Can I Eat Fish sticks While Pregnant?
Generally safeGeneral guidance from FDA/EPA. Please always check with your provider.
Fish sticks can be a convenient and safe seafood option in pregnancy as long as you choose the right kind.
Why
Per FDA guidance, what matters is that the fish is a low-mercury species and that it is fully cooked, both of which most commercial fish sticks made from pollock, cod, or haddock satisfy. These fall within the FDA 'Best Choices' and count toward your weekly seafood servings, giving you protein and omega-3s with an easy, familiar preparation. The caution is simply to check the species and cook them all the way through.
How to enjoy it safely
Read the package to confirm a low-mercury fish like pollock or cod, and bake or fry the sticks until they reach 145F and are steaming in the center. Avoid undercooking from frozen, and skip products that do not name the fish species.
When to ask your provider
Ask your Garden OB/GYN provider how breaded fish products fit your weekly 8 to 12 ounce seafood goal if you rely on them often.
More foods that are generally safe
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It summarizes guidance from FDA/EPA, which can change, and individual situations vary, so please confirm with your Garden OB/GYN provider.
Questions about your pregnancy diet?
Our providers across Brooklyn, NYC, and Long Island are happy to help you eat well and worry less.
Book a prenatal visit