When you are pregnant, it is essential to ensure that you are eating a healthy and balanced diet to provide your baby with the necessary nutrients and vitamins for their growth and development.

However, not all foods are safe to consume during pregnancy, especially when it comes to seafood. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for the development of your baby’s brain and eyesight. But some fish can contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to your baby’s nervous system.

Here are the top fish to avoid during pregnancy.

1. Shark

Shark is a popular seafood that is high in protein, low in fat, and rich in vitamins. However, it is also high in mercury, making it one of the fishes you should avoid during pregnancy.

Shark meat can contain a significant amount of mercury, which can harm your baby’s developing nervous system. Therefore, it is best to avoid consuming shark meat just to be on the safer side.

2. Swordfish

Swordfish is another type of fish that contains high levels of mercury and should be avoided during pregnancy. Like shark meat, swordfish can contain methylmercury, which can damage your baby’s nervous system.

If you are fond of swordfish, you can consider consuming other seafood that is equally nutritious and safe for your baby.

3. King Mackerel

King Mackerel is another fish that is known for its high mercury content and should be avoided during pregnancy.

This fish is commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and is known to contain high levels of mercury, making it unsafe for pregnant women.

4. Tilefish

Tilefish is one of the fish that is commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean and is known to have high levels of mercury.

The fish’s high mercury content makes it unsafe for pregnant women, and it is recommended that you avoid consuming Tilefish during pregnancy.

5. Bigeye Tuna

The bigeye tuna is a large and popular fish often used to make sushi or consumed as a steak. Unfortunately, it is also one of the fish that is high in mercury and should be avoided during pregnancy.

The bigeye tuna contains some of the highest levels of mercury compared to other types of tuna, making it an unsafe choice for pregnant women.

6. Swordfish

If you are fond of swordfish, you can consider consuming other seafood that is equally nutritious and safe for your baby.

7. Marlin

Marlin is a type of fish that is commonly used to make sushi and is known for its high mercury levels. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming Marlin due to the high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to their developing baby.

8. Orange Roughy

Orange Roughy is a type of fish found in deep waters of New Zealand, Australia, and Chile. This fish is known for its long lifespan and slow growth, which contributes to the high levels of mercury found in it.

Due to the high mercury content, Orange Roughy should be avoided during pregnancy.

9. Bluefish

Bluefish is a rich and oily fish that is often served as a cuisine staple in the United States. However, like most fish, bluefish contains high levels of mercury and should be avoided during pregnancy.

If you are craving a rich and oily fish, then you can opt for salmon or sardines, which are safe to consume during pregnancy.

10. Chilean Sea bass

Chilean Sea bass is a type of fish that is commonly found in upper South America, Asia, and the southern Pacific Ocean. The fish is known to contain high levels of mercury, making it an unsafe option for pregnant women.

If you are craving fish, then you can consider opting for other safe options like shrimp, crab, or flounder.