Can I Eat Tuna Sashimi During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Tuna sashimi is raw fish and may carry Listeria, Salmonella, or parasites. Some tuna species also contain high mercury levels.
🔥 Risk Level: High — Tuna sashimi is not considered safe during pregnancy due to both raw fish and mercury concerns.
✅ Safe Practices: Avoid raw tuna; choose fully cooked, low-mercury tuna options instead (like canned light tuna in moderation).
Tuna sashimi is a sushi favorite—smooth, flavorful, and served raw in its purest form. But if you're pregnant, this elegant dish comes with real health risks that go beyond simple cravings. Both the raw preparation and mercury content make tuna sashimi a food to avoid while expecting.
Let’s explore the specific concerns and how to enjoy tuna more safely during pregnancy.
Why Tuna Sashimi Is Risky During Pregnancy
Tuna sashimi poses two major concerns for pregnant individuals:
1. Risk of Foodborne Illness
Tuna served raw may be contaminated with:
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
Foodborne illness during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or serious illness in newborns.
2. Mercury Exposure
Certain tuna species (like bigeye and bluefin) contain high levels of mercury, which can impair your baby’s brain and nervous system development. Even small amounts of high-mercury fish can be harmful if consumed regularly.
Safer Ways to Enjoy Tuna During Pregnancy
Tuna can still be part of a healthy pregnancy diet if you:
Stick to fully cooked tuna (like canned light or grilled skipjack)
Limit moderate mercury tuna (e.g., albacore) to once a week
Avoid raw tuna sashimi, sushi, poke, and tartare
Safe Alternatives to Tuna Sashimi
Craving that tuna sashimi flavor or texture? Try these swaps:
Canned light tuna served chilled in salads or avocado boats
Seared, fully cooked ahi tuna (make sure it’s cooked through)
Plant-based sashimi or mock tuna made from chickpeas or watermelon
Cooked sushi rolls with shrimp, crab, or egg
These let you enjoy the experience and flavor without the risks of raw fish or mercury overload.
Conclusion: Avoid Tuna Sashimi While Pregnant
Tuna sashimi is not safe to eat during pregnancy due to the combined risks of foodborne illness and high mercury levels. To keep you and your baby safe, opt for fully cooked, low-mercury tuna options, and skip all raw seafood until after delivery.
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
