Mercury is a heavy metal that naturally resides in the environment, but has toxic properties (toxins). If the use is not controlled, mercury is very harmful to health and the environment.
Everyone has a chance of exposure to mercury, because mercury can enter the body through the skin when it touches mercury-containing objects. Mercury is also present in the air, so it can enter the body while breathing. Remember too that there are some foods or drinks that contain mercury, so the digestive tract is also vulnerable to exposure to mercury.
In addition, when mercury is dispersed in the air into the sea water and rivers, the composition of bacteria in the sea turned into methlymercury (which is toxic). Biota in the sea have the possibility of absorbing methylmercury from the food they eat. Mercury can also be found in soil, plants, or animals.
Then while pregnant, you can be exposed methlymercury. The content can enter the body, then through the placenta, then into the circulation of fetal blood. In fact, the content of methlymercury in the fetal blood circulation may be higher than in the mother's body.
According to the EPA (Enviromental Protection Agency), mercury can cause fetal disturbances such as fetal brain development disturbances, central nervous system disorders, and impaired cognitive function. In addition, speech impairment, motor disturbances, visual impairment, diminished head size, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation may also occur in the fetus.
Although the risk of exposure to mercury can occur from the consumption of seafood, you are not advised to stop seafood intake during pregnancy. Therefore, seafood contains nutrients that are very important for the development of the fetus, such as omega-3 and protein.
You just have to limit the consumption of some seafood potentially exposed to mercury. Here are some guidelines from EPA for pregnant women in eating seafood:
- Should consume seafood with low mercury levels, such as shellfish, canned tuna, and salmon, no more than 12 ounces per week.
- Avoid foods containing whales, sword whales, and mackerel while pregnant. The seafood has a very high mercury content.
Methlymercury that has already entered into the body and spread in various organs of pregnant women will be stored for 80 days, then will be out through the urine or feces. Well, that long period of time that can affect the fetus. When in doubt about eating certain seafood, you can ask for more and find out the level of safety to your obstetrician.
