Worried I've eaten too much salmon

[Cosmogirl86]

I know before I post this, that my worry is probably ridiculous.

I'm six weeks pregnant today and so far have been very anxious about what I eat among other things in order to make sure baby gets best start.

I love salmon. I had some last week, maybe five days ago. And tonight, a really big piece
I was probably too greedy as there was enough for two!

Do you think the Mercury is something I should be concerned over?

www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/should-pregnant-and-breastfeeding-women-avoid-some-types-of-fish/

Thanks for that. I've already checked the NHS page and it says no more than 2 portions a week, and I've had about 3.

Hiw dangerous is this? Should I be concerned? Or just have less next week

There's no need to panic.

1. There's no mercury in salmon. It's shark and swordfish mainly. Salmon is perfectly safe, the NHS website even says so.

1. you're early pregnant, and therefore very unlikely that your short term intake will affect the pregnancy or will have affected it by this stage.

It's not mercury that's the issue with oily fish, it's pollutants. (dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)).

Just have fewer portions next week

Lucky you! Would love a big wedge of salmon drowning in butter but tummy says no!

It really was delicious! I have no nausea yet so I'm eating while I can!

Thank you so much for all holding my hand through this. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to reply

I was slightly worried about salmon over Christmas. My GP friend assured me that I was fine to eat as much salmon as I wanted. I decided to take her advice, as otherwise I’d have been quite hungry that week!

"Fucking hell. If this is real, then you need to grow a brain, quickly"

This seems a bit harsh. I have had losses in past, have been trying to have a child for five years and have spent a small fortune on fertility treatment. I realise you can't know my circumstances before commenting and I'm also aware I'm not the only woman who has experienced loss. I'm just terrified ill make a mistake. I know it's probably just hormones but this has actually reduced me to tears and I don't think I'll feel comfortable posting again

If you eat too much salmon (or other oily fish) one week just cut down the next week so it evens out

I've been craving salmon, had salmon pate on toast most evenings in the first trimester could barely eat anything else! Then sushi on weekends! My friends think it's the poshest craving ever lol.

I'm 20 weeks and all seems fine with me 😚 I wouldn't worry x

Fucking hell. If this is real, then you need to grow a brain, quickly.

@MyLearnedFriend
I honestly don’t understand why people like you bother to leave comments like this? Do you get a kick out of leaving pathetic comments on this anonymous platform? This comment speaks volumes about the type of person you are more than anything else.

Not buying your sarcastic ‘apology’ either - pure spiteful.

Hope you’re okay OP, unfortunately there are a few idiots on this site - this person really takes the bullet though. Don’t let shitty comments from small people hiding behind their keyboards get you down during this exciting time! Congrats on your pregnancy and best of luck

Hi OP, I'm 26 weeks and been anxious about food too, especially since I've developed an aversion to most veg (an anti-craving!). When I look at the daily/weekly guidance for portions I've been thinking of this as what to aim for if I was eating/drinking this every day/ week of my pregnancy. For example if I forget to ask for a decaf coffee one day then I just try to make sure I don't have too much caffeine the next couple of days so pretty much what previous posters were saying. Basically it will all average out. Just refer to the NHS guidelines whenever you are unsure (everyone has an opinion on what is ok!) and I'm sure you will do great!

I mean this in the kindest way possible: Please read through all the NHS food info. Knowledge is power and the more you know the less worried you'll be about the odd slip up.

If it's any consolation I ate shark in week 6 or so. I had no idea it was shark as I was overseas and it had a name I didn't recognise. All sustainably sourced and not bad for the environment (eating shark made me feel so guilty from an environmental perspective. Haha) but I worried for a week or so. Then avoided sea fish for a month to counter any risks.

Please don’t worry OP. Pregnancy anxiety makes you hyper aware/ anxious about things. With my first pregnancy I was the same! Just think of the lovely good oils you provided for your/ baby brain! 3 portions of salmon won’t have hurt baby in the slightest.

You might like reading ‘Expecting Better’ by Emily Ostler. She breaks down many of the ‘risks’ presented to pregnant woman so you can put them into context (and get less anxious). You may or may not agree with all of her conclusions but it can provide a helpful counterpoint when you’re feeling worried. (I found it helped anyway).

You’ve reminded me actually that I should eat some salmon this week- I haven’t had enough fish recently! (Must try not to worry about that )

I used to get really worried about every thing I ate etc because of my losses , but now I’m further along I’ve relaxed , you won’t of done any harm I totally get your worry though. I have a coffee everyday now but gave up for weeks to avoid caffeine even though I know your were allowed some, anyway wish you a speedy few weeks so you can get to your first scan x

Thank you everyone, for the support and for the recommendations on reading materials!

I have a scan booked at ivf clinic on the 16th, so I just need to get through the next two weeks