Can I Eat Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, marlin, orange roughy, bigeye tuna While Pregnant?
Best to avoidGeneral guidance from FDA/EPA. Please always check with your provider.
A small group of fish is best avoided completely during pregnancy, and it helps to know which ones they are.
Why
Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, marlin, orange roughy, and bigeye tuna are the highest-mercury fish on the FDA's list. These are large, long-lived predators that accumulate mercury over time. In pregnancy, mercury crosses the placenta and can harm your baby's developing brain and nervous system, which is why the FDA places them in the 'Choices to Avoid' category.
How to enjoy it safely
Swap these for low-mercury 'Best Choices' like salmon, shrimp, cod, tilapia, pollock, or sardines, which give you the same protein and omega-3 benefits without the mercury. You can safely eat 2 to 3 servings of those each week.
When to ask your provider
Ask your Garden OB/GYN provider if you ate one of these fish, especially more than once, and want reassurance or guidance.
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?
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