Ahi is a type of tuna and a large game fish often high in mercury. While fish is a healthy food, when you are pregnant you should limit your intake of high-mercury fish. Talk to your doctor or midwife to get her recommendation on how much tuna you can safely eat during your pregnancy.
Mercury
Ahi tuna is a high-mercury game fish. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women avoid ahi tuna during pregnancy to be completely safe. Avoid eating a salad made with tuna labeled as ahi or bigeye to keep mercury out of your body.
Raw Fish
It's especially important to avoid raw or undercooked ahi in a salad while pregnant. Raw ahi might contain harmful bacteria that could cause illness for you or your unborn baby. It's best to avoid eating any raw or undercooked seafood while pregnant. Sushi rolls that are made with cooked seafood are fine to eat during pregnancy.
Consequences
Getting too much mercury in your diet, such as by eating ahi tuna, can cause brain development problems in your unborn baby. Mercury builds up in your bloodstream with the more you take in. High levels of mercury in your body could cause your baby's nervous system to grow improperly.
Alternatives
While ahi tuna salad is not be a good choice for a meal while you're pregnant, you have some alternatives. The American Pregnancy Associations website states that pregnant women can safely consume up to three 6-oz. servings of canned, white albacore tuna or yellowfin tuna per month. If you choose canned chunk light tuna for your salad, you can safely consume six 6 oz. servings per month.
