Do your pregnant patients know about the dangers of eating some types of fish?Eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish can harm a developing fetus.  

“It’s important that ob-gyns warn their patients about the dangers of eating certain fish,” notes Laura E. Riley, MD, chair of ACOG’s Committee on Obstetric Practice, which discussed this issue at its last meeting. “Many women have absolutely no idea that mercury in fish can pose a danger to a developing fetus or to a nursing infant or young child.”

In 2001 the FDA issued a consumer advisory about fish consumption for nursing mothers and women who are or may become pregnant.

Limit consumption of large ocean fish and any freshwater fish

Only long-lived, larger fish that feed on other fish and accumulate levels of mercury pose a risk. These larger fish include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.

“The FDA wants women to know that they can safely eat 12 ounces per week of cooked fish as long as they select the smaller fish and eat a variety of fish,” Dr. Riley says. Examples of fish the FDA says are not harmful are shellfish, canned fish, smaller ocean fish, or farm-raised fish. “So a tuna sandwich, steamed mussels, or grilled salmon would be safe, for a total of no more than 12 ounces a week,” she explains.

In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends that pregnant women and young children limit to one meal per week their consumption of freshwater fish caught locally. ?

info

FDA: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/tphgfish.html or toll-free 888-723-3366 
EPA: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/advice.html