Seafood

Shark

Sourced from ACOG/WHO/CDC guidelines • Updated June 2026

🔴 Avoid Entirely

Safety Status: Avoid Entirely

Shark is classified as a high-risk food that must be strictly avoided during pregnancy.

According to joint dietary guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shark is placed on the “Choices to Avoid” list for pregnant individuals, breastfeeding mothers, and young children.

The reason for this warning is the presence of extremely high levels of methylmercury. Methylmercury is a heavy metal and neurotoxin that accumulates in aquatic ecosystems.

Because sharks are long-lived predatory fish at the top of the food chain, they absorb mercury from all the fish they consume. This biological concentration (biomagnification) results in mercury levels in shark muscle tissues that are far higher than in smaller, shorter-lived species.

The Impact of Methylmercury on Fetal Development

During gestation, the fetal brain and nervous system are growing rapidly and are highly vulnerable to neurotoxic substances.

When a pregnant individual consumes shark, the methylmercury in the fish is absorbed into the bloodstream and easily crosses the placental barrier.

Even moderate maternal consumption can result in elevated blood mercury levels in the fetus, which can disrupt brain architecture. Long-term studies show that prenatal mercury exposure is linked to:

Delayed cognitive development and lower intelligence scores.
Impaired language and motor coordination skills.
Deficits in attention span, visual-spatial processing, and memory.

Safe Seafood Alternatives

Seafood is an excellent source of lean protein, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which are highly beneficial for baby development. Instead of high-mercury fish like shark, follow FDA guidelines and consume 8 to 12 ounces per week of safe, low-mercury alternatives:

Wild-Caught Salmon: High in DHA omega-3s and extremely low in mercury.
Cod or Haddock: Mild white fish that are low in mercury.
Canned Light Tuna: Safest choice for tuna lovers (avoid Bigeye or Albacore in large amounts).
Shrimp and Anchovies: Low-mercury seafood options.

Safe Alternatives

Low-mercury white fish like cod, pollock, haddock, or wild-caught salmon.

OB-GYN Clinical Tip

Avoid all forms of shark, including shark steaks, shark fin soup, and any imported fish labeled as 'flake' (which is often shark meat in some regions).

⚠️ Medical Safety Note Always wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, ensure meats and seafood are cooked to recommended internal temperatures, and verify that dairy products are fully pasteurized before consumption.

Related Nutrition Guides

Core Reference

Read our complete recommendations for vitamins and safe eating:

🍎 Go to Nutrition Guide →

Similar Food Safety

Check the safety status of these related foods:

Pregnancy FAQs: Shark

Q1: Can I eat shark while pregnant?

No. You must avoid shark entirely during pregnancy due to its exceptionally high levels of methylmercury, which can damage the developing nervous system of your baby.

Q2: Why do sharks have so much mercury?

Sharks are apex predators at the top of the ocean food chain. They live for many years and eat other fish that also contain mercury. Through a process called biomagnification, the mercury accumulates in their muscle tissues over time, reaching dangerous concentrations.

Q3: What does mercury do to a fetus?

Methylmercury crosses the placenta easily. High exposure can impair fetal brain development, leading to developmental delays, cognitive deficits, and issues with motor skills, vision, and hearing.