Guidelines for Seafood Consumption in Pregnancy

Infectious Risks Associated with Raw or Undercooked Seafood

Seafood Types That Must Be Completely Avoided

Pregnancy‑Related Susceptibility

Safe Seafood Consumption Recommendations

Preventing Cross‑Contamination

Additional Nutritional Considerations

Food Safety Guidelines for Pregnant Women

Risks of Undercooked Meat During Pregnancy

• Undercooked meats pose a significant risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection, which is associated with miscarriage and can be transmitted to the fetus 6, 7
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women avoid consuming undercooked meats to reduce the risk of foodborne infections that can cause miscarriage or harm to the fetus 6, 7

Safe Cooking Recommendations

• Pregnant women should consume only meat that is cooked until well-done to effectively inactivate food-borne pathogens, regardless of trimester 7
• When dining at restaurants, pregnant women should consume only meat that is cooked until well-done 8

Other Food Safety Considerations During Pregnancy

• Pregnant women should avoid raw or unpasteurized dairy products, soft French-style cheeses, unheated deli meats, and raw or undercooked seafood, including oysters and clams 7, 8
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pregnant women avoid consuming raw or undercooked seafood to reduce the risk of foodborne illness 8