Are Anchovies Safe During Pregnancy?

Is anchovies safe during pregnancy?

Anchovies are a small, low-mercury fish on the FDA's 'best choices' list and are safe during pregnancy, though watch the high salt content if eaten often. In short, anchovies is generally considered safe during pregnancy when you follow the guidance below.

Why experts give this advice

During pregnancy your immune system is naturally suppressed and your body is sharing everything with your baby, so foods are judged on two things: the chance of foodborne illness (like listeria or salmonella) and whether anything in them — caffeine, mercury, alcohol, certain additives — can reach your baby.

How to enjoy it safely

You don't need to avoid anchovies. As with any food in pregnancy, choose fresh, store it properly, and cook or wash it as you normally would. A varied diet in normal portions is exactly the right approach — there's no special limit to worry about here.

What about breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding guidance for anchovies isn't always the same as pregnancy guidance — what passes into breast milk differs from what crosses the placenta. If you're nursing, ask your provider about anchovies specifically.

The bottom line

Anchovies: generally considered safe in pregnancy. Enjoy it sensibly as part of a varied, healthy pregnancy. This page is general education, not medical advice — your provider knows your history and is the final word for your pregnancy.