Methyl-mercury, usually from contaminated food, is very dangerous to pregnant women. Methyl-mercury causes profound mental retardation, cerebral palsy, seizures, spasticity, tremors, and incoordination, along with eye and hearing damage in the unborn baby as a result of the mother's exposure. Organic mercury passes into the breast milk as well. Because the number of symptoms is so great and the variety of symptoms is so wide, anyone could pick out at least two or three symptoms at any given time. If you have any doubt and if you have been or are exposed to mercury compounds, see a physician and get tested.
Testing is the only definite way to determine if mercury is the cause of the symptoms.
Mercury poisoning can be diagnosed by special blood and urine collection tests. If levels are high, there is treatment. Medication can be administered to help bind the mercury and increase elimination. If mercury blood levels are going to be tested, it is important NOT to eat any seafood products for at least 30 hours before testing. Even a single meal of seafood can elevate mercury blood levels for as long as 20 to 30 hours after eating.