Is Orange roughy safe during pregnancy?
High-mercury fish — FDA advises not eating orange roughy while pregnant or breastfeeding. Swap for salmon, shrimp, cod or light tuna.
PregnancyNot recommended
BreastfeedingNot recommended
EvidenceStrong
What the sources say
Orange roughy is on the FDA/EPA "Choices to Avoid" list (highest mercury). Mercury can harm a developing baby's brain and nervous system and passes into breast milk; cooking or trimming skin and fat does not lower it. If you've already eaten some, FDA advises choosing lower-mercury fish going forward. Lower-mercury "Best Choices" (2–3 servings a week) include salmon, shrimp, cod, sardines and canned light tuna.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
roughy
Sources
- FDA: Advice about Eating Fish
- FDA: Questions & Answers from the FDA/EPA Advice about Eating Fish
- ACOG: Healthy Eating During Pregnancy
- CDC: Mercury and Breastfeeding
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.