Fish In Pregnancy

Most of my patients often ask me if fish is safe during pregnancy? Below are the guidelines I have listed for pregnant women on ‘Fish in Pregnancy’ – what is safe and what is unsafe.

Fish contains saturated fats but is also a very good source of proteins, omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamins.

It is safe to consume 2 to 3 servings of low mercury-containing fish per week.

Which fish is safe to consume during pregnancy?

In pregnancy it is safe to consume:

Smoked fish such as smoked salmon and trout
Raw or lightly cooked fish as in sushi
Cooked shellfish, such as mussels, lobster, crab, prawns, scallops, and clams
Cold pre-cooked prawns
Salmon and shrimp are safe throughout pregnancy.

What should be avoided during pregnancy?

One should avoid consuming:

More than 2 portions of oily fish per week, such as salmon, trout, mackerel, or herring. (oily fish can have pollutants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls and these can harm the fetus.)
More than 2 tuna steaks (tuna is high in mercury and it can be harmful to the fetus)
One must totally avoid swordfish, marlin, shark, raw shellfish.
Tuna is high mercury-containing fish therefore best avoided.