Is Ceviche safe during pregnancy?
Not recommended during pregnancy — fish or shrimp "cooked" in citrus is still raw. Swap for a cooked shrimp or fish dish.
What the sources say
CDC and Mayo Clinic list ceviche alongside sushi and sashimi as raw or undercooked seafood to avoid in pregnancy. CDC counts it as raw or undercooked fish: marinating in lime or lemon juice is not the same as cooking to 145°F. A version made with seafood fully cooked first (to 145°F, or until shrimp is firm and opaque) avoids the raw-fish concern. While breastfeeding there's no special restriction, but general food-safety risks of raw seafood still apply.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
cebiche, seviche, aguachile, leche de tigre, tiradito, kinilaw, shrimp ceviche, fish ceviche
Sources
- CDC: Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
- Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy
- FDA: Selecting and Serving Fresh and Frozen Seafood Safely
- CDC: Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.