When you say sayonara to birth control, you should also bid adieu to those swordfish steaks. Swordfish, shark, orange roughy, king mackerel, marlin, grouper and tilefish are all high in mercury, a neurotoxin that can harm a fetus’s developing brain and nervous system. Mercury can linger in your body for a year or more, so you should eliminate those fish from your diet when you’re TTC (or, ideally, a year before you start).
All sea creatures aren’t off limits, though. Most fish and shellfish other than those listed above are safe for unborn babies and offer lots of low-fat protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both crucial to the health of you and your future baby.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
