Pregnancy food guidance
Oysters
Depends—Cook thoroughly
Cooked oysters can be eaten, but avoid raw or undercooked oysters during pregnancy.
What changes the answer for Oysters
- Raw oysters: avoid.
- Cook until shells open and the flesh is fully cooked.
- Discard shellfish that do not open during cooking.
Why it matters for Oysters
Raw shellfish can contain harmful bacteria, viruses or naturally occurring toxins.
Practical takeaway
Choose thoroughly cooked oysters, not oysters on the half shell.
Sources and review details
- Review status
- Source reviewed
- Last reviewed
- Guidance region
- United States
- FDA: Eating Out and Bringing In (opens in a new tab)Checked
- The Bump: Top Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy (opens in a new tab)Checked Medically reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD