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Can I eat tuna while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

Evidence checked by Doola Research Team Source reviewed Jul 2026 · Based on FDA, Mayo Clinic, FoodSafety.gov published guidance

What Guidelines Say

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Tuna during pregnancy depends on tuna type, mercury level, portion frequency, and whether it is cooked or canned. Lower-mercury options are easiest.

Source basis: FDA, Mayo Clinic, FoodSafety.gov

Read more details

Tuna guidance during pregnancy is mostly about mercury and type. Canned light tuna is generally a lower-mercury option than albacore or bigeye-style tuna, while raw tuna is not the conservative choice. Keep portions within current fish guidance, vary seafood choices, and avoid spoiled, recalled, or poorly handled tuna.

Avoid

Raw tuna, spoiled tuna, recalled products, or high-mercury tuna types.

Caution

Albacore, tuna steaks, frequent portions, sushi, or unclear species.

Safe Options

Lower-mercury canned light tuna within pregnancy fish guidance.

Expert Pick

Choose lower-mercury tuna, track portions, and vary seafood choices.

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Updated: Sources: FDA Issues Revised “Advice about Eating Fish for Women Who Are or Might Become Pregnant, Breastfeeding Mothers, and Young Children” | FDA +6

Can you eat tuna while pregnant?

Tuna during pregnancy depends on tuna type, mercury level, portion frequency, and whether it is cooked or canned. Lower-mercury options are easiest.

Safer Choices

Canned light tuna

  • Usually a lower-mercury tuna choice than albacore.

Varied low-mercury seafood

  • Rotating seafood choices helps avoid relying on one fish.

Risks & Limits

Raw tuna

  • Raw fish is not the conservative pregnancy choice.

Frequent albacore portions

  • Albacore is higher in mercury than canned light tuna.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA, Mayo Clinic, FoodSafety.gov published guidance

  • 1
    Check whether the tuna is canned light, albacore, steak, or raw sushi.
  • 2
    Use pregnancy fish guidance for portion frequency.
  • 3
    Keep opened canned tuna refrigerated and eat it promptly.
  • 4
    Skip spoiled, recalled, or poorly handled tuna.

Common Questions About Tuna While Pregnant

Can I eat tuna while pregnant?
Usually yes when you choose lower-mercury tuna and keep portions within pregnancy fish guidance.
Is canned tuna safe during pregnancy?
Canned light tuna is generally a lower-mercury choice. Albacore should be limited more carefully.
Can I eat raw tuna sushi while pregnant?
The more conservative pregnancy choice is to avoid raw tuna and choose cooked or canned options.
What if I already ate tuna while pregnant?
Do not panic. Track the type and amount, and ask your clinician if you are worried about frequent high-mercury servings.

Related pregnancy safety topics

Use these deeper Doola Learn guides when the risk depends on ingredients, preparation, or serving style.

Seafood during pregnancy: mercury, raw shellfish, and cooked-fish checks Raw and undercooked foods to avoid during pregnancy

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References & Guidelines

Evidence checked by Doola Research Team and source reviewed against public health guidance. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your pregnancy.