Can I eat smoked salmon while pregnant?

Key points

• Cold smoked fish carries a small risk of listeria, a germ that can be serious in pregnancy.
• Smoked salmon cooked until steaming hot, or baked into a hot dish, is generally considered lower risk.
• Fish is a helpful part of a pregnancy diet, so ask your provider which types fit your needs.

Why it matters

The FDA advises pregnant people to be careful with refrigerated smoked seafood. These products can carry Listeria, a germ that can cause a serious infection. Pregnancy can make infections like this more dangerous for you and your baby.

The risk is about how the fish is prepared and stored, not about salmon being unhealthy. Fish can be a good source of protein and nutrients in pregnancy.

What is usually OK and what is usually skipped

• Usually skipped: cold or refrigerated smoked salmon, such as lox, Nova-style, or sliced deli salmon, including on bagels or in salads.
• Generally considered OK: smoked salmon that is heated until steaming hot, or smoked salmon stirred into a hot dish like a casserole, pasta, or quiche.
• Shelf-stable smoked fish: some smoked fish sold in sealed packages that do not need refrigeration may be treated differently. Ask your provider or check the label before deciding.

Guidance on this topic can vary, so your provider is the best person to confirm what fits your situation.

Practical tips

• Many providers suggest asking at the store deli counter whether the salmon was cooked or is cold-smoked.
• If you are craving smoked salmon, many people use it in a hot dish instead of eating it cold.
• Cooked fish is also a useful option for meeting your nutrition goals. Ask your provider about which fish are good choices and how much to eat each week.

If you already ate cold smoked salmon

Many people eat cold smoked salmon in pregnancy without any problems, because listeria infection is not common. If you ate it, it is generally advised to watch for symptoms over the next several weeks and to tell your provider so they can decide whether any follow-up is needed.

When to contact your provider

Contact your provider right away if you have fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating smoked fish. These can be signs of listeria infection, which needs prompt care in pregnancy.

Questions people ask

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