7 Common Fish To Avoid While Pregnant

Are you expecting a little one and wondering what fish to avoid during pregnancy?

It’s a common question that many moms-to-be have, and for good reason.

While fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, some types of fish can contain high levels of mercury and other toxins that can be harmful to your developing baby.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the fish to avoid while pregnant and provide some safe and delicious alternatives to keep you and your baby healthy.

Fish To Avoid While Pregnant

Here are some common fish that you should avoid while pregnant:

1. Orange Roughy

A long-lived fish species called orange roughy can build up significant amounts of mercury in its tissues.

This deep-sea fish has been overfished and may be highly mercury-contaminated.

Due to its high mercury level, which could be harmful to the fetus, it should be avoided during pregnancy.

Pregnant women are advised by the FDA to completely avoid orange roughy.

2. Sharks

High concentrations of mercury, a dangerous chemical that can impair a fetus’s ability to develop, have been found in this huge predator fish.

Both while breastfeeding and while pregnant, shark flesh should be avoided.

Shark consumption while pregnant is harmful to the developing fetus, especially to the neurological system.

Pregnant women are advised by the FDA to completely avoid sharks.

3. Swordfish

Large, predatory fish called swordfish can have high mercury concentrations.

Mercury is a poisonous metal that can affect a developing fetus, especially its neurological system.

Pregnant women are advised by the FDA to completely avoid swordfish.

4. King Mackerel

Pregnant women should avoid eating king mackerel fish during pregnancy because it contains high levels of mercury.

Mercury is a toxic substance that can harm the developing nervous system of a fetus.

While mackerel is generally safe to eat up to two times a week during pregnancy, king mackerel should be avoided.

5. Tilefish

Tilefish fish, particularly those from the Gulf of Mexico, should be avoided by pregnant women due to their high levels of mercury.

Mercury can be harmful to the developing nervous system of a fetus.

While it is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women to eat low-mercury fish for their health benefits, it is important to avoid high-mercury fish like tilefish.

6. Marlin

Marlin fish is one of the fish that pregnant women should avoid eating during pregnancy due to its high levels of mercury.

Mercury is a toxic substance that can harm the developing nervous system of a fetus.

It is recommended that pregnant women, women planning a pregnancy, and young children up to 6 years old avoid consuming fish that contain high levels of mercury.

7. Bigeye Tuna

Bigeye tuna is a type of tuna that can contain high levels of mercury, especially when caught in certain areas.

Mercury exposure during pregnancy can lead to developmental delays and cognitive impairment.

The FDA advises pregnant women to limit their consumption of tuna to no more than 6 ounces per week and to avoid eating bigeye tuna altogether.

Learn more about seafood to avoid when pregnant.

Fish Pregnant Women can eat

Pregnant women can safely eat a variety of seafood that is low in mercury and high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, anchovies, sardines, trout, and canned or pouch tuna.

The FDA recommends eating fish during pregnancy because it can help with the baby’s cognitive development.

It is important to avoid raw seafood and fish that are higher in mercury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I avoid certain kinds of fish during pregnancy?

Certain fish contain high levels of mercury, which can harm your developing baby’s nervous system.

Which fish should I avoid during pregnancy?

You should avoid sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, as these are known to contain high levels of mercury.

Can I eat any fish while pregnant?

Yes, you can eat low-mercury fish, such as salmon, cod, and trout, in moderation.

Can cooking or preparation methods reduce the mercury content in fish?

No, cooking or preparation methods cannot reduce or remove mercury from fish.

How much fish can I eat while pregnant?

The FDA recommends eating 8–12 ounces of low-mercury fish per week while pregnant.

What are the risks of eating high-mercury fish while pregnant?

High levels of mercury in the bloodstream can lead to developmental delays, brain damage, and other neurological problems in the baby.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while fish is a great source of nutrition for pregnant women, it is important to be mindful of the types of fish you consume.

Certain fish, such as sharks, swordfish, and king mackerel, should be avoided due to their high levels of mercury.

However, there are still plenty of safe and delicious fish options available, such as salmon, trout, and sardines.

By being informed and making smart choices, pregnant women can enjoy the benefits of fish while keeping themselves and their babies healthy.

References

Pregnancy and fish: What’s safe to eat? – Mayo Clinic

Mercury Levels in Fish.

FDA Releases First Official List of Fish Pregnant Women…

Advice about Eating Fish