When it comes to diet, the health risks associated with seafood concern pregnant women more than any other type of food, according to a poll released on Wednesday by March of Dimes.
Of the 1,200 American mothers surveyed online between 6 and 13 November, 61 percent said “sushi and fish” is their No. 1 food-related concern.
March of Dimes, a White Plains, N.Y.-based organization for pregnancy and baby health, asked mothers what worries them the most about pregnancy and their babies; 78 percent fear their baby will be born with birth defects, 74 percent fear stress in their life will harm their baby’s health; and 71 percent fear their baby will be born prematurely.
Additionally, 60 percent fear that they won’t be able to breastfeed successfully, and 59 percent worry about losing weight after pregnancy.
As for diet, seafood was the No. 1 concern. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children to avoid eating swordfish, shark, tilefish and king mackerel and to limit albacore tuna consumption because the species are relatively high in methylmercury, which can impair neurological development. Pregnant women are also advised to avoid eating raw foods.
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