Eating fish during pregnancy brings various health benefits. The reason is because fish contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are good for the health of pregnant women and the fetus in the womb.
Eating fish while pregnant is good for health because fish contains protein, omega 3, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, iodine, and selenium. Even so, pregnant women still have to be careful when eating fish. If you eat fish carelessly, the health of pregnant women and fetuses can be threatened.
Benefits of eating fish while pregnant
The following are some of the benefits of eating fish during pregnancy:
1. Supports fetal brain development
One of the benefits of eating fish during pregnancy is that it helps the fetal brain development. This is because fish contains a lot of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that can prevent defects in the nerves and brain of the fetus. To maximize the benefits of this fish, you should start adding fish as a healthy food, especially at a young gestational age.
2. Prevent preeclampsia
Fish also contains a lot of vitamin D. Adequate intake of vitamin D can reduce the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women.
3. Improve sleep quality
Sleep disturbance is one of the complaints that are often felt by pregnant women. now, in order to sleep better, try to eat fish. This is because the vitamin D content in fish is believed to improve sleep quality.
4. Prevent anemia
Eating fish while pregnant can also prevent anemia because fish is rich in iron and vitamin B12. That way, complications that can arise due to anemia can also be prevented. Some of them are premature births, babies born with defects, babies born with low weight, and death to mothers and babies.
Safe Rules for Eating Fish During Pregnancy
The benefits of eating fish during pregnancy can be obtained if pregnant women follow the safety rules in consuming fish. Here are things that pregnant women need to pay attention to if they want to eat fish:
Choose fish with low mercury levels
To minimize the risk of mercury from fish, there are several fish that pregnant women can choose from. Fish that are considered safe for consumption by pregnant women are fish with low mercury content, such as salmon, anchovies, sardines, cod, shrimp, tilapia, catfish, and tuna.
Avoid consuming fish that are high in mercury, such as grouper, shark, mackerel, mackerel, marlin, and swordfish. High mercury exposure during pregnancy can hinder fetal development.
Cook fish until cooked
Pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming raw or undercooked fish. The reason is because raw fish or fish that are not completely cooked can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can threaten the health of pregnant women and fetuses.
Eating fish while pregnant is still important, but don't forget to pay attention to its safety. If you still feel anxious about eating fish, pregnant women can consult a doctor to make sure which fish should be consumed and avoided during pregnancy.
