Can I Eat Salmon Sashimi During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Salmon sashimi is raw fish, which may carry Listeria, Salmonella, or parasites like Anisakis.
🔥 Risk Level: High — Salmon sashimi is not considered safe during pregnancy due to the risk of foodborne illness.
✅ Safe Practices: Opt for fully cooked salmon instead. Avoid all raw seafood dishes during pregnancy, even from reputable restaurants.
Salmon sashimi is a sushi favorite for good reason—its rich flavor, tender texture, and high omega-3 content make it a sought-after delicacy. But if you’re pregnant, the rules around raw seafood are stricter. Even high-quality, sushi-grade salmon is considered unsafe during pregnancy.
Here’s why salmon sashimi should be avoided for now, and how to enjoy salmon safely while expecting.
Why Raw Salmon Is Unsafe During Pregnancy
Sashimi-style salmon is served completely raw. While that might be appealing to your palate, it comes with significant risks for those who are pregnant.
The two primary risks are:
Foodborne Illness
Raw salmon can harbor harmful pathogens including:Listeria monocytogenes
Salmonella
Toxoplasma gondii
Parasites like Anisakis
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
These pathogens can cause serious illness in both the mother and baby, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm labor.
What About Sushi-Grade or Flash-Frozen Salmon?
While flash-freezing can kill parasites, it does not eliminate bacteria like Listeria. That's why even high-end sashimi or sushi isn’t recommended during pregnancy.
There’s no safe guarantee with raw fish, regardless of how it’s labeled or where it’s served.
Safer Ways to Enjoy Salmon While Pregnant
Salmon is incredibly nutritious and can be safely enjoyed when it’s fully cooked. It’s packed with:
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) – essential for baby’s brain and eye development
Protein – supports fetal growth
Vitamin D and B12 – boosts immune function and energy
How to prepare salmon safely:
Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)
Flesh should be opaque and flake easily
Avoid smoked or cured salmon unless it’s cooked (hot-smoked is okay if served hot)
Safe Alternatives to Salmon Sashimi
Missing the flavor and feel of sashimi? Try:
Fully cooked and chilled salmon slices with lemon and sesame
Baked salmon sushi rolls
Mock sashimi made with avocado, tofu, or grilled fish
Canned salmon (low mercury and safe if pasteurized)
These swaps can satisfy cravings without exposing you to unnecessary risks.
Conclusion: Skip Salmon Sashimi While Pregnant
Although salmon sashimi may be nutritious, it’s not safe during pregnancy due to the risks of bacterial and parasitic infections. To protect yourself and your baby, stick with fully cooked salmon options that still offer all the nutrients—with none of the worry.
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:
A review of guidance on fish consumption in pregnancy: Is it fit for purpose?:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6033312/
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
