Can I eat sushi while pregnant?

Moderate

Cooked sushi rolls (tempura, eel, California with imitation crab) are fine. Skip raw-fish nigiri and sashimi until after baby arrives.

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

What's safe

Cooked sushi — shrimp tempura, eel (unagi), cooked tuna rolls, California rolls made with cooked imitation crab
Vegetable rolls — avocado, cucumber, sweet potato
Sushi made from fully cooked shellfish (shrimp, crab, cooked scallops)

What to avoid

Raw fish sashimi — tuna, salmon, yellowtail, mackerel
Raw-fish nigiri (any kind)
Homemade sushi with raw fish not labeled 'sushi-grade / previously frozen'
Poke bowls with raw fish

By trimester

1st Trimester

Listeria and parasite risk is highest now — stick strictly to cooked rolls during the first trimester when immunity is most compromised.

2nd Trimester

Same rule applies in the second trimester; cooked rolls remain a safe, protein-rich option for a dinner out.

3rd Trimester

Late pregnancy: avoid listeria-risk foods rigorously; one episode of foodborne illness this close to term can trigger preterm labor.

Sources & citations

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 If you spot outdated guidance, email [email protected].

Can I eat sushi while I'm pregnant?
ACOG — Ask ACOG
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy (FAQ)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Advice About Eating Fish (FDA / EPA joint advisory)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Frequently asked questions

Is all sushi unsafe during pregnancy?

No. Cooked sushi rolls are safe and nutritious. Only raw fish sushi (sashimi, raw nigiri, poke) carries listeria and parasite risk.

Can I eat California rolls?

Yes, if the 'crab' is fully cooked imitation crab (surimi) or real cooked crab. Some restaurants use raw crab — always ask.

Is sushi-grade raw fish safer because it's frozen first?

Freezing kills most parasites but not listeria. ACOG still advises pregnant women to skip raw fish, even sushi-grade.

Track your meals with SafeBites

Get a personalized pregnancy meal plan using only foods you can tolerate. Free to start — no credit card.

More foods to check

Tuna Salmon Shrimp Smoked Salmon Swordfish Mackerel Raw Oysters Brie Feta Blue Cheese Goat Cheese Unpasteurized Milk

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.