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Can I eat Sushi while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

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FDA and ACOG advise against consuming raw or undercooked fish, including sushi, during pregnancy due to infection risks.

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Guidelines from the FDA and ACOG emphasize that raw or undercooked fish poses risks of foodborne illnesses, including Listeria, Salmonella, and parasites. Pregnant individuals are advised to consume fish cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to eliminate these pathogens. While raw sushi is generally discouraged, cooked varieties and vegetarian options are considered safe. Additionally, the choice of fish is critical due to methylmercury levels; low-mercury options like salmon, shrimp, and eel are preferred. The FDA recommends 8 to 12 ounces of low-mercury seafood per week. Cross-contamination in sushi restaurants is a noted concern, as surfaces used for raw fish may also be used for cooked items. Following these guidelines helps mitigate risks to both the mother and the developing fetus.

Avoid

Raw Fish Sushi

Caution

Avoid raw or undercooked fish, including sushi and sashimi.

Safe Options

Cooked Sushi Rolls

Expert Pick

Vegetable Sushi Rolls

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Updated: Sources: Can I eat sushi while I’m pregnant? | ACOG +3

Safer Choices

Cooked Sushi Rolls

  • Opt for sushi rolls made with fully cooked seafood, such as shrimp tempura or eel, to eliminate the risk of parasites and bacteria.

Vegetable Sushi Rolls

  • Choose rolls filled with vegetables like cucumber, avocado, or pickled radish, which are safe and nutritious options.

Egg Sushi (Tamago)

  • Tamago is a sweet, fully cooked omelet served over rice, providing a safe alternative to raw fish sushi.

Imitation Crab Rolls

  • Imitation crab, often used in California rolls, is typically cooked and considered safe during pregnancy.

Cooked Fish Rolls

  • Sushi rolls containing cooked fish, such as grilled salmon or crab, are safer alternatives to raw fish options.

Fully cooked rolls

  • California rolls made with pasteurized imitation crab
  • Shrimp tempura rolls cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F
  • Cooked eel (unagi) or smoked eel rolls
  • Cooked salmon or whitefish rolls

Vegetarian sushi

  • Cucumber (kappa maki) or avocado rolls
  • Sweet potato tempura rolls
  • Pickled radish (oshinko) or fermented soybean (natto) rolls

Low-mercury seafood

  • Salmon, shrimp, pollock, and catfish are categorized as 'Best Choices' by the FDA
  • Limit intake to 8-12 ounces per week from this category

Risks & Limits

Raw Fish Sushi

  • Avoid all sushi containing raw or undercooked fish due to the risk of foodborne illnesses and parasites.

High-Mercury Fish

  • Limit consumption of fish high in mercury, such as bigeye tuna, king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, and tilefish, as mercury can harm fetal development. (fda.gov)

Refrigerated Smoked Seafood

  • Avoid refrigerated smoked seafood unless it is cooked in a dish, as it may contain Listeria. (foodsafety.gov)

Raw or undercooked preparations

  • Sashimi, nigiri, and rolls containing raw tuna, salmon, or yellowtail due to Listeria and parasite risks
  • Seared fish that remains raw in the center

High-mercury fish species

  • Bigeye Tuna, King Mackerel, Swordfish, Shark, and Tilefish should be avoided entirely
  • Limit 'Good Choices' like Albacore tuna to one 4-ounce serving per week

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on ACOG, FDA, FoodSafety.gov published guidance

  • 1
    Avoid raw or undercooked fish, including sushi and sashimi.
  • 2
    Choose sushi made with fully cooked seafood or vegetables.
  • 3
    Limit intake of high-mercury fish to reduce fetal exposure.
  • 4
    Ensure all seafood is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  • 5
    Avoid refrigerated smoked seafood unless cooked in a dish.
  • 6
    Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
  • 7
    Verify fish is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F

Common Questions About Sushi in Pregnant

Can I eat Sushi while pregnant?
FDA and ACOG advise against consuming raw or undercooked fish, including sushi, during pregnancy due to infection risks.
Is it safe to eat sushi during the first trimester?
Consuming raw or undercooked fish, including sushi, is not recommended during any stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester, due to the risk of foodborne illnesses that can affect both mother and fetus.
How often can I eat cooked sushi while pregnant?
Cooked sushi made with low-mercury fish can be consumed in moderation. The FDA recommends that pregnant women eat 8 to 12 ounces (two to three servings) per week of a variety of fish that are lower in mercury. (fda.gov)
What are the main risks of eating raw sushi during pregnancy?
The primary risks include exposure to parasites and bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes, which can lead to severe infections, miscarriage, or preterm labor. (acog.org)
Are there safer alternatives to raw sushi for pregnant women?
Yes, alternatives include sushi rolls made with fully cooked seafood, vegetable rolls, egg sushi (tamago), and rolls with imitation crab, all of which are considered safe during pregnancy.
How should seafood be prepared to ensure safety during pregnancy?
Seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Avoid raw or undercooked seafood to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. (foodsafety.gov)

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References & Guidelines

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your pregnancy. Doola AI aggregates data from public health guidelines to provide these summaries.