4581550088_ec428f6ecc_zThis just in...experts agree that we should be REALLY confused about how much fish is safe to eat during pregnancy.

Two new studies, both released in the past two months, have taken a closer look at fish consumption and pregnancy. The findings are likely to make your head spin.

First, a report released this month from the National Coalition for Infant Health, or NCIH, attempts to clarify the conflicting information that may be encountered when trying to decide just how much fish is safe to eat during pregnancy. The report highlights recent updates from both the FDA and the EPA, which, according to NCIH, give pregnant women an "unequivocal" green light to eat a wide variety of fish.

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that pregnant women eat at least two to three servings of adequately cooked fish each week." says the report.

It even goes on to add this heartening bit of research, saying, "Greater maternal fish intake overall has been proven to be associated with higher child developmental scores. In 2014, the FDA finished a nine-year study weighing the risks and benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy. It examined 120 peer-reviewed studies and concluded that eating fish during pregnancy can benefit a child's developing nervous system."

Sounds great, right?

Not so fast...

Another study, published last month by JAMA Pediatrics, has discovered that mercury may not be the only concern when it comes to fish and pregnancy.

The study, which used information from 26,184 births (both in the US and in several European countries), found this: "Women who ate fish more than 3 times/week during pregnancy gave birth to offspring with higher body mass index values from infancy through middle childhood compared with women with lower fish intake (3 times/week or less). High fish intake during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of rapid infant growth and increased risk of offspring overweight/obesity at 4 years compared with an intake of once per week or less.

The conclusion? "High maternal fish intake during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of rapid growth in infancy and childhood obesity."

Confused yet? You're not alone.

But, while the exact amount of fish a pregnant women should be eating remains up in the air, one thing is for certain: it's a great idea to be eating some amount fish. Omega-3s are vital for healthy brain and retinal development in utero.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "...eating average amounts of seafood containing low levels of mercury during pregnancy hasn't been shown to cause problems. And the omega-3 fatty acids in many types of fish - especially salmon and tuna - can promote healthy cognitive development. As long as you avoid fish known to be high in mercury or contaminated with pollutants, fish can be a regular part of your healthy-eating plan during pregnancy."'

The Environmental Working Group lists the best seafood choices as:
  • Salmon
  • Sardines
  • Mussels
  • Rainbow Trout
  • and Atlantic Mackerel
  • Oysters, Pollock and Herring are also good choices, but a bit lower on the list
These fish are high in Omega-3s, low in mercury and sustainable.

Can't stand fish? Consider taking a high-quality fish oil supplement in order to reap the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for you, your children and your baby. And don't worry about the fishy aftertaste. These days, you can find supplements in natural lemon or even strawberry flavors.

Image: Taz