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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Is canned tuna safe during pregnancy?

Assigned clinical reviewerMichael Yuzefovich· MD, FACOGDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated

What does the evidence say about canned tuna during pregnancy?

  1. Canned light tuna, made from skipjack, is an FDA 'Best Choice' for pregnancy at 2 to 3 servings a week. 1
  2. Albacore or white tuna has more mercury than light tuna, so the FDA limits it to about 1 serving a week. 1
  3. Bigeye tuna is one of the highest-mercury fish around, so the FDA says to skip it during pregnancy. 2
  4. Mercury can stay in your body for months and affects your baby's developing nervous system, which is why the limits are measured by the week, not by a single meal. 3

Is canned tuna safe in each trimester?

  • First trimester. Your baby's brain starts developing fast in the first trimester, which is why mercury limits matter from the start. Stick to the FDA's weekly serving limits.
  • Second trimester. Same guidance. Count your tuna servings by the week, not the day.
  • Third trimester. Same guidance. Keep choosing the lower-mercury options on the FDA list.

Frequently asked questions

What is a serving of canned tuna?

The FDA uses 4 ounces (about 113 g), which is roughly the drained contents of a small can. Two of these per week fits the Best-Choice light-tuna guidance.

Are tuna steaks or fresh tuna the same as canned?

No, fresh tuna varies by type. Yellowfin is a Good Choice at about 1 serving a week, and bigeye should be avoided. See our sushi guide for the raw-tuna angle.

How can I tell 'light' from 'white' tuna?

Check the can label. 'Light' or 'chunk light' is usually skipjack, which is lower in mercury. 'White' or 'albacore' has more mercury and fits the once-a-week guidance.

What if I already exceeded the weekly limit?

Going over once isn't usually an emergency. Just get back to the standard limits going forward, and mention it at your next appointment if you're concerned.

Related in the library

References

  1. Advice about Eating Fish: FDA

    FDA · https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish

  2. Questions & Answers from the FDA/EPA Advice about Eating Fish: FDA

    FDA · https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/questions-answers-fdaepa-advice-about-eating-fish-those-who-might-become-or-are-pregnant-or

  3. Methylmercury and Pregnancy: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet

    MotherToBaby · https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/methylmercury-pregnancy/

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.