Can I Eat Clams During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Risk of foodborne illness from raw or undercooked clams (e.g., Vibrio, Listeria), and possible exposure to environmental contaminants like heavy metals.
🔥 Risk Level: High if raw or undercooked; Low if thoroughly cooked and sourced from reputable suppliers.
✅ Safe Practices: Eat only fully cooked clams; avoid raw or steamed clams that are not cooked to a safe internal temperature. Ensure proper sourcing and freshness.
Clams are a nutrient-rich shellfish enjoyed in chowders, pasta, and steamed seafood platters. But if you're pregnant, you may wonder whether eating clams is a safe option—or something best avoided. Here's what you need to know about clams and pregnancy, from potential risks to safer ways to enjoy them.
What Makes Clams Risky During Pregnancy?
Like other shellfish, clams can pose a risk of foodborne illness if eaten raw or undercooked. This includes potential infection from:
Vibrio bacteria, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can lead to listeriosis—a serious infection during pregnancy.
Norovirus and Hepatitis A, both of which can also be transmitted through contaminated shellfish.
Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. Because immune systems are altered during pregnancy, it is harder for pregnant women to fight off infections.
FDA – Listeria & Pregnancy
Even if clams look fresh and are served at a high-end restaurant, if they're raw or undercooked, they carry a risk that’s heightened during pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Eat Cooked Clams While Pregnant?
Yes—fully cooked clams are generally safe during pregnancy and can be a healthy addition to your diet.
When properly cooked, the bacteria and viruses that may be present in raw shellfish are destroyed. Cooked clams are also a good source of:
Protein
Iron
Vitamin B12
Omega-3 fatty acids
These nutrients support energy, red blood cell production, and fetal brain development.
How to Ensure Clams Are Fully Cooked
Look for clams that have opened during the cooking process—this is a sign they’ve reached a safe internal temperature.
Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking—these may not be safe to eat.
Cook clams until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Avoid clams that are only lightly steamed, grilled, or served in brothy dishes where they may not be fully cooked.
What About Canned Clams?
Canned clams are typically safe during pregnancy because they are pre-cooked during the canning process. You can enjoy them in pasta dishes, dips, and chowders without concern—just check the label for sodium content and expiration dates.
Tips for Eating Clams Safely During Pregnancy
✅ Choose fully cooked or canned clams.
✅ Ensure clams are cooked until shells open and meat is firm.
✅ Buy from reputable sources to minimize contamination risks.
✅ Ask restaurants how the clams are prepared—avoid anything labeled “raw,” “half-shell,” or “lightly steamed.”
❌ Avoid raw clams, especially in ceviche, sushi, or raw bar platters.
❌ Do not eat clams that didn’t open during cooking.
Conclusion: Clams Can Be Safe—If Cooked Properly
While raw or undercooked clams pose real risks during pregnancy, thoroughly cooked or canned clams can be a safe and nutritious part of your pregnancy diet. Enjoy them in well-cooked recipes and avoid raw seafood to protect yourself and your baby from preventable infections.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding your health, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html
