Are you pregnant or trying for a baby? If so, you have probably been scouring the internet and reading through baby books to find out what exactly you can and can’t eat whilst pregnant.

With so much conflicting information out there, it is often hard to know for sure what you can actually eat.

Well, when it comes to Seafood, we can give you a bit of a heads up.

Rich in essential nutrients, fish is the ideal essential ingredient to have whilst pregnant, as long as it is cooked properly. During pregnancy what you eat is essential to the development of your growing baby and providing both yourself and your little one with the right amount of Omega 3 fatty acids and calcium is crucial.

Omega 3 fatty acids in many seafood varieties not only promote nervous system and fatal brain development but they also contribute to having a healthy pregnancy by lowering low birth weight and the risk of pre-eclampsia.

Calcium (found in Sardines) helps with bone development and helps to keep your bones strong during pregnancy.

Seafood is safe to eat whilst pregnant, as long as it is cooked properly and as long as you avoid seafood that is high in mercury.

What to avoid:

Fish that contains high levels of mercury can harm your baby’s developing nervous system:
King Mackerel
Swordfish
Shark
Marlin

Raw Shellfish is also best to avoid as it can contain harmful bacteria which can lead to food poisoning.
Mussels
Lobster
Crab
Prawns
Clams

What we recommend:

Sardines
Provide a great source of calcium, this helps with bone development and helps to keep your bones strong during pregnancy.

Mackerel, Salmon & Herring
Oily fish that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vital for biological functions.* Limit to 2 portions of oily fish a week.

Cod, Haddock & Pollock
Rich in protein, full of nutrients to help boost immunity, giving you an extra much needed burst of energy.

Postnatal Depression

To keep your DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) levels topped up, new and expectant mums are encouraged to eat more oily fish. DHA is an essential fatty acid, thought to be important to the development of infants.  Low levels of DHA have been linked to post-natal depression.


  • Always ask your GP for clarification if you are unsure.