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

No, Walleye is not safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. It may contain high mercury levels, increasing the risk of developmental issues. Consuming Walleye can harm fetal brain development. Instead, choose salmon for a healthier pregnancy.

Key reasons to avoid eating walleye while pregnant:

Mercury Levels: Walleye may contain high mercury, impacting fetal brain development.
Contaminants: Possible exposure to harmful pollutants affecting maternal and fetal health.
Allergic Reactions: Risk of allergic responses can pose health issues during pregnancy.
Digestive Issues: Consuming walleye might lead to nausea or other digestive discomforts.
Overfishing Concerns: Sustainability issues may affect fish availability and ecosystem balance.

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 Walleye Consumption for Pregnant Women

While Walleye provides high-quality protein and omega-3s, it carries risks such as mercury exposure and potential bacterial contamination.

What’s more, it may increase sodium intake, affecting blood pressure during pregnancy.

Walleye 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	0.6g
Vitamin D	3.2mcg
Vitamin B12	2.5mcg
Phosphorus	210mg
Selenium	36.5mcg
Sodium	60mg
Mercury ⚠️	0.15ppm
Bacterial Contamination Risk ⚠️	Potential

What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Walleye?

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

Stay Calm: Eating walleye once isn’t likely to cause harm. It’s the frequent consumption that raises concerns due to mercury.
Monitor Symptoms: Watch for any unusual symptoms like nausea or dizziness, though they’re rare after a single exposure.
Contact Healthcare: If you’re worried, reach out to your doctor for personalized advice based on your health history.
Avoid Further Intake: Refrain from eating walleye again during pregnancy to limit mercury exposure for your baby.
Focus on Alternatives: Choose low-mercury fish like salmon or tilapia to ensure safe, nutritious meals for you and your baby.

Safe Alternatives to Walleye During Pregnancy

Walleye is a widely enjoyed dish known for its culinary appeal, offering distinct flavors and an appealing texture. However, consuming raw Walleye or certain types during pregnancy can pose serious risks, as discussed earlier. If you’re craving Walleye 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 flavorful, nutrient-rich alternatives that offer similar textures and essential nutrients—without the risks of raw Walleye:

Safe Alternative	Why It’s Better?	Best Way to Eat It
Salmon	High in omega-3, lower mercury	Enjoy grilled with rice and veggies
Avocado	Rich in healthy fats, low risk	Add to salads for creamy texture
Tofu	High in protein, safer option	Mix into a stir-fry with vegetables
Cooked Shrimp	High in protein, fully cooked	Add to pasta with garlic sauce
Cucumber	Low calories, refreshing texture	Slice into salads for crunch

If you’re craving Walleye but need to avoid it due to pregnancy risks, opt for Salmon, Avocado, or Cooked Shrimp. These options provide a safer way to enjoy the flavors and nutrients of Walleye 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 Walleye during the first trimester of pregnancy?

No, it’s not recommended to eat Walleye during pregnancy due to its high mercury content. Mercury can affect fetal development, particularly during the first trimester when the baby’s brain and nervous system are forming. Choosing low-mercury fish options is safer for you and your baby.

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

It’s best to avoid Walleye during the second trimester because its high mercury levels pose developmental risks to the growing fetus. Opt for safer, low-mercury fish like salmon or tilapia to benefit from important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids without the added risk.

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

Avoiding Walleye remains crucial in the third trimester to protect your baby from mercury exposure, which can impact brain development. Instead, focus on low-mercury fish that provide essential nutrients, supporting your baby’s growth and your health as you prepare for delivery.

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

A common myth is that all fish are equally safe during pregnancy. In reality, Walleye contains high mercury levels, making it unsafe. Another myth is that cooking removes mercury, which is false. Always check guidelines for safe fish consumption during pregnancy.

5. Is Walleye healthy for pregnancy?

While Walleye is nutritious, its high mercury content makes it unsafe during pregnancy. Mercury can harm fetal development, outweighing any nutritional benefits. Pregnant women should choose low-mercury fish to ensure safety while still gaining important nutrients like omega-3s and protein.

6. What types of Walleye are safe during pregnancy?

No types of Walleye are safe during pregnancy due to their high mercury levels. It’s essential to avoid this fish entirely. Instead, focus on low-mercury seafood options like sardines or shrimp to enjoy a healthful diet without exposing your baby to harmful toxins.

7. Can you eat cooked Walleye while pregnant?

Cooked Walleye still contains high mercury levels, making it unsafe during pregnancy. Cooking does not reduce mercury content, so it’s crucial to avoid it for your baby’s safety. Opt for cooking low-mercury fish to enjoy the nutritional benefits without the risks associated with Walleye.

⚠️ 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.