Salmon Consumption During Pregnancy

Recommended Intake Guidelines

The FDA and major cardiovascular societies, including the American Heart Association, recommend pregnant women eat 8-12 ounces (2-3 servings) of low-mercury fish weekly, with salmon being an excellent choice, due to the substantial benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for fetal brain and retinal development 1, 2
Pregnant women should consume 2-3 servings per week of low-mercury fish, including salmon, to optimize fetal neurodevelopment, with both wild-caught and farmed salmon providing similar health benefits 1, 2

Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and Gulf of Mexico tilefish must be completely avoided due to high mercury content, according to the FDA and major cardiovascular societies 1, 2
Limit white (albacore) tuna to no more than 6 ounces per week, as recommended by the FDA and major cardiovascular societies 1, 2
The benefits of eating low-mercury fish like salmon far outweigh potential risks when consumed according to FDA guidelines, with evidence suggesting no net harm due to opposing benefits of omega-3s 1, 4

Choose non-fried preparation methods, such as baking, grilling, or poaching, to maximize benefits and minimize addition of saturated and trans fats, as recommended by the American Heart Association 5
Ensure salmon is thoroughly cooked to prevent foodborne illness, with an internal temperature of 145°F, as recommended by the FDA and major cardiovascular societies 2
Eat a variety of low-mercury fish species to minimize exposure to any single environmental contaminant, as recommended by the American Cancer Society 6, 7, 4

Do not conflate all fish species, as the distinction between low-mercury fish (like salmon) and high-mercury predatory fish is critical for patient counseling, according to the American Heart Association 1, 2
For patients who cannot or will not eat fish, omega-3 supplements providing 1 gram of combined EPA and DHA daily are an acceptable alternative, though food-based approaches are preferable, as recommended by the American Heart Association 4