Can You Eat Swordfish During Pregnancy? – Find Out If It’s Safe or Not!

No, Swordfish is not safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. It may contain high mercury levels, increasing the risk of developmental issues in the baby. Instead, choose salmon for a healthier pregnancy.

Key reasons to avoid eating swordfish while pregnant:

Mercury: High mercury levels can harm fetal brain development.
Toxins: Swordfish may contain industrial pollutants like PCBs.
Allergies: Risk of allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Digestive Issues: Potential for gastrointestinal discomfort or nausea.
Freshness: Swordfish can spoil quickly, posing foodborne illness risk.

Safety Tip: If you’re wondering if a food is safe to eat while pregnant, it’s best to consult with an OB-GYN or registered dietician who specializes in pregnancy. “Most foods are safe to consume during pregnancy and it’s smart to enjoy a variety of foods to get the most nutrients,” says Largeman-Roth.

Risk Profile and Potential Concerns of Swordfish Consumption for Pregnant Women

While Swordfish provides protein and omega-3s, it carries risks such as mercury exposure and bacterial contamination.

What’s more, it may negatively affect fetal development due to high mercury levels.

Swordfish contains some beneficial nutrients, but also carries risks that can impact pregnancy health. Below is a breakdown of its key components:

Nutrient / Component	Amount per 100g
Protein	20g
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	1.1g
Selenium	36.5µg
Vitamin D	13µg
Sodium	80mg
Mercury ⚠️	0.99ppm

What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Swordfish?

If you’ve accidentally eaten swordfish, take these steps:

Stay Calm: Eating swordfish once is unlikely to harm your baby, but it’s best to avoid it in the future due to mercury content.
Limit Exposure: Avoid eating high-mercury fish like swordfish, shark, or king mackerel for the rest of your pregnancy.
Consult Your Doctor: Inform your healthcare provider about the accidental consumption and follow any specific advice they may give.
Monitor Symptoms: Watch for any unusual symptoms like nausea or headaches, and report them to your healthcare provider immediately.
Focus on Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with low-mercury fish like salmon or sardines to support your baby’s healthy development.

Safe Alternatives to Swordfish During Pregnancy

Swordfish is a popular seafood choice, often praised for its meaty texture and rich flavor. However, consuming swordfish during pregnancy can pose serious risks due to its high mercury levels. If you’re craving Swordfish but need a safe alternative, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious options that provide similar satisfaction without health concerns.

Pregnancy-Friendly Alternatives

Here are some nutrient-rich alternatives that offer similar textures and essential nutrients— without the risks of high mercury levels:

Safe Alternative	Why It’s Better?	Best Way to Eat It
Salmon	Rich in omega-3s, lower mercury	Enjoy grilled with rice and veggies
Tilapia	Low mercury, high protein content	Bake with lemon and herbs
Cod	Low mercury, mild flavor	Pan-sear with olive oil and garlic
Sardines	High in calcium and omega-3s	Mix into a seaweed salad
Shrimp	High protein, fully cooked, safer	Add to pasta with tomato sauce

If you’re craving Swordfish but need to avoid it due to pregnancy risks, opt for Salmon, Cod, or Shrimp. These options provide a safer way to enjoy the flavors and nutrients of Swordfish while ensuring a pregnancy-safe choice.

Choose the one that best suits your needs, and enjoy a balanced diet for you and your baby!

Learn about other food items, whether they are safe or not:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I eat Swordfish during the first trimester of pregnancy?

No, you shouldn’t eat Swordfish at any stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester. Swordfish is high in mercury, which can harm your baby’s developing nervous system. It’s best to choose low-mercury fish options like salmon or trout to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

2. Can I eat Swordfish during the second trimester of pregnancy?

It’s not safe to eat Swordfish during the second trimester. The high mercury levels in Swordfish can negatively affect your baby’s brain development. Opt for safer seafood choices such as sardines or shrimp, which are lower in mercury and provide beneficial nutrients.

3. Can I eat Swordfish during the third trimester of pregnancy?

Eating Swordfish in the third trimester is not recommended. Mercury exposure from Swordfish can impact your baby’s growth and development. Stick to low-mercury fish options like tilapia or cod to maintain a balanced diet and support your baby’s health.

4. What are some common myths about Swordfish and pregnancy?

A common myth is that occasional consumption of Swordfish is safe during pregnancy. In reality, even small amounts of Swordfish can lead to mercury exposure, posing risks to your baby’s development. It’s best to avoid Swordfish entirely and choose safer fish options.

5. Is Swordfish healthy for pregnancy?

Swordfish is not healthy for pregnancy due to its high mercury content. While fish can be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, Swordfish’s risks outweigh the benefits. Choose lower-mercury fish like mackerel or anchovies to get essential nutrients without the mercury risk.

6. What types of Swordfish are safe during pregnancy?

No type of Swordfish is safe during pregnancy. All Swordfish varieties contain high mercury levels, which can harm your baby’s development. It’s important to avoid Swordfish entirely and select fish that are known for lower mercury levels to ensure a safe and nutritious diet.

7. Can you eat cooked Swordfish while pregnant?

It’s not safe to eat cooked Swordfish while pregnant. Cooking doesn’t reduce the mercury content in Swordfish, so the risk remains high. To protect your baby’s health, avoid Swordfish and opt for safer, low-mercury seafood choices like haddock or canned light tuna.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This website contains general information about conception, pregnancy, pregnancy products and parenting. The information is not complete or comprehensive. You should not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. Nothing contained on this web site should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Should you have any healthcare related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly.