Fish is fine for pregnant women, scientists say

Scientists have urged pregnant and breastfeeding women to eat at least 34 grams of fish or other seafood a week.

A new study has concluded that the risk of mercury contamination is outweighed by the benefits of eating fish, and that the threat is only theoretical, say scientists from the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition.

"There has been no case of foetal mercury toxicity due to fish consumption reported in the United States," said Dr Ashley Roman, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University Medical Center, reports Reuters.

However, Gerald Leape, vice president of marine conservation at the National Environmental Trust, added: "It's misleading to urge pregnant women to eat more fish without mentioning the documented public health risks associated with fish or how consuming more seafood is diminishing the world's fisheries stocks.

"Fish are not the only source of essential omega-3 fatty acids," he added.

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