Smoked seafood and fish contain protein and vitamins A and D, and are also an excellent source of B complex vitamins especially niacin, B12, and B6. Seafood also gives you calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorous, potassium, iodine and selenium. Smoked seafood is also low in fat and has beneficial omega 3 fatty acids.

The only smoked seafood that should be consumed during pregnancy is canned. Eating uncanned smoked seafood is not recommended during pregnancy because it may carry listeria and infect a woman with listeriosis, a potentially dangerous condition during pregnancy. This ailment leads to stillbirths, miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Pregnant women can easily contract the disease because their immune system is weaker during pregnancy.

What types of smoked seafood should be avoided?

Pregnant women should not eat refrigerated smoked seafood like salmon, trout, whitefish, tuna, cod, and mackerel unless it is served in a casserole or cooked dish. You can identify such refrigerated smoked seafood from the labels reading 'nova style', 'lox', 'kippered,' 'smoked' or 'jerky.' Such fish is stored in the refrigerated section of the grocery store or is found at deli counters and can cause listeriosis.

Also avoid smoked seafood like shark, swordfish, king Mackerel, white tuna and Tilefish as these varieties are high in methylmercury which is poisonous. Mercury poisoning can harm the unborn child's nervous system. All fish should be limited to only a couple of times a week.

In addition, be wary of the sodium content in these foods which is very high. High sodium food can could cause increased blood pressure or swelling.