Can You Eat Raw Shellfish When Pregnant?
Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
No — the NHS advises avoiding raw shellfish during pregnancy because it can cause food poisoning from bacteria, viruses or toxins.
Why is raw shellfish a concern in pregnancy?
Raw shellfish — oysters, raw clams, raw mussels — can contain harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins that cooking would normally destroy. Food poisoning in pregnancy is more unpleasant and carries more risk for you, so the NHS says to eat shellfish only when thoroughly cooked.
You can also check the calorie content of raw shellfish alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
All of these shellfish are safe once thoroughly cooked and served piping hot.
As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
Check Price →Pregnancy food guide
A paper reference for the fridge door — no more mid-supermarket googling.
Check Price →Digital food thermometer
Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
More pregnancy essentials
Baby-safe food thermometer
Useful for pregnancy cooking checks and later for baby food.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Common questions
Can I eat raw shellfish in the first trimester?
Yes — thoroughly cooked raw shellfish are safe throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of raw shellfish OK during pregnancy?
There is no limit on cooked raw shellfish during pregnancy.
I accidentally ate raw shellfish while pregnant — what should I do?
If they were cooked, there is nothing to worry about. If you ate them raw, the main risk is ordinary food poisoning — contact your GP or midwife if you develop sickness or diarrhoea, mainly so you can stay hydrated and be checked over.
Is cooked raw shellfish safe in pregnancy?
Yes — cooked is exactly how the NHS says to enjoy raw shellfish while pregnant.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.