The amount of tuna considered safe during pregnancy varies by country. In the United States, women are advised to eat no more than 12 ounces (340 grams) of canned light tuna or less than 4 ounces (112 grams) of yellowfin or albacore tuna per week.
Why is raw tuna bad for pregnancy?
Furthermore, raw fish can result in increased mercury exposure to your baby. When a pregnant woman is exposed to high levels of mercury, which is a metal, the health of the baby and mom are threatened. “High levels of mercury can cause brain damage, hearing, and vision problems in the baby,” says Valle.
How much raw fish can a pregnant woman have?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that pregnant women eat at least 8 ounces and up to 12 ounces (340 grams) of a variety of seafood lower in mercury a week. That’s about two to three servings.
How many cans of tuna can I eat a week while pregnant?
Eat no more than two 6-ounce cans of tuna a week until the FDA advises differently, she says. But other options — flounder, shrimp, catfish, salmon — are all safe to eat during pregnancy, she tells WebMD. “The amount of mercury in those fish is [very small], so there really is no limit on those fish.”
Why do you have to limit tuna when pregnant?
You should limit tuna because it has more mercury in it than other fish. If you eat too much mercury, it can be harmful to your unborn baby. You should limit oily fish because they can have pollutants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls in them.
Is sushi really bad for pregnancy?
It’s even safe for most pregnant women to eat sushi in the U.S., provided it’s prepared in a clean environment. However, some fish is high in mercury, including king mackerel and swordfish. It’s not safe to consume mercury in high amounts during pregnancy because it increases the risk of birth defects.
Can I eat raw tuna?
Raw tuna is generally safe when properly handled and frozen to eliminate parasites. Tuna is highly nutritious, but due to high mercury levels in certain species, it’s best to eat raw tuna in moderation.
Do Japanese eat raw fish while pregnant?
Meanwhile, every French mother I know consumed alcohol and unpasteurized cheese in moderation during her pregnancy, and my friends in Japan laugh at the notion of avoiding sushi when they’re expecting. Indeed, in Japan, eating raw fish is considered part of good neonatal nutrition.
What fish should you avoid when pregnant?
Due to their high mercury levels, there are four types of fish that should be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding. These include tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, swordfish, shark, and king mackerel.
What fish can you not eat pregnant?
- Shark.
- Swordfish.
- King mackerel.
- Tilefish.
- Bigeye tuna (found in sushi)
- Marlin.
- Orange roughy.
What happens if you eat too much tuna while pregnant?
Tuna is a fish that often contains high levels of mercury. Ingesting too much mercury during pregnancy can harm the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system, ultimately resulting in a range of health and developmental problems.
What happens if you eat too much tuna?
In infants and fetuses, high doses can lead to cognitive difficulties, cerebral palsy, deafness, and blindness. In adults, mercury poisoning can affect fertility and blood pressure regulation. Mercury poisoning can also cause the following symptoms: memory loss.
Is Subway OK for pregnancy?
Restaurants such as Subway recommends that pregnant women eat the following non-luncheon meat items such as meatball, steak and cheese, roasted chicken, and tuna (limit 2 servings a week).