?

Mercury is a toxic element that is found in water, plants, soil and animals. Mercury is usually found in the air and comes from both artificial and natural resources. And 'when Mercury enters lakes, streams and the river is transformed into methylmercury. Exposure to mercury typically occurs due to fish consumption. Fish absorb mercury not only through the water, but also through their gills and their food.

Mercury And Pregnancy:

seafood is a great source of zinc, iron and protein, and has all the essential nutrients for growth and development of your child. Eating fish is part of a healthy diet. However, the Food and Drug Administration advises women who are planning to conceive, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under six years to avoid eating fish rich in mercury.

Big fish eat smaller fish and typically have a higher chance of mercury than smaller fish. Some large fish that have a high level of mercury include:

Amount Of fish during pregnancy recommended :.

Although the fish may contain mercury, it is a good source of vital nutrients, and it is necessary to include fish in your diet. Some of the benefits of eating fish include:

low in saturated fat
High in unsaturated fat
high in omega-rich content of

the food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency say pregnant women can consume up to 12 ounces of seafood a week (1)

mercury exposure .:

the mercury exposure occurs mainly due to the consumption of fish, but there are some other places of employment which can increase exposure to mercury in pregnant or planning to get pregnant women. For example:

Production and preparation of silver amalgam fillings for dentistry. Working as a dental assistant or in an office where silver fillings are made can expose one to mercury.

Laboratories use chemicals containing mercury in day by day.

Extraction and refining of gold and oil.

If you work in any of these industries, don 't go to work during pregnancy. It can be difficult to have anything to do, but remember, 'better safe than sorry.' If you simply must go to work, so that you bring a change of clothes and change them once you leave the office.

Mercury can reduce the chances of Pregnancy?

If you tend to eat fish rich in mercury regularly, there is the possibility that accumulates in the blood. Although methyl mercury is removed from the body naturally, it could take a year for mercury levels to drop. Therefore, there is a possibility that is present in the body before becoming pregnant. Hence, it is necessary that you should avoid some types of fish, even before you plan for pregnancy (2)

Products that may contain mercury.

Here, we list some products that contain mercury. Be sure to avoid the use or handling during pregnancy:

Some flu shots
Thermometers
bulbs like CFL
Some athletic shoes and toys and cards that make noise or light up
Some lightening creams and imported cosmetics (3)

fish is a valuable source of minerals, vitamin B12 , proteins, and also iodine. It is important to choose fish that are low in mercury so as not to damage the nervous system of the developing baby. Ready to eat seafood, like sashimi, oysters, raw sushi, pre-cooked shrimp, and smoked salmon can be risky for the health of breast-feeding and pregnant women

Unborn babies and Mercury.

Unborn children are at great risk of exposure to mercury, in order to ensure that you do not have too much of fish during pregnancy. Mercury can often pass through the placenta to the fetus. Typically, the fetus is at greater risk of exposure to mercury during the third and fourth month of pregnancy. The mercury effect may not be evident until stages of development, and the child may develop speech impediments or walking. Your little one may also experience a delay in the development of memory, language and attention span.

that fish you can eat during pregnancy?

Exposure to mercury can lead to many problems. However, there are some types of fish which have a high content of omega-3 and are low in mercury, which include:

Salmon
Herring
Sardines
Trout
Anchovies
Atlantic and Pacific Mackerel
Shrimp
Pollock
Catfish

Avoid canned tuna as studies show mercury levels in canned tuna can vary from can-can.

Finally, although the mercury can damage a child's developing, eating an average amount of seafood that is low in mercury during pregnancy it is safe enough. The omega-3 fatty acid in fish helps to promote cognitive development. It is important to avoid fish that is rich in mercury and fish that is contaminated with pollutants. If you follow these steps, there is no reason why you can not have the fish during pregnancy. Remember, it is not recommended for excessive consumption of fish because it can lead to an unbalanced diet.

If you have more information on mercury and pregnancy, or a particular fish or foods that a pregnant woman should avoid, please write to us. It would help many women to make healthy decisions. Leave your comments below.

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