Can I Eat Shellfish During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Shellfish (like shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, oysters, and mussels) can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites if raw or undercooked.
🔥 Risk Level: Raw shellfish is unsafe. Fully cooked shellfish is generally safe and nutritious during pregnancy.
✅ Safe Practices: Always eat shellfish fully cooked, from reputable sources, and store it properly. Avoid raw shellfish entirely while pregnant.
Shellfish is a delicious source of protein, zinc, and iron, making it a healthy choice for many. But if you’re pregnant, you might wonder whether enjoying shrimp, crab, or oysters is still a good idea. The short answer? Cooked shellfish is safe, raw is not.
Let’s break down the risks, benefits, and smart ways to include shellfish in your pregnancy diet.
Understanding the Risks
Shellfish can be risky during pregnancy for a few reasons:
Bacteria & Parasites: Raw shellfish can contain harmful pathogens like Vibrio, Listeria, or norovirus, which can survive in undercooked seafood and cause severe foodborne illness.
Toxins: Certain shellfish may be contaminated with toxins from harmful algal blooms (“red tide”), which cooking cannot destroy.
Allergens: Shellfish is a common allergen and could trigger a reaction, even if you’ve never had one before.
Pregnancy suppresses parts of the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. As a result, raw or undercooked shellfish should always be avoided while pregnant.
Benefits of Cooked Shellfish During Pregnancy
Fully cooked shellfish can be a great addition to your diet because it provides:
High-quality protein
Iron, supporting healthy blood supply
Zinc, which helps the immune system
Omega-3 fatty acids, supporting fetal brain development
When prepared and handled safely, shellfish can be a nutritious pregnancy food.
Tips for Eating Shellfish Safely During Pregnancy
✅ Always eat shellfish fully cooked. Cook until the flesh is opaque and firm and any shells (e.g., mussels, clams) have opened. Discard any that stay closed.
✅ Avoid raw shellfish entirely, including raw oysters, raw clams, ceviche, sushi with raw shellfish, and undercooked seafood.
✅ Source shellfish from reputable suppliers who follow safe harvesting and handling practices.
✅ Limit high-mercury shellfish like certain types of crab (e.g., snow crab), and stick to 2–3 servings per week of a variety of low-mercury seafood.
✅ Store shellfish properly and cook soon after purchase to reduce bacterial growth.
Conclusion: Shellfish Can Be Safe—If Cooked
Shellfish can be a delicious, protein-rich part of your pregnancy diet if you follow simple rules: avoid raw, undercooked, or questionable seafood, and only eat thoroughly cooked shellfish from trustworthy sources.
As always, talk to your healthcare provider about your specific dietary questions, especially if you have a shellfish allergy or concerns about mercury or toxins. With proper precautions, you can safely enjoy the nutritional benefits of shellfish while pregnant.
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.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/meat-poultry-seafood-food-safety-moms-be
