New research suggests advice for pregnant women to go easy on fish might have been too restrictive.
October 2/Bristol, U.K./University of Bristol -- The health benefits of eating fish are pretty well-known. A lean source of protein, fish can be a rich source of healthful omega-3 fatty acids and has been shown to benefit heart, eye and brain health.
However, for years, pregnant women have been advised to go easy on the fish. The U.S. government advises expecting mothers to eat no more than 12oz. of seafood like salmon and shrimp per week, and to steer absolutely clear of bigger catch like swordfish and shark. The reason for this caution: concerns that mercury, found in nearly all seafood, could harm their babies' developing brains.