 [ Symptoms ] can i eat canned clams while pregnant [ Disease ] hi found this on the mayo clinic it should answer your question seafood can be a great source of protein and the omega 3 fatty acids in many fish can promote your baby is brain development however some fish and shellfish contain potentially dangerous levels of mercury too much mercury could damage your baby is developing nervous system the bigger and older the fish the more mercury it is likely to contain the food and drug administration fda and the environmental protection agency epa encourage pregnant women to avoid swordfish shark king mackerel tilefish so what is safe some types of seafood contain little mercury although concerns have been raised about the level of mercury in any type of canned tuna the fda and epa say pregnant women can safely eat up to 12 ounces 340 grams a week similarly the 2010 dietary guidelines for americans recommend 8 to 12 ounces of seafood a week for pregnant women that is about two average meals of shrimp crab canned light tuna limit albacore tuna chunk white tuna and tuna steak to no more than 6 ounces or 170 grams a week salmon pollock catfish cod tilapia not all researchers agree with these limits however citing a study that noted no negative effects for women who ate more seafood than the fda approved guidelines do hope this helps you and your baby to be good luck