Fish I should avoid

During pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid species with higher mercury levels, namely:

• Fresh tuna (not tinned)
• Dogfish
• Swordfish
• Ling
• Catshark
• Scabbard fish
• Blue shark

The reason for this is a higher accumulation of methylmercury, which crosses the placenta and can affect your baby's developing nervous system.

Fish is still a great source of nutrients during pregnancy

Portuguese guidelines suggest 3 to 4 fish meals per week for pregnant women, choosing species with lower mercury levels:

• Sardine
• Mackerel
• Cod
• Horse mackerel
• Hake
• Meagre
• Sea bream
• Sea bass, among others