FDA & EPA encourage pregnant women to eat more fish
Posted: Jun 10, 2014 11:37 PM EST | Updated: Nov 6, 2014 4:29 AM EST
Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency says it's okay for women to eat fish in moderation - and they encourage it.
Until now, the agencies have only issued a recommendation for the maximum amount of fish.
Studies found many pregnant women ate no fish, so officials are suggesting they eat 8 to 12 ounces of seafood a week.
"For a long time pregnant women have heard the message that some fish are high in mercury and so they've avoided all fish, but fish can be a great source of nutrition for women who are pregnant," said Richard Besser, ABC News' chief health and medical editor.
The agencies still warned about fish high in mercury, advising moms and those breastfeeding to be careful of intake.
They recommend seafood like shrimp, salmon, and catfish.
