Is it safe to eat shellfishes during pregnancy?

Some types of seafood contain little mercury. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) say pregnant women can safely eat up to 12 ounces a week (340 grams) or two average meals of:

• Shrimp
• Canned light tuna (limit albacore tuna and tuna steak to no more than 6 ounces a week)
• Salmon
• Pollock
• Catfish

But some research suggests that limiting seafood during pregnancy may do more harm than good, since the risks from losing important nutrients may exceed the risks of harm due to mercury exposure. A 2007 British study found that women who ate 12 ounces (340 grams) or less of seafood a week were more likely to have children with verbal or other communication problems at age 3, and behavioral problems and trouble with fine motor skills by ages 7 and 8. No negative effects were noted for women who ate more seafood than the FDA-approved guidelines.