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Eating Fish During Pregnancy: Your Questions Answered

As an expectant mother, you want the best for your baby, including making wise choices about what you eat. With all the mixed advice about fish, it’s no wonder many moms-to-be feel unsure. Let’s clear up the confusion so you can confidently include fish in your pregnancy diet, knowing you’re making nutritious and safe choices for yourself and your growing baby.

Is Eating Fish Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, eating fish during pregnancy is not only safe but beneficial! Fish is a powerhouse of nutrients, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, all of which support your baby’s growth and development. Here’s how fish can benefit your pregnancy diet:

  • Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play a vital role in your baby’s brain and eye development. They also support your mental health, reducing the risk of postpartum depression.

  • Good Source of Lean Protein: Fish provides high-quality protein, which is essential for cell growth and repair—critical during pregnancy.

  • Packed with Key Nutrients: Fish is rich in vitamin D, selenium, and iodine, which help maintain your health while supporting your baby’s development.

However, not all fish are created equal. Some types contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to your baby’s nervous system. The key is knowing which fish to eat and which to avoid.

pregnant woman shopping for fish

What Is Mercury and Methylmercury?

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can also be released into the environment through industrial pollution. It settles into streams and oceans, transforming into methylmercury—a form of mercury that poses health risks. Methylmercury builds up in fish, especially in larger, longer-living species.

When you consume fish high in methylmercury, it can impact your baby’s developing nervous system. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend avoiding high-mercury fish and focusing on low-mercury options to protect yourself and your baby.

Which Fish Are Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?

Aim for 2–3 servings (8–12 ounces) of low-mercury fish per week to enjoy the benefits of fish while minimizing risks. Here are six commonly eaten options recommended by the FDA and EPA:

  • Salmon
  • Tilapia
  • Cod
  • Catfish
  • Sardines
  • Shrimp
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EPA'S ADVICE ABOUT FISH FOR THOSE WHO ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING

Which Fish Are Safe to Eat During Pregnancy-4

Fish to Avoid During Pregnancy

The following types of fish are high in mercury and should be completely avoided to ensure your safety and that of your baby. Avoiding these fish can also protect your baby’s developing nervous system.

  • Shark
  • Swordfish
  • King mackerel
  • Tilefish
  • Bigeye tuna

Check out this blog post to get the lowdown on “healthy foods,” including what foods you should add to your diet and which to avoid.

Tips for Eating Fish Safely During Pregnancy

To safely enjoy fish during pregnancy, follow these simple tips:

  1. Cook Fish Thoroughly: To kill harmful bacteria or parasites, always cook fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

  2. Avoid Raw or Undercooked Fish: Avoid sushi, sashimi, and other raw fish dishes, as they can carry foodborne illnesses.

  3. Limit Albacore Tuna: Albacore (“white”) tuna contains more mercury than canned light tuna. Stick to no more than 6 ounces per week of albacore.

  4. Check Local Advisories: If fishing locally, research the safety of fish caught in your area through state or local health department advisories.

  5. Diversify Your Seafood Choices: Mix up your seafood selections to get a variety of nutrients and reduce exposure to mercury from any single type of fish.

FAQs – Eating Fish During Pregnancy

I’m a woman who could have children, but I’m not pregnant – so why should I be concerned about methylmercury?
If you regularly eat types of fish that are high in methylmercury, it can accumulate in your bloodstream over time. Methylmercury is removed from the body naturally, but it may take over a year for the levels to drop significantly. Thus, it may be present in a woman before she becomes pregnant. This is why women trying to become pregnant should also avoid eating certain types of fish.
Is there methylmercury in all fish and shellfish?
Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of methylmercury. However, larger fish that have lived longer have the highest levels of methylmercury because they’ve had more time to accumulate it. These large fish (swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish) pose the greatest risk. Other types of fish and shellfish may be eaten in the amounts recommended by FDA and EPA.
Can I eat canned tuna while pregnant?
Yes, but stick to light canned tuna, which is lower in mercury than albacore (white) tuna. Limit your intake to no more than 6 ounces per week of albacore tuna.
Is it okay to eat sushi while pregnant?
Avoiding sushi made with raw fish during pregnancy is best. However, sushi made with cooked fish or vegetarian ingredients can be safe.
How often should I eat fish during pregnancy?
Aim for 2-3 servings of low-mercury fish per week, about 8-12 ounces.
I don’t see the fish I eat in the advisory. What should I do?
If you want more information about the levels in the various types of fish you eat, see the FDA food safety website or the EPA website.
What about fish sticks and fast food sandwiches?
Fish sticks and “fast-food” sandwiches are commonly made from fish that are low in mercury.
The advice about canned tuna is in the advisory, but what’s the advice about tuna steaks?
Because tuna steak generally contains higher levels of mercury than canned light tuna, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of tuna steak per week.
What if I eat more than the weekly recommended amount of fish and shellfish?
One week’s fish consumption does not change the level of methylmercury in the body much. If you eat a lot of fish one week, you can cut back for the next week or two. Just make sure you average the recommended amount per week.
Where do I get information about the safety of fish caught recreationally by family or friends?
Before fishing, check your Fishing Regulations Booklet for information about recreationally caught fish. You can also contact your local health department for information about local advisories. You need to check local advisories because some kinds of fish and shellfish caught in your local waters may have higher or much lower than average levels of mercury. Local advisories depend on the levels of mercury in the water in which the fish are caught. Those fish with much lower levels may be eaten more frequently and in larger amounts.

For further information about the safety of locally caught fish and shellfish, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Fish Advisory website or contact your State or Local Health Department. A list of state or local health department contacts is available. Click on Federal, State, and Tribal Contacts. For information on EPA’s actions to control mercury, visit EPA’s mercury website.

Final Thoughts: Fish Can Be a Healthy Part of Your Pregnancy Diet

Eating fish during pregnancy can provide you and your baby with essential nutrients that support healthy growth and development. By choosing low-mercury options, cooking fish properly, and following the recommended guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of fish without the risks.

If you are unsure of anything, always consult with your Moreland OB-GYN provider. We are always here to answer any questions about your diet during pregnancy.

Call the FDA’s food information line toll-free at 1-888-SAFEFOOD or visit their Food Safety website for additional information about mercury in fish.

Want more tips on staying healthy throughout your pregnancy? Check out our pregnancy-related resources below.

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