Can I Eat Sashimi During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Sashimi is raw fish, which can harbor Listeria, Salmonella, and parasites like Anisakis.
🔥 Risk Level: High — Raw fish like sashimi is not considered safe during pregnancy.
✅ Safe Practices: Choose fully cooked seafood options or pregnancy-safe sushi made without raw fish.
Sashimi is celebrated for its simplicity and purity—thin slices of raw fish served without rice or added ingredients. While delicious and nutrient-dense, sashimi raises serious food safety concerns during pregnancy. With your immune system altered and your baby developing rapidly, avoiding certain foods—especially raw fish—is critical.
Here’s why sashimi should be skipped during pregnancy, and what safer seafood alternatives you can enjoy instead.
Why Sashimi Is Unsafe During Pregnancy
Sashimi typically consists of raw fish like tuna, salmon, yellowtail, or snapper. Although often prepared with high standards in sushi restaurants, raw fish always carries a risk of contamination, especially for those who are pregnant.
Risks associated with sashimi:
Bacterial Infections
Raw fish may contain:
Listeria monocytogenes
Salmonella
Toxoplasma gondii
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 bacteria can cause severe illness, miscarriage, premature labor, or complications in newborns.
Parasitic Infections
Sashimi can carry parasites like Anisakis, which can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues.
Cross-Contamination
Even when raw fish is frozen to kill parasites, improper handling or cross-contamination at sushi bars can still expose you to harmful pathogens.
Are Some Sashimi Types Safer Than Others?
While some sashimi (like farm-raised salmon) may be frozen to reduce parasite risk, no raw fish is completely safe during pregnancy. Even sushi-grade or flash-frozen fish may carry listeria.
The FDA, CDC, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all recommend avoiding raw seafood—including sashimi—throughout pregnancy.
Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to Sashimi
You don’t have to give up sushi experiences entirely. Many sushi restaurants now offer pregnancy-safe rolls and dishes.
Safer sushi options include:
Cooked shrimp (ebi)
Cooked crab or imitation crab (kani)
Cooked eel (unagi)
Tamago (sweet egg omelet)
Avocado or cucumber rolls
Vegetarian or tofu rolls
Ask your server which options are fully cooked and avoid anything with raw or cured fish, including sashimi and nigiri.
Nutritional Benefits of Fish—When Cooked
Fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines are packed with:
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) – Supports fetal brain and eye development
Protein – Essential for tissue growth
Vitamin D and B12 – Support immunity and nervous system development
To safely enjoy these benefits, choose low-mercury fish that’s fully cooked to at least 145°F (63°C). The FDA recommends 2–3 servings (8–12 oz) of low-mercury cooked seafood per week during pregnancy.
Conclusion: Skip Sashimi While Pregnant
Sashimi may be a delicacy, but its raw nature makes it risky during pregnancy. The potential for bacterial or parasitic infection is too great to ignore. Opt instead for fully cooked sushi or seafood options to keep you and your baby safe while still satisfying your sushi cravings.
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
