Is Canned Tuna Safe During Pregnancy

Reason

Tuna is limited in pregnancy because of mercury. Raw tuna is also unsafe.

Safe Amount

Pregnancy: 2 tuna steaks (about 140 g cooked or 170 g raw each) or 4 medium cans per week; white/albacore tuna: up to 6 oz (170 g) per week.

Effects

Pregnancy

Guidance is to limit tuna, not eat it freely.

Mother

Too much mercury exposure is unsafe; raw tuna also raises foodborne illness risk.

Baby

Too much mercury can harm fetal development.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Same limits apply. High-mercury tuna should be avoided.

2nd Trimester

Same limits apply. Keep to official weekly limits.

3rd Trimester

Same limits apply. Avoid high-mercury tuna types; choose lower-mercury tuna in limited amounts.

Conditions & Warnings

• Choose canned light tuna or other lower-mercury tuna.
• Limit white/albacore tuna to 6 oz per week.
• Do not eat raw tuna or sushi/sashimi made with tuna.
• Avoid bigeye tuna; it is higher in mercury.

Alternatives

• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Pollock
• Catfish
• Canned light tuna in limited amounts

References

• NHS
  https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
• ACOG
  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/healthy-eating-during-pregnancy
• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish
• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/questions-answers-fdaepa-advice-about-eating-fish-those-who-might-become-or-are-pregnant-or
• CDC
  https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html