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Pregnancy food safety · 5 entries

Fish during pregnancy

Of the 5 fish entries here, 2 are fine, 1 needs care and 2 are worth avoiding. Usually it's how something was cooked or stored that decides it, not the food itself — each entry says which, and why.

Every fish entry, with a verdict

Sorted with the ones worth knowing about first. Avoid means skip it entirely; take care means it depends on how it was prepared.

  • Raw fish

    Avoid

    Raw fish can contain harmful bacteria like coliform or salmonella. It won't harm the placenta, but it will certainly harm your health and make you sick, and this can lead to further problems. Do not refuse fish — just cook it with the temperature no lower than 170° F (76° C). Consult your healthcare provider with any questions you may have.

  • Smoked fish

    Avoid

    Smoked fish can contain harmful bacteria like coliform or salmonella. It won't harm the placenta, but it will certainly harm your health and make you sick, and it can lead to further problems. Do not refuse fish — just cook it with the temperature not lower than 170° F (76° C). Consult your healthcare provider with any questions you may have. The only exception for eating smoked fish is heat it until piping hot (over 158° F or 70° C). If you want to eat it after that, go!

  • Fish with mercury

    Take care

    Be very careful about the fish you eat. Try to avoid fish that contain high levels of mercury, as eating those kinds of fish can lead to developmental delays and brain damage in the baby. High levels of mercury are found in: • amberjack, • bluefish, • Chilean sea bass, • Crevalle jack, • croaker, • fresh or frozen tuna, • golden snapper, • grouper, • halibut, • jacksmelt, • king mackerel, • Mahi Mahi, • marlin, • monkfish, • Orange Roughy, • orange roughy, • rockfish • sablefish, • sea trout, • shark, • skate, • snapper, • Spanish mackerel. • Striped bass, • swordfish, • tilefish. Canned, chunk light tuna generally has a lower amount of mercury than other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation and in small amounts.

  • Well-cooked fish

    Safe

    Fish is a great product for pregnant women, it provides nutrients that are important for baby's early development and also for your health. The most important nutrients are omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA that are rarely contained in other foods. Fish is also low in saturated fat and high in protein, vitamin D, and other nutrients that are crucial for a developing baby and a healthy pregnancy. Good choices include salmon, trout, anchovies, herring, sardines, and shad. Avoid fish from contaminated local lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls. These fish include bluefish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye. You can get information about proper places fish from your local Fish and Wildlife agency. Also, be careful to observe the mercury levels in the fish you are consuming. It is recommended to eat about 8-12 ounces (250-350 grams) of fish and seafood a week while pregnant.

  • Canned fish

    Safe

    Canned fish is okay to eat and cook, make sure that cans are fresh, store in fridge and eat within 2 days after opening.

Other categories

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