Can I eat raw oysters while pregnant?

Avoid

Avoid — raw shellfish carries Vibrio, norovirus, and listeria risk.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Example, OB-GYN, MD Last reviewed: January 15, 2025Editorial process

What's safe

Cooked oysters — baked, fried, grilled, in a cooked stew (internal 145 °F)
Smoked oysters in a can (cooked during processing)

What to avoid

Raw oysters on the half shell
Raw oysters in any sauce or preparation (mignonette, shooter)

Sources & citations

Every verdict on this page is grounded in an authoritative source. If you spot outdated guidance, email [email protected].

Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy (FAQ)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy
Mayo Clinic

Frequently asked questions

What's the actual risk of raw oysters during pregnancy?

Vibrio vulnificus infections in pregnancy can cause severe sepsis; norovirus leads to severe dehydration; listeria can cross the placenta. The CDC explicitly lists raw shellfish among foods to avoid during pregnancy.

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More foods to check

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This page is informational only and is not medical advice. Always consult your OB-GYN, midwife, or registered dietitian about your specific pregnancy nutrition questions — particularly if you have gestational diabetes, food allergies, or other complications.