Sometimes we have talked about fish mercury because there is a risk of high intake through certain fish and for that reason there are limitations on consumption during pregnancy, lactation and childhood. But also if you plan to get pregnant you have to be careful with fish methylmercury.
Methylmercury or methyl mercury is a neurotoxic compound capable of concentrating in the body through bioaccumulation. A large population is exposed to this organic compound of mercury, of relevant contaminating effects in food for babies and in those women take during pregnancy, since it is transferred by placental route to the fetus.
But despite the fact that mercury poisoning is a serious problem, short-term solutions are very simple: the consumption of fish with high mercury content must be monitored.
This metal is found in quite high concentrations in fish such as swordfish (emperor), bluefin tuna, pike, lofolatil, giant mackerel and shark. These fish are those that are prohibited in the case of women of childbearing age (or if they plan to get pregnant).
If you regularly consume this fish, consider avoiding them from now on. A year of "purification" is recommended before pregnancy, because mercury is naturally eliminated from the body, but it may take twelve months or more to return to safe levels.
And it is that methylmercury can accumulate in a woman's body before she becomes pregnant, if they are eaten regularly. Over time, methylmercury can accumulate in the bloodstream and if pregnancy occurs when there are high levels of this metal, it can pass through the blood to the fetus.
High levels of mercury could damage the developing nervous system of the fetus. According to the World Health Organization, this metal can be toxic to the nervous and immune systems, the digestive system, the skin and the lungs, kidneys and eyes. The fetal stage is the most vulnerable to mercury damage:
Intrauterine exposure to methylmercury from maternal consumption of fish or shellfish can damage the brain and the growing nervous system of the baby. The main health consequence of methylmercury is the alteration of neurological development. Therefore, exposure to this substance during the fetal stage can subsequently affect cognitive thinking, memory, ability to concentrate, language and fine motor and visual-visual abilities of the child.
However, remember that other fish are healthy and are recommended during pregnancy, blue fish such as albacore (and canned tuna) or salmon, sardines, herring, small mackerel, anchovy, mullet ...; and white fish such as hake, whiting, monkfish, scorpionfish, sole, rooster, fresh cod ...
Definitely, Whether you're pregnant or planning to have a baby, pay attention to fish methylmercury: Avoid species with high levels from now on if you did not do it and the organism will be "cleaner", better prepared for the conception and development of the fetus.
