Yes, many pregnant women can eat tuna, but it requires a bit of thought. Tuna can contain relatively high levels of mercury, and during pregnancy, it is generally recommended to limit fish with higher mercury content. Therefore, it's not just a "yes or no" question, but rather about the type, quantity, and frequency of tuna consumption. If you are unsure what is right for you, it's always a good idea to check the current advice from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration or ask your midwife or doctor.
Can you eat canned tuna while pregnant?
Canned tuna is often what most people mean when they ask about tuna during pregnancy. The practical approach is to view canned tuna as something you can eat occasionally, rather than a daily routine.
Practical tips for everyday life
- Vary with other fish that have lower mercury content, so tuna doesn't become your "standard fish."
- Keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if you also eat other fish dishes during the week.
- If you eat tuna often, it might make sense to cut back a bit and increase variety.
Tuna steak and fresh tuna during pregnancy
Fresh tuna and tuna steak are often associated with larger tuna species, which typically can have higher mercury content than many other fish. Therefore, the advice in practice is often to be more cautious with tuna steak than with small amounts of tuna in mixed dishes.
How to choose more safely
- Eat it less frequently and in smaller quantities if you choose fresh tuna.
- Preferably choose other fish for hot meals if you have already had canned tuna that week.
- Always follow general kitchen advice for hygiene and preparation.
Tuna in sushi during pregnancy
The question of tuna in sushi concerns both mercury and food safety with raw fish. If you eat sushi while pregnant, it can be helpful to choose variants where the risk is typically lower, and where you can get clear information about the ingredients.
Good questions to ask when buying sushi
- Has the fish been previously frozen (often relevant for parasites)?
- How is the fish handled and stored?
- What type of tuna has been used?
Mercury in tuna during pregnancy
The reason tuna is specifically mentioned during pregnancy is mercury. Mercury can accumulate in the body, and larger predatory fish are often higher up in the food chain. The point is not to cause alarm, but to help you make a calm choice where you get the fish's good nutrients without tuna taking up too much of your diet.
A simple rule of thumb
Let tuna be part of a varied diet, but not the fish you rely on most week after week.
What fish can you eat during pregnancy as an alternative to tuna?
If you want to eat fish but want to minimize concerns about mercury, then variety is your best friend. Many pregnant women choose to alternate between different types of fish during the week and use tuna as an "once in a while" choice.
Next steps, if you want to keep it simple
- Plan 2 fish meals a week and let only one (or none) be with tuna.
- Switch between fish spreads, hot dishes, and fish in salads, so you don't automatically end up with tuna every time.
Relevant products (only if you want to make everyday life a little more comfortable)
When you're in the midst of all the dietary considerations, it can also be nice to make room for body comfort. If you are looking for products aimed at pregnancy, you can see the Pregnancy collection. And if you want a soft, wire-free solution with support, the Gel-Support Maternity and Nursing Bra might be relevant.