title: Fish consumption during pregnancy: an overview of the risks and benefits.
abstract: Evidence supports the benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy, primarily because of the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the neurodevelopment of the fetus. Many fish may also be potent sources of methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenol exposure, which have been shown to have severe negative impacts on both the mother and fetus. Therefore, all women of childbearing age should be informed of both the benefits and risks of fish consumption.
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Room 427, Fagin Hall, 418 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. dtiffany@nursing.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Tiffany
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dovydaitis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005399:Fishes; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017747:Seafood / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls