In this short article, we will answer the question “Can pregnant women eat sushi?” and will discuss some food pregnancy care.
Can pregnant women eat sushi?
Yes! Certain types of sushi are not suitable for pregnant women. For pregnant women, eating sealed sushi—that is, lightly cooked rather than raw—is preferable.
That’s because eating raw fish puts you at risk for infection and can make you sick, especially if you have a baby.
These include listeriosis and salmonella, which can result in severe infections, inflammation, and even miscarriage in the foetus. But don’t panic, experts in maternal-fetal medicine say that the occurrences are uncommon, happening only once every two million pregnancies.
But that doesn’t negate the need for caution when consuming sushi. And that’s what you’ll be reading about right now.
We have put up a thorough guide with all the information you require to eat sushi safely while pregnant. Take a look:
Why should pregnant women be cautious when eating sushi?
It’s because eating raw food increases your risk of contracting parasites that harm the developing foetus and cause illnesses including toxoplasmosis, listeriosis, and salmonellosis.
Learn the potential effects of each of these infections and how to prevent them:
Toxoplasmosis
Sick food, such as raw meat from infected animals, cat excrement, polluted water, or even contaminated soil can all be sources of the disease.
It is a benign disease for adults and typically does not cause symptoms, but if it is acquired during pregnancy, the foetus may experience major complications. Contrary to popular belief, raw fish is not a component of the parasite cycle that results in toxoplasmosis.
Yes, it is possible to eat raw fish pieces in sushi even if a pregnant woman is not immune to the disease. This can be established with a toxoplasmosis serology test. Select a reputable eatery that upholds high levels of hygiene in the handling and storage of ingredients.
Inquire about the origin of the fish.
Avoid eating fish high in vitamin A (tuna, salmon, and marlin) or fish high in toxins like mercury (dogfish, shark, and swordfish), which, if ingested in excess during pregnancy, can lead to abnormalities in the embryo.
Weekly fish consumption should be kept to a minimum.
Listeriosis
It is a bacterium that may be found in raw fish and causes several pregnancy issues, including the possibility of spontaneous abortion, premature birth, or even the death of the foetus, as well as the development of serious infections in the newborn.
The methods for avoiding this dreaded bacterium are fairly similar to those for avoiding salmonella and toxoplasmosis:
Before eating, wash your hands thoroughly, store food properly, choose cooked items wherever possible, and wash your hands again afterwards.
Salmonellosis
The bacterium that causes this illness, more often known as salmonella, is present in some naturally occurring foods that are not thoroughly cleaned before manufacture. In addition to dehydration, it may result in joint pain or possibly the infant’s death.
Consider eating well-cooked or roasted eggs and meats, washing your hands frequently, washing the food you consume, and paying pay attention to the hygienic conditions of restaurants if you plan to eat out.
What safety measures must be followed before eating sushi?
Buy frozen fish instead.
That is correct! Although the fish used for sushi is typically fresh, it is possible to get rid of any parasites by freezing the dish before eating.
Only eat fish twice a week at most.
Reduced exposure to foods high in mercury or vitamin A, which can be hazardous to the foetus if ingested in excess, is another benefit of limiting and moderate fish consumption during pregnancy.
Likewise, favour eating spicy foods with veggies, like yakisoba. Asian food has a lot to offer!
Beware of soy sauce
Soy sauce, or soy sauce, can cause difficulties during pregnancy, such as raised blood pressure, due to its extremely high salt content. Sushi that has been seasoned with lemon and olive oil is an excellent choice.
And we all know how amazing sushi is, right? We also outline the advantages of eating sushi while pregnant as a result. See that?
Conclusion:
In this short article, we answered the question “Can pregnant women eat sushi?” and discussed some food pregnancy care.