Fish and shellfish can be an important part of a balanced diet. It is a good source of high quality protein and other nutrients and is low in fat. The FDA and EPA are advising pregnant women and nursing mothers to eat the types and amounts of fish and shellfish that are safe to prevent harm to the development of their baby or young child. Methyl mercury exposure in the womb is caused by a mother’s consumption of fish and shellfish that contain methyl mercury. This can adversely affect a baby’s growing brain and nervous system. If you follow the advice given by both the FDA and EPA you will gain the positive benefits of eating fish but avoid any developmental problems from mercury in fish. To protect your baby follow these 3 rules Do not eat Orange Roughy, Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish. Levels of mercury in other fish can vary. You can safely eat up to 12 ounces (2 to 3 meals) of other purchased fish and shellfish a week. Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in your local rivers and streams. Some local lakes and streams may be contaminated and fish from these areas should be avoided. For additional information on the recommendations on fish and shellfish in your diet, you can go to the web site https://www.epa.gov/