Three servings of milk,yogurt,or cheese plus two servings of meat,poultry,or fish adequately supply the recommended amount of protein for a pregnant woman.Many patients are concerned about the increased levels of mercury in fish and may be afraid to include this source of nutrients in their diet.Sound advice by the nurse to assist the patient in determining which fish is safe to consume would include:

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As a precaution,the pregnant patient should avoid eating all of these and the less common tilefish.High levels of mercury can harm the developing nervous system of the fetus.It is essential for the nurse to assist the patient in understanding the differences between numerous sources of this product.A pregnant patient can take 12 ounces a week of canned light tuna; however,canned white,albacore,or tuna steaks contain higher levels of mercury and should be limited to no more than 6 ounces per week.It is a common misconception that fish caught in local waterways are the safest.Pregnant women and mothers of young children should check with local advisories about the safety of fish caught by families and friends in nearby bodies of water.If no information is available,these fish sources should be avoided,limited to less than 6 ounces,or the only fish consumed that week.Commercially caught fish that are low in mercury include salmon,shrimp,pollock,or catfish.

Three Servings of Milk,yogurt,or Cheese Plus Two Servings of Meat,poultry,or