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No. According to a series of studies reviewed by the Harvard School of Public Health, any slight negative effect that Mercury in fish might have would be outweighed by the omega-3 content. Studies tracking mothers consuming high amounts of fish tend to show that infants perform better on cognitive tests later in life- the opposite of what would be seen if mercury had a significant effect. Shark, swordfish, king mackerel (not canned), and tilefish are most often cited as fish to be avoided. It's true that these fish have some of the highest mercury levels of around, and given the fact that such fish are lower in omega 3s than many and also more expensive, it would make sense for pregnant women to choose other fish to consume. Still, accidentally consuming a single serving of one of these products is not something that should cause you to rush off to your hospital's ER. Pregnant women looking for the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids without the potential risks of mercury a few options. Salmon one of the fish highest in omega-3 content with around the lowest mercury content (most salmon tests at .1 parts per billion or registers an undetectable level). Fish oil capsules can also offer an easy way to get enough omega-3s, and usually have had any mercury removed during processing. Alternate sources of omega-3s, such as flaxseed are an option, though it's not known if the omega-3s in flaxseed confer the same advantage as those found in fish. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2005-releases/press10192005.html

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