Excessive consumption of fat fish during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, according to American researchers

Excessive consumption of fat fish during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, according to American researchers. They state that this regularity can be connected with heightened mercury content in some sorts of fish. At the same time, experts warn about importance of sufficient quantity of fish in a pregnant woman’s diet.
 
Scientists received information about 1024 Michigan (USA) inhabitants’ passing of pregnancy and dietetic habits. They passed tests on mercury content in hair, which results were compared with the date of birth then.
According to researchers, 44 women, who gave birth to babies on average two weeks earlier allotted time, had mercury content in their hair that exceeded average indices. Besides, during pregnancy these participants ate much more fish and especially tinned fish in general.
 
Heightened mercury content affects passing of pregnancy negatively and can lead to premature birth and miscarriages. Scientists suppose that such sorts of oceanic fish, like mackerel, salmon and sardines, which meat contain quite high concentration of this heavy metal, could become sources of mercury.
 
At the same time scientists note that data about fish consumption, quoted in their work, are based on words of participants of the research, and can be inaccurate. Besides, mercury could penetrate into organism from other sources too.   However, authors of the research consider necessary to recommend pregnant women avoiding excessive consumption of fish and sea food, at any rate, until their specify results they received.  
 
Fat fish contains big quantity of omega 3 fatty acids, necessary for normal development of fetus. According to numerous researches’ data, diet, rich in fish dishes, reduces probability of premature birth, leads to newborn babies’ weight gain and stimulates their brain development.   Scientists recommend pregnant women eating at least two fish dishes per week.  
 
At the same time, future mothers should refrain from consumption of such sorts of fish, like shark, marline or sword fish, as mercury content in them can be especially high.