What Kind of Fish Can Be Eaten If Pregnant?

When a woman becomes pregnant, there are many things she needs to be more aware of. One of those things is what she can or cannot eat. Fish contain many essential nutrients, are low in saturated fats and contain high-quality protein -- all of which are important in pregnancy. All types of fish also contain traces of mercury, some of which should not be consumed in pregnancy. Some types of fish are lower in mercury than others and can safely be consumed when pregnant.

Shellfish

• Shrimp, crab, clams, oysters, mussels, crayfish and scallops are types of shellfish that are safe to eat when pregnant. They offer the benefits of omega-3's, so they are healthy for pregnant women and unborn babies. They are also low in mercury. When consuming these types of shellfish, make sure they are fully cooked.

Canned Tuna and Salmon

• Tuna is also low in mercury and safe to eat when pregnant, as long as it is canned light tuna. Albacore "white" tuna contains more mercury and should be limited or avoided altogether. Some other types of canned fish that are safe to consume when pregnant are salmon and mackerel. The important thing to keep in mind with consuming any of these fish is to limit consumption to 6 to 12 ounces of canned light tuna, canned salmon, canned mackerel or other cooked fish per week.

Others

• The other types of fish that are safe to consume when pregnant, twice a week, include farmed trout, all forms of salmon (as long as it's not from one of the Great Lakes), sardines, pilchards, herrings, flounder, haddock, cod, catfish, perch, mahi mahi and rainbow trout.