You’ll find plenty of salmon recipes as you begin to plan your pregnancy and new motherhood. After all, it’s one of the few types of fish that is safe to eat in pregnancy, and also a good source of protein for the postpartum period. But does that mean it’s okay to eat this type of fish at any stage? Even though salmon has a lot of health benefits, there are some concerns about how safe it is to eat when pregnant or breastfeeding. The facts can be confusing and seem contradictory at times – but here’s what we know so far:
What is Salmon?
Salmon is a fish that comes from the Pacific Ocean. Salmon can be farmed or wild, so if you see wild salmon on the menu, you can be sure that salmon has been caught in its natural environment. Salmon is a good source of both protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating salmon while pregnant is a good way to get enough nutrients for your growing baby and your own body. In general, it is fine to eat salmon if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, some types of salmon do contain high levels of contaminants, so it is important to choose the right type of salmon. Salmon is one of the best sources of healthy fats during pregnancy. It can help your baby’s brain and nervous system develop and is also great for your own body. While salmon contains plenty of protein, iron, vitamin B12, and calcium, it also has a good amount of healthy fats and vitamin D. It has all the nutrients you need to stay healthy during pregnancy.
How Safe is Salmon While Pregnant?
Salmon is safe to eat during pregnancy, but there are some types that you should avoid and others that require a little more caution when eating. If you’re eating farmed salmon, it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some brands of farmed salmon contain more contaminants than others, and therefore are safer to eat. The best option is wild salmon, ideally from the Atlantic Ocean. The fish should be as fresh as possible and eaten within two days of being purchased. You should be careful about eating king and sockeye salmon as well. While these types are safe to eat in moderation, eat them less often if you’re worried about contaminants. If you’re eating canned salmon, make sure to choose the type without added salt, which is high in sodium.
Can I Eat Salmon While Breastfeeding?
Yes, you can eat salmon while breastfeeding, but it should be the Atlantic variety. Pacific salmon has high levels of contaminants, so it’s best to avoid it. Salmon is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your baby’s development. It can also help you recover after birth and lose weight more easily. The best way to get the most benefits out of salmon is to cook it the right way. Many people prefer to bake their salmon because they believe it’s healthier than frying or broiling it. But, in fact, baking salmon is actually worse for you. Baking salmon will create carcinogens, which are linked to an increased risk of cancer. That’s why it’s better to fry or broil it instead.
How Much Salmon is Safe During Pregnancy?
The recommended intake of salmon during pregnancy is two to three servings per week. During breastfeeding, this should be reduced to one to two servings per week. Because salmon contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, it’s important to be careful when you’re eating it. Be sure to eat it in moderation and to space out your servings during the week. If you’re worried about contaminants in your salmon, you can choose a smaller serving size or an alternative fish or meat source.
Should You Avoid Farmed Salmon While Pregnant?
You can eat wild salmon, but you should avoid farmed salmon at all costs. Farmed salmon is fed antibiotics, pesticides, and tons of fishmeal. These are a huge risk to your baby’s health and should be avoided as much as possible. Farmed salmon also contains higher levels of contaminants because the water at fish farms is less clean than the water at natural salmon habitats. The amount of toxins in fish feed is very high, so if you eat farmed salmon, you’re likely ingesting more toxins than you would with wild salmon. Farmed salmon is particularly high in PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), dioxins, and other contaminants that may harm your health. It’s best to avoid eating farmed salmon during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Final words: Is salmon safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
There are plenty of reasons to love salmon, including its high protein content. Salmon is good for both your developing baby and yourself, thanks to its high omega-3 fatty acid content. It’s important to choose the right type of salmon, though, as some salmon contain more contaminants than others. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you can eat salmon, but you should be careful about the amount and type you consume. You should also avoid eating too much canned salmon, as it contains extra salt. Salmon is a good, nutritious food for both you and your growing baby.