Is Cooked Sushi Safe During Pregnancy

Reason

FDA and CDC advise pregnant people to avoid raw fish sushi. Cooked sushi and low-mercury fish are safer choices.

Safe Amount

No established safe limit — consult your provider.

Effects

Pregnancy

Raw sushi is a food safety risk in pregnancy; cooked, low-mercury options are preferred.

Mother

Lower risk of foodborne illness such as Listeria or parasite infection.

Baby

Lower chance of exposure to germs or mercury from raw or high-mercury fish.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Same advice all trimesters: avoid raw sushi. Raw fish can carry germs that may harm you during pregnancy.

2nd Trimester

Same advice all trimesters: avoid raw sushi. Cooked sushi is safer if made with cooked seafood and handled safely.

3rd Trimester

Same advice all trimesters: avoid raw sushi. Cooked sushi is safer if made with cooked seafood and handled safely.

Conditions & Warnings

• Avoid raw fish sushi and sashimi.
• Choose sushi made with fully cooked seafood only.
• Avoid sushi with high-mercury fish such as bigeye tuna, shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
• Choose sushi from reputable places with safe handling and refrigeration.

Alternatives

• Sushi with fully cooked seafood
• Vegetable rolls
• Cooked shrimp or crab rolls
• Canned light tuna in limited, guideline-based portions

References

• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/questions-answers-fdaepa-advice-about-eating-fish-those-who-might-become-or-are-pregnant-or
• CDC
  https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html
• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/eating-out-bringing-food-safety-moms-be