ANSWER

Hello Lanette,
You definitely need to watch your intake of tuna as well as other fish during pregnancy due to methylmercury content. Some fish have higher contents than others. The most recent guidelines (March 2004) advise not eating shark, swordfish, King Mackerel, or tilefish during pregnancy because they contain high levels of mercury.

The guidelines also advise eating no more than 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. Five common fish that are low in mercury include shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Albacore ("white") Tuna has a higher mercury content than canned light tuna, so it is advised that when you are choosing your two meals of fish or shellfish per week, that you choose no more than 6 ounces of albacore tuna per week. In addition you should check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in your local lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. If no advice is available, eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) per week of fish you catch from local waters, but don't consume any other fish during that week.

To find the most recent government guidelines on the intake of fish and shellfish during pregnancy visit this web page. Return often as the guidelines are consistently updated as new information becomes available. The information will also answer help to answer any other questions you may have on fish and shellfish during pregnancy.

-- Kimberly, RD LD