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Cod During Pregnancy

FDA/EPA fish portions and CDC cooking guidance for cod.

Written by Ash K
Updated October 5, 2026Editorial process
Method and scope stated
Authoritative source links

Cod appears in the Best Choices category of the U.S. FDA/EPA fish chart. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, that advice is two to three four-ounce servings weekly from Best Choices, or one from Good Choices. Count the week's fish together, rather than treating the amount as a separate allowance for every species. FDA/EPA chart and servings

CDC's pregnancy food guidance lists raw or undercooked fish as riskier. Its safer option is fish cooked to 145°F, or until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork. A low-mercury chart category does not remove the need for suitable preparation. CDC seafood table

For fish caught by family or friends, FDA advises checking the local fish advisory. If none is available, its advice is only one serving and no other fish that week. That is a separate situation from simply looking up commercially sold cod on the species chart. FDA advisory paragraph

This page does not assign one mercury measurement or nutrient amount to every cod portion. Nor does it promise that cod will relieve nausea or be tolerated by everyone. The chart describes a fish category, not a test result for a particular meal.

Sources

  1. FDA/EPA fish advice: cod category, pregnancy servings and local advisories.
  2. CDC pregnancy food safety: cooking and raw-fish distinction.

How this page was researched

Written and maintained by Ash K, who is not a licensed medical professional. Read the method, source links and limitations on this page. A cited instrument or formula does not mean this website has independent clinical validation.

This is health information, not medical advice. It does not replace your doctor. Read our editorial process · Medical disclaimer

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