Should I avoid eating raw fish while trying to conceive or until confirmed pregnant?

Raw Fish Consumption During Conception Attempts

Women trying to conceive should avoid raw fish consumption due to potential risks from harmful bacteria like Listeria and other pathogens that can affect conception and early pregnancy. 1

Risks of Raw Fish Consumption When Trying to Conceive

Raw fish poses several risks that are particularly relevant during the conception period:

• Raw fish may contain harmful bacteria like Listeria and other pathogens that can interfere with conception and early pregnancy development 1
• Infections during early pregnancy can affect implantation and early development, which may occur before pregnancy is confirmed 1
• Parasites in raw fish can lead to a wide range of clinical manifestations that can be challenging to treat if pregnancy occurs 2

Safe Fish Consumption Recommendations

While raw fish should be avoided, properly cooked fish offers important nutritional benefits:

• Cook fish thoroughly to internal temperatures of 165°F to kill parasites and bacteria 1
• Women trying to conceive can safely consume up to 2 servings per week (8-12 oz total) of properly cooked, low-mercury fish 1
• Beneficial fish options include:
  • Properly cooked salmon
  • Canned light tuna
  • Pollock
  • Catfish
  • Shrimp 1

Fish to Avoid When Trying to Conceive

Certain fish should be avoided due to high mercury content:

• Shark
• Swordfish
• King mackerel
• Tilefish 1, 3

Nutritional Benefits of Properly Cooked Fish

Fish consumption provides important nutrients for women trying to conceive:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) important for fetal development 1, 4
• Iodine, which is particularly important for fertility and early fetal development 5, 1
• High-quality protein, vitamin D, and selenium 1

Additional Food Safety Considerations

When trying to conceive, also avoid:

• Foods containing raw eggs
• Raw or undercooked poultry, meat, and seafood
• Unpasteurized dairy products
• Unpasteurized fruit juices
• Raw seed sprouts 1

Key Takeaways

1. Avoid raw fish completely when trying to conceive, not just after pregnancy is confirmed
2. Choose properly cooked, low-mercury fish options 2 times per week for nutritional benefits
3. Follow proper food handling and cooking practices to minimize infection risks
4. Consider removing skin and surface fat from fish before cooking to reduce potential exposure to contaminants 1

This guidance aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is particularly important because early pregnancy (before confirmation) is a vulnerable period when the developing embryo is susceptible to foodborne pathogens.