eating fish during pregnancy

[jembelina]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone knows what types of fish are ok to eat during pregnancy. I already eat some tuna and salmon, but when we get fish and chips(yummy) i usually get flake, which is a big no-no. I know that it's because of the size/age of fish means it's likely ot have more mercury in it. But I have no clue about which fish is which iykwim! So, does anyone know what I can order at the f&c shop?? Or should I just stear clear all together??:confused:

Thanks!

[PinkBinkie]

I had a brochure given to me when I was pregnant. It says that you can have the following:
2-3 serves of fish per week (like canned tuna, salmon)
or 1 serve of flake per fortnight
1 serve = 150 grams. The website is www.foodstandards.gov.au
Hope this helps. I think everything in moderation is ok. I love fish and chips!!
Jodi

[PinkBinkie]

i forgot to say that hake is a suitable fish to have. It has lower levels of mercury than larger fish like flake.

[bubhub]

check out our newsletter article Beating the Food Minefield - Fish Myths Dispelled: link here: http://www.bubhub.com.au/newsletterjun0501.shtml - it explains what you can and can't eat.

[pegasus]

Thanks for the link to the newsletter Hilary:yelclap:

Just wondering if you have something similar on foods with Sodium Nitrite (cured meats ham, frankfurts etc) - also known as number 250. I've heard conflicting stuff on whether this stuff is fine if cooked but only read anything solid on it in "What to Eat when You're Expecting".

Most people I speak to seem to think ham and other meats (like salami) can't be eaten only if they haven't been cooked as they could harbour bacteria, but my reasoning is moreso to do with checking all meats I buy for preservative 250. I'd like to read more on this.

[madvoice]

Just hijacking a little, Preservative 220 is another one to watch out for (Sulphur Dioxide). It has been known to cause neurological problems. Especially if consumed in large amounts. It inhibits the thiamine uptake which is essential for neurological growth. It is often found in preserved fruit and processed meats.

[pegasus]

See that's something I hadn't seen in any books I'd read (and I've read a fair few - LOL). Was just reading the packet on a "fruit bar" I ate today and noted that it said Sulpher Dioxide - so I wondered what it's risks were!

[Mum2Lucas]

I was told that fish is ok but not shellfish like oysters, prawns and that sort of thing.