Can I Eat Fish Ceviche During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Ceviche is made with raw fish, which may contain harmful bacteria or parasites like Listeria, Salmonella, or Anisakis.
🔥 Risk Level: Not safe during pregnancy. The acidity of citrus juice does not kill bacteria or parasites like cooking does.
✅ Safe Practices: Choose fully cooked seafood dishes or try mock “ceviche” made with cooked fish and citrus marinade.
Bright, tangy, and full of flavor, fish ceviche is a favorite in many cuisines. But if you're pregnant, it’s important to consider food safety before indulging. Since ceviche is traditionally made with raw fish marinated in citrus juice, it’s generally not safe to eat during pregnancy.
Despite the acidic marinade, the fish in ceviche remains raw and poses the same risks as other uncooked seafood.
Why Ceviche Is Risky During Pregnancy
The key risk in ceviche is the use of raw or undercooked fish, which may harbor bacteria and parasites that can be especially dangerous during pregnancy.
Common pathogens found in raw fish include:
Listeria monocytogenes
Salmonella
Anisakis (a parasite)
Vibrio species
These microorganisms can cause severe foodborne illness, and in pregnancy, infections like listeriosis can be especially harmful.
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.
Source: FDA
Health Risks of Eating Raw Fish During Pregnancy
Pregnant individuals are more susceptible to serious outcomes from foodborne illness, including:
Miscarriage
Stillbirth
Premature labor
Neonatal infections
Gastrointestinal illness and dehydration
Citrus juice used in ceviche—typically lime or lemon—denatures proteins (similar to cooking) but does not kill pathogens the way heat does.
Safer Alternatives to Traditional Ceviche
Good news—you don’t have to give up on the refreshing, zesty flavors of ceviche entirely.
Try these pregnancy-safe alternatives:
✅ Cooked fish ceviche: Use fully cooked shrimp, salmon, or tilapia, then marinate in lime juice, onions, and herbs.
✅ Mock ceviche: Try diced mango, avocado, tomatoes, and cooked shrimp with citrus marinade for a similar flavor profile.
✅ Ceviche-style salad: A crunchy, citrus-forward salad with cooked seafood and fresh vegetables.
These options mimic the taste and texture of ceviche without the raw fish risk.
Tips for Eating Out
If you’re dining at a restaurant or attending a gathering where ceviche is served:
❓ Ask if the seafood is raw or fully cooked.
⚠️ When in doubt, skip it.
🍤 Opt for grilled or steamed seafood dishes instead.
Conclusion: Skip Raw Fish Ceviche During Pregnancy
While fish ceviche is delicious and refreshing, its use of raw seafood makes it unsafe during pregnancy. To avoid exposure to harmful bacteria and parasites, it’s best to skip traditional ceviche until after delivery.
Instead, enjoy a cooked or plant-based version that gives you all the bright, citrusy flavor—without the risk.
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.
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:
FDA: Listeria from Food Safety for Moms to Be:
https://www.fda.gov/food/health-educators/listeria-food-safety-moms-be
