It depends on whether the shellfish is raw or has been cooked.
Avoid raw shellfish
It's best not to eat raw shellfish while you're pregnant to reduce the risk of food poisoning, which can be particularly unpleasant during pregnancy. This includes:
- oysters
- mussels
- scallops
- clams
- winkles
- prawns
- shrimps
- crabs
- crayfish
- lobster
Raw shellfish can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses or toxins (poisons) that can make you ill.
Cooked shellfish
It's safe to eat shellfish during pregnancy as long as it's been thoroughly cooked. Any bacteria or viruses are usually killed by thorough cooking. However, if toxins are present, they will not be completely removed by cooking.
Commercial shellfish are required by law to be regulated or tested. If you want to take shellfish from any public waters, it's important to check local notices or with your local authority that it's safe to eat shellfish from that area.
See fish and shellfish for further advice. If you have any concerns, you may prefer not to eat shellfish while you're pregnant.
Read the answers to more questions about pregnancy.
Further information
Page last reviewed: 13 June 2015
Next review due: 13 June 2021