can you eat shellfish while pregnant

It is generally safe to eat shellfish while pregnant, but only if the shellfish is thoroughly cooked. Raw or undercooked shellfish, including raw oysters, should be avoided due to the risk of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause serious infections and complications during pregnancy. Cooking shellfish kills these pathogens, making cooked shellfish such as prawns, lobster, crab, and mussels safe to consume. It is important to ensure shellfish is fully cooked, such as shells opening during cooking, and to avoid cold or raw shellfish dishes.