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Disclaimer: This guide is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always confirm medicine, supplement and product decisions with your obstetrician, midwife, pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Food & Drink

Is Tuna Safe During Pregnancy?

Published 2026-07-08 | By SafeMama Editorial Team | Editorial policy

Is Tuna Safe During Pregnancy? pregnancy safety guide image

Short answer

Tuna can be eaten during pregnancy in limited amounts, but it has more mercury than many other fish. Bigeye tuna should be avoided under FDA fish guidance.

Limit; choose lower-mercury options

What is the safest way to think about this?

Fish is nutritionally valuable, but mercury levels vary. Tuna is not the same as shrimp or salmon in mercury profile.

What is generally okay?

  • Choose lower-mercury seafood such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, shrimp or trout more often.
  • Follow official tuna limits for your country.
  • Use fully cooked or canned tuna rather than raw.

What should you avoid or double-check?

  • Avoid bigeye tuna.
  • Avoid eating tuna every day.
  • Avoid raw tuna sushi during pregnancy.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama can help identify fish type and whether a product is raw, smoked, canned or cooked.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Is canned light tuna safer than albacore?

Canned light tuna is generally lower in mercury than albacore/white tuna, but still count servings.

Should I avoid fish completely?

No. Official guidance encourages lower-mercury fish because it provides important nutrients.

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