As moms, we’re constantly thinking about how our choices during pregnancy can shape our children’s development. From prenatal vitamins to the debate about sushi (safe or not safe?), it can feel overwhelming. Now, a new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition adds to the conversation: eating fish during pregnancy may be associated with developmental differences, including a 20% reduced likelihood of traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.
For years, researchers have been exploring how prenatal nutrition shapes a child’s development, and fish has often been part of the conversation—loaded with omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, which support brain health. But this study breaks new ground by suggesting a connection between fish consumption during pregnancy and autism-related outcomes.
What this study found about fish and developmental traits
The U.S.-based ECHO study analyzed ≤32 cohorts of pregnant participants with children born before 2019, focusing on autism outcomes after age 3. Researchers observed that moms who consumed fish during pregnancy were more likely to report developmental outcomes associated with fewer autism-related traits in their children. Interestingly, eating more fish didn’t significantly increase the benefit, but the reduction in autism risk was more pronounced in daughters than in sons.
Researchers also found that children of moms who ate fish during pregnancy showed differences in traits commonly associated with autism, such as variations in social interaction and communication styles, compared to kids whose moms skipped the fish entirely.
Even more surprising? Omega-3 supplements, often marketed as a fish-free alternative for pregnant moms, didn’t show the same benefits. In fact, the study noted a slight increase in autism-related traits among children whose moms relied on supplements instead of fish.
Why fish is a key ingredient for neurodevelopment
Fish is rich in nutrients, like DHA and selenium, which support overall brain health and development. These nutrients may work together to support healthy neurodevelopment in ways that supplements alone can’t replicate.
So why don’t supplements measure up? The study’s lead author, Dr. Kristen Lyall from Drexel University, suggests that the benefits of eating fish might go beyond omega-3s. It could be the combination of nutrients—or even how they’re absorbed by the body when consumed in fish form—that makes the difference.
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What about mercury?
If you’re nervous about fish because of mercury, you’re not alone. This has been a hot topic for years, with many pregnant moms avoiding fish altogether to steer clear of potential risks. But according to this study, the benefits of moderate fish consumption outweigh the risks, as long as you stick to low-mercury options like salmon, sardines, and trout.
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High-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel are still on the “avoid” list for pregnant moms. For moms still concerned about mercury, consulting your doctor or using guides like the FDA’s fish recommendations can help you make safe, informed choices.
What does this mean for moms-to-be?
While this study doesn’t suggest fish consumption prevents autism or guarantees specific developmental outcomes—ASD arises from a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors—it highlights how prenatal nutrition might play a role in developmental outcomes.
This research also raises questions about whether supplements can really match the benefits of whole foods. For pregnant moms, it’s a gentle nudge to revisit what’s on your plate and consider safe, moderate fish consumption as part of a well-rounded prenatal diet.
The bottom line
This study provides more insight into how prenatal nutrition might influence child development. For moms-to-be, it’s a reminder that safe, moderate fish consumption can be a valuable part of a balanced prenatal diet.
Sources:
- Fish consumption during pregnancy and baby’s autism. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2024. “Association of maternal fish consumption and ω-3 supplement use during pregnancy with child autism-related outcomes: results from a cohort consortium analysis”
