Can You Eat Tuna 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.
Tuna is safe during pregnancy in limited amounts — no more than 2 tuna steaks or 4 medium cans a week, because of its mercury content.
Why is tuna a concern in pregnancy?
Tuna contains more mercury than most fish, and too much mercury can affect your baby's developing nervous system. The NHS advises limiting tuna to no more than 2 fresh tuna steaks (about 140g cooked each) or 4 medium-sized cans (about 140g drained each) per week during pregnancy. Within that limit, tuna is a healthy source of protein.
You can also check the calorie content of tuna alongside its safety information. Dog owners should check if tuna is safe for dogs before sharing, and cat owners can check whether cats can eat tuna.
The exception
Tinned tuna doesn't count towards the oily fish limit (the canning process removes most of the oils), but fresh tuna steak does.
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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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Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
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 tuna in the first trimester?
Yes — the same weekly tuna limit applies throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of tuna OK during pregnancy?
Yes — within the limit of 2 steaks or 4 medium cans per week, tuna is considered safe.
I accidentally ate tuna while pregnant — what should I do?
Going over the limit in a single week is not a cause for panic — the limit protects against gradual mercury build-up. Simply return to within the limit going forward.
Is cooked tuna safe in pregnancy?
Cooking doesn't change tuna's mercury content, so the same limits apply. Raw tuna (in sushi) is fine if it was previously frozen, and still counts towards your weekly limit.
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.