Can I eat seafood during early pregnancy?

Jul 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, it is safe to eat seafood during early pregnancy, but excessive consumption is not recommended. When choosing seafood, select fresh products from reliable sources, and avoid raw, marinated, or uncooked seafood such as sashimi. Consumption should be moderate, and large quantities should not be eaten at one time. If discomfort such as abdominal pain or rash occurs after eating seafood, consumption should be stopped immediately and medical attention should be sought promptly.

In general, seafood can be consumed during early pregnancy, but it is not recommended to eat excessive amounts. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Early pregnancy is a critical stage for fetal nervous system development. Many types of seafood, such as salmon and cod, are rich in high-quality protein, which provides essential building materials for cells in both the mother and the fetus. They also contain abundant DHA, a component beneficial to fetal brain and vision development. Certain seafood, such as shrimp and scallops, contains minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc, which can supplement nutrients required by the mother during early pregnancy and help maintain normal physiological functions. In addition, most seafood has tender meat that is easy to digest, making it especially suitable for pregnant women in early pregnancy who often experience poor appetite and weakened digestion. Consuming moderate amounts of seafood can both provide nutrition and avoid placing excessive burden on the gastrointestinal system.

When choosing seafood, fresh products with reliable sources should be selected, and raw or undercooked seafood such as pickled raw seafood or sashimi should be avoided. Consumption should be moderated, avoiding excessive intake at one time. If discomfort such as abdominal pain or rash occurs after consumption, intake should be stopped immediately and medical attention should be sought promptly.

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