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FDA In Brief: FDA revises 2017 fish advice for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and young children
Advice about Eating Fish For Women Who Are or Might Become Pregnant, Breastfeeding Mothers, and Young Children

Eating fish‡ when pregnant or breastfeeding can provide health benefits.
Fish and other protein-rich foods have nutrients that can help your child’s growth and development. As part of a healthy eating pattern, eating fish may also offer heart health benefits and lower the risk of obesity.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends:

• At least 8 ounces of seafood (less for young children) per week based on a 2,000 calorie diet
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consume between 8 and 12 ounces of a variety of seafood per week, from choices that are lower in mercury

Choose a variety of fish that are lower in mercury.
While it is important to limit mercury in the diets of women who are pregnant and breastfeeding and young children, many types of fish are both nutritious and lower in mercury. This chart can help you choose which fish to eat, and how often to eat them, based on their mercury levels.