Can You Eat Tuna While Pregnant?
Tuna can be fine during pregnancy with a few simple precautions, see below.
Quick check: which tuna are you eating?
The answer depends on one thing:
Mercury category identified: Best Choice (skipjack)
Overall verdict: LIMIT — up to 2–3 servings per week within FDA/EPA allowance
FDA/EPA lists canned light tuna (skipjack) as a Best Choice. Pregnant people can eat up to 2 to 3 4-oz servings per week as part of the 8–12 oz weekly seafood allowance.
Mercury category identified: Good Choice (albacore/white or yellowfin)
Overall verdict: LIMIT — one 4-oz serving per week
FDA/EPA lists albacore (white) tuna — canned or fresh/frozen — and yellowfin as Good Choices. Limit to one 4-oz serving per week during pregnancy. Cook thoroughly when served hot.
Mercury category: Choice to Avoid (bigeye)
Overall verdict: AVOID
FDA/EPA lists bigeye tuna as a Choice to Avoid during pregnancy because of high mercury. Do not eat bigeye tuna while pregnant.
Raw-fish preparation concern applies
Overall verdict: AVOID
FDA advises pregnant people not to eat raw fish, including raw tuna in sashimi or poke, because of parasites and bacteria — in addition to mercury concerns.
Tuna species not identified
This check resolves the tuna-type question only. Mercury limits depend on species — check the can label, menu, or fish counter tag before eating.
Look for skipjack (Best Choice), albacore/white or yellowfin (Good Choice, one serving/week), or bigeye (avoid). Do not assume an unidentified tuna steak is a Good Choice.
Trimester Safety
Why Tuna is safe in pregnancy
You can happily include tuna in your pregnancy diet. Foods like tuna are a valuable source of protein and key nutrients when cooked properly, which is exactly what supports your baby's growth.
Pair it with a daily prenatal vitamin and a mix of whole foods, and you're giving your baby a strong nutritional foundation.
How to Make It Safer
Enjoying tuna safely is simple: cook tuna thoroughly and check it reaches a safe internal temperature with a food thermometer, keeping it well chilled beforehand. Follow trusted guidance (NHS, CDC, ACOG, FDA), and check with your midwife if anything is ever unclear. A daily prenatal vitamin rounds out the nutrition whatever you choose.
Already ate it?
Mercury exposure depends on the tuna species and how much you eat in a week.
- Canned light (skipjack): FDA/EPA Best Choice — track toward your 2–3 servings per week limit.
- Albacore/white or yellowfin (confirmed): Good Choice — limit to one 4-oz serving that week.
- Bigeye: Choice to Avoid — do not eat more bigeye tuna during pregnancy.
- Raw tuna: avoid more raw fish; contact your clinician if you develop fever, vomiting, or flu-like illness.
- Unsure species: check the label or menu before eating more; do not assume an unidentified tuna is a Good Choice.
Sources: FDA/EPA fish advice; FDA raw seafood
What to know about Tuna in pregnancy
Here’s the practical picture for Tuna. Tuna can be nutritious in pregnancy, but mercury varies by species. Canned light tuna (skipjack) is a Best Choice; albacore (white) and yellowfin are Good Choices with stricter weekly limits; bigeye is a Choice to Avoid.
Safe preparation & tips
- Canned light (skipjack) tuna: Best Choice — up to 2–3 servings per week
- Albacore/white tuna (canned or fresh/frozen) and yellowfin: Good Choice — one 4-oz serving per week
- Bigeye tuna: Choice to Avoid — do not eat during pregnancy
- If species is unclear, check the label or menu before eating
- Avoid raw tuna, sashimi, poke, tartare
- Cook tuna thoroughly when serving it hot
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Things expecting moms commonly find helpful. Always check with your OB-GYN or midwife before adding a supplement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat Tuna while pregnant?
Tuna can be acceptable during pregnancy when prepared safely. See the preparation guidance above.
Is Tuna safe during pregnancy?
Safety depends on preparation and product form. Follow FDA/CDC guidance on this page.
Can pregnant women eat Tuna?
Only when preparation meets pregnancy food-safety guidance described above.
Is Tuna safe in the first trimester?
The same preparation rules apply in the first trimester.
Is Tuna safe in the third trimester?
The same preparation rules apply in the third trimester.
Checked against FDA, CDC and ACOG guidance.
Sources: FDA
Last Updated: 2026-02-16
How we review: Written by the PregnancySafeFoods editorial team and checked against NHS, CDC, ACOG and FDA guidance. Our editorial policy.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs during pregnancy.
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