can I eat tuna?
Tuna is safe during pregnancy in limited amounts because of its mercury content. UK guidance allows up to 4 medium tins (140g drained each) or 2 fresh tuna steaks a week; US guidance similarly recommends limiting albacore tuna to one serving a week.
why it matters
Tuna is a large, long-lived fish, so it accumulates more mercury than smaller fish. High mercury exposure can affect a baby's developing nervous system. Within the recommended limits, tuna remains a good source of protein and omega-3s — the limit is about moderation, not avoidance.
how to have it safely
Stick to the weekly limit: up to 4 tins or 2 fresh steaks (UK). Lighter skipjack tinned tuna contains less mercury than albacore or fresh tuna, so it stretches further within your allowance.
worth knowing
- UK (NHS): max 4 tins (140g drained) or 2 tuna steaks (about 140g cooked each) per week.
- US (FDA): light tinned tuna counts as a 'best choice' (2–3 servings/week); albacore/white tuna limited to 1 serving/week.
- Tuna doesn't count toward the oily fish limit in the UK, but it does count toward mercury limits.
- Raw tuna in sushi is fine if previously frozen, but still counts toward your weekly tuna total.
common questions
How much tinned tuna can I eat per week while pregnant?
UK guidance says up to 4 medium tins a week (140g drained weight each). US guidance allows 2–3 servings of light tuna, or 1 serving of albacore, per week.
Is a tuna steak safe during pregnancy?
Yes, cooked through, up to 2 steaks a week (about 140g each when cooked). Fresh tuna has more mercury than light tinned tuna, so the limit is lower.
also in fish & seafood
Aligned with guidance from the NHS, FDA and WHO. This is general information, not personal medical advice — check with your midwife or doctor about your own situation. How we write.