Can You Eat Smoked or Raw Oysters During Pregnancy?
26 Mar 2025
If you’re craving oysters while pregnant, you might be wondering if they’re safe to eat. The short answer?
Raw oysters are NOT safe during pregnancy due to the risk of foodborne illness.
Fully cooked oysters (including smoked oysters in a can) ARE safe in moderation. Let’s dive into the risks, safe ways to eat oysters, and the benefits of seafood during pregnancy. Why Are Raw Oysters Unsafe During Pregnancy? Raw oysters—including those served on the half shell, in sushi, or ceviche—can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, including:
Listeria – Can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor.
Hepatitis A & Norovirus – Can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Pregnant women have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections that can harm the baby. Bottom line: Avoid ALL raw oysters during pregnancy.
Good source of iron, omega-3s, and protein.
Watch for high sodium content—eat in moderation.
These can still contain harmful bacteria like Listeria. Safe rule: If the oysters are fully cooked (steamed, baked, fried, or canned), they are safe to eat.
Baked (at 450°F for at least 10 minutes).
Fried (deep-fried at high heat).
Grilled (until hot and fully cooked). Avoid oysters that remain closed after cooking—this means they were dead before cooking and may be unsafe.
Rich in iron & zinc – Helps prevent anemia and supports a healthy immune system.
Great source of protein – Essential for baby’s growth. Tip: Choose low-mercury seafood like salmon, shrimp, and sardines for a healthy pregnancy diet.
Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Dizziness or dehydration
Abdominal cramps or body aches If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Fully cooked oysters (including smoked oysters in a can) ARE safe in moderation. Let’s dive into the risks, safe ways to eat oysters, and the benefits of seafood during pregnancy. Why Are Raw Oysters Unsafe During Pregnancy? Raw oysters—including those served on the half shell, in sushi, or ceviche—can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, including:
Risks of Eating Raw Oysters While Pregnant
Vibrio bacteria – Found in raw shellfish; can cause severe food poisoning.Listeria – Can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor.
Hepatitis A & Norovirus – Can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Pregnant women have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections that can harm the baby. Bottom line: Avoid ALL raw oysters during pregnancy.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Smoked Oysters?
1. Canned Smoked Oysters (Safe)
Canned smoked oysters are fully cooked, making them safe to eat.Good source of iron, omega-3s, and protein.
Watch for high sodium content—eat in moderation.
2. Fresh Smoked Oysters (Unsafe)
Cold-smoked or lightly smoked oysters (from restaurants or seafood markets) may not be fully cooked.These can still contain harmful bacteria like Listeria. Safe rule: If the oysters are fully cooked (steamed, baked, fried, or canned), they are safe to eat.
Safe Ways to Eat Oysters During Pregnancy
If you want to enjoy oysters safely, make sure they are fully cooked using these methods: Steamed (boil until shells open, then cook for 3-5 more minutes).Baked (at 450°F for at least 10 minutes).
Fried (deep-fried at high heat).
Grilled (until hot and fully cooked). Avoid oysters that remain closed after cooking—this means they were dead before cooking and may be unsafe.
Benefits of Eating Oysters & Seafood During Pregnancy
When cooked properly, oysters are nutrient-rich and can support your baby’s development: High in omega-3 fatty acids – Supports baby’s brain and eye development.Rich in iron & zinc – Helps prevent anemia and supports a healthy immune system.
Great source of protein – Essential for baby’s growth. Tip: Choose low-mercury seafood like salmon, shrimp, and sardines for a healthy pregnancy diet.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you accidentally eat raw or undercooked oysters, watch for signs of food poisoning, including: Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrheaFever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Dizziness or dehydration
Abdominal cramps or body aches If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
