Preconceptional monitoring of mercury levels in hair and blood as a tool for minimizing associated reproductive risks

We describe the case of a 41-year-old woman, planning a pregnancy, who had a spontaneous abortion and subsequently was found to have high blood mercury levels. The source of high mercury was in her diet that contained fish as her main source of protein. Serial measurements of mercury in hair and blood allowed the team to determine the exact time when safe levels of mercury were reached, to eliminate elevated mercury levels as a potential cause of spontaneous abortion and to use preconception counseling to minimize the risk for adverse pregnancy outcome.