Is King Mackerel Safe During Pregnancy?

Is king mackerel safe during pregnancy?

King mackerel is on the FDA/EPA 'choices to avoid' list as a high-mercury fish, so it should not be eaten during pregnancy because mercury can harm the developing brain and nervous system. In short, king mackerel is best avoided during pregnancy when you follow the guidance below.

Why this is the guidance

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.

Safer alternatives

It's best to skip king mackerel for now. The good news is that a craving can almost always be satisfied a safer way — a pasteurized, fully cooked, or alcohol-free version, or a similar food without the concern. If you've already had some, don't panic; a one-off is rarely a problem, but mention it to your provider for peace of mind.

What about breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding aren't the same — some things that are limited while you're pregnant are perfectly fine once you're nursing, and occasionally the reverse is true. If you're past delivery and wondering about king mackerel while breastfeeding, check with your provider, since the answer can be different from the pregnancy guidance above.

The bottom line

King Mackerel: best avoided in pregnancy. When in doubt, choose a safer alternative and ask your provider. This page is general education, not medical advice — your provider knows your history and is the final word for your pregnancy.