Pregnancy food checker · United States

Can I eat sushi while pregnant?

Sushi questions are common during pregnancy because the answer depends on the fish, preparation and freshness.

Short answer

Avoid raw or undercooked fish during pregnancy. Cooked sushi, vegetable rolls and low-mercury cooked seafood are usually the safer direction.

Safety note Choose cooked or vegetarian options

What matters for sushi

  • Raw fish can carry parasites or bacteria.
  • Some fish are higher in mercury.
  • Restaurant handling and freshness matter.

Guidance sources: ACOG [1], FDA [2], FDA [3]

What to check first

  • Is the fish fully cooked?
  • What type of fish is used?
  • Was it prepared in a place you trust?

Guidance sources: ACOG [1], FDA [2], FDA [3]

Safer next steps

  • Choose cooked shrimp, cooked salmon or veggie rolls.
  • Skip high-mercury fish.
  • Ask how the sushi was prepared before ordering.

Guidance sources: ACOG [1], FDA [2], FDA [3]

What Can I Eat can and cannot confirm

Can I Eat can use the food name, visible label text and details you provide to highlight relevant questions. A photo cannot confirm internal cooking temperature, storage time, hidden ingredients, pasteurization that is not shown, or restaurant handling. Check the complete label and ask the person who prepared the food when those details matter.

When to contact a clinician

Contact your prenatal clinician if you ate a food discussed here and feel unwell, have been told you have a higher-risk pregnancy, or need advice for your individual circumstances. Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

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Related pregnancy food questions

Can I eat soft cheese while pregnant?Can I drink coffee while pregnant?Can I eat runny eggs while pregnant?

Sources and editorial context

Can I Eat editors source-check these pages against public guidance from U.S. health authorities, keep conditional answers conditional, and identify details that still need to be checked for a specific food. This editorial process is not an individual clinician review or endorsement, and the content is general information rather than individualized medical advice.

Published by Can I Eat for readers in United States. Sources last checked 2026-08-15.

ACOGHaving a BabyFDAQuestions and Answers from the FDA/EPA Advice about Eating FishFDASafe Eats: Food Safety for Moms-to-Be

Can I Eat provides general food safety information and dietary risk reminders only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or a replacement for your clinician.