What type of fish is okay during pregnancy

Fish consumption and marine n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in pregnancy. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Selecting and serving fresh and frozen seafood safely.

Food and Drug Administration. Garner CD. Nutrition in pregnancy. Staying healthy and safe. Eating raw, undercooked, or cold meats and seafood. Department of Health and Human Services and U. Dietary advice for moms-to-be. See also Air travel during pregnancy Allergy medications during pregnancy Ankle swelling during pregnancy Antibiotics and pregnancy Aspirin during pregnancy Baby brain Pregnancy back pain Breast-feeding while pregnant Childbirth classes Couvade syndrome Dental work during pregnancy Thinking about exercise during pregnancy?

Falling during pregnancy: Reason to worry? Flu and pregnancy Flu shot in pregnancy Hair dye and pregnancy Headaches during pregnancy: What's the best treatment? Here are a few tips to properly prepare fish and help reduce your exposure to any potential contaminants:.

The good news at least for moms who enjoy seafood is that fish really does offer big benefits for both pregnant women and their developing babies. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations.

Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.

This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Registry Builder New. Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Wu, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Fish is one of the best foods to eat when pregnant, but some types are off limits. Back to Top. The 7 Fish You Should Avoid.

What About Sushi? Nutritional Benefits Of Fish. Image: Lindsey Balbierz. Next on Your Reading List. Pregnancy Snacks.

During Pregnancy. Treat Yourself! Article saved. Consumption of white albacore tuna should not exceed 6 ounces per week. Mercury is an element that can collect in oceans, lakes, and streams. In these bodies of water, mercury turns into methylmercury, a neurotoxin found in most fish in at least small amounts. In high quantities, methylmercury can be toxic to the nervous system. Due to their high mercury levels, there are four types of fish that should be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding.

These include tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, swordfish, shark, and king mackerel. Also, if you eat fish from a local river, stream, or lake, make sure to first check the advisories for those bodies of water. You can find this information on your local fishing regulations website or through your local health department. If this information is not provided, consumption of such fish should be limited to 6 ounces per week. Learn more about foods to avoid while pregnant.

It is unlikely that one serving of such fish would pose a risk. However, it is best to avoid these while pregnant or breastfeeding. While omega-3 supplements are beneficial, if you avoid all fish, you will be missing out on other essential nutrients.