Can You Eat Kippers When Pregnant?
Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
Cooked Kippers is safe and beneficial during pregnancy, but the NHS says to eat no more than 2 portions of oily fish per week.
Why is kippers a concern in pregnancy?
Kippers is an oily fish — an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that support your baby's brain and eye development. However, oily fish can contain low levels of pollutants such as dioxins and PCBs that build up in the body over time, so the NHS advises pregnant women to eat no more than 2 portions of oily fish per week. Within that limit, Kippers is a genuinely healthy choice.
You can also check the calorie content of kippers alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Kippers are smoked, so make sure they are cooked until piping hot before eating during pregnancy (grilled or pan-fried kippers are fine); count them in your 2 oily fish portions a week.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
Check Price →Pregnancy food guide
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Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
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More pregnancy essentials
Baby-safe food thermometer
Useful for pregnancy cooking checks and later for baby food.
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Common questions
Can I eat kippers in the first trimester?
Yes — cooked Kippers is safe in the first trimester within the 2-portion weekly oily fish limit.
Is a small amount of kippers OK during pregnancy?
Up to 2 portions of oily fish a week is both safe and actively recommended during pregnancy.
I accidentally ate kippers while pregnant — what should I do?
Going over the limit occasionally is nothing to worry about — the limit exists to manage long-term pollutant exposure, not single meals. Just return to the 2-portion pattern going forward.
Is cooked kippers safe in pregnancy?
Yes — cooked Kippers is safe within the weekly limit. Avoid raw or cold-smoked Kippers during pregnancy unless it has been thoroughly cooked.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.