A question that many women have is about the consumption of sushi during pregnancy. Can pregnant women really not eat sushi? What are the risks? Are there specific types of sushi that pregnant women can eat?
We also recommend reading our article: Pregnancy in Japan!
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Why can't pregnant women eat sushi?
Sushi is a delicious, healthy and popular food. But pregnant women are often advised to avoid it. Why does it happen?
The main reason is that sushi can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites that can cause food poisoning. Some of these bacteria and parasites can be very harmful to pregnant women and their babies.
Raw fish can also contain mercury, which can be harmful to both the mother and the developing baby. Therefore, it is best to totally avoid sushi made with raw fish during pregnancy.
There are, however, some types of sushi that are safe for pregnant women to eat. These include sushi made with cooked fish or shellfish, as well as vegetarian sushi. So, if you're craving sushi while you're pregnant, be sure to choose one of these options.
The care that pregnant women take with sushi is the same with any other type of street food, undercooked meats or differentiated foods. So, even if the dish in question contains fried fish, make sure it is well-done.
What are the risks of eating raw fish?
The high percentage of mercury present in salmon and fresh tuna can affect the fetal central nervous system. It is not recommended to eat more than 2 pieces per week (170g).
The risks with regard to parasites are the same for those who are not pregnant. If you are afraid of eating sushi due to salmonella or other parasites, know that such diseases do not pass to the fetus, they only cause discomfort to the mother who is weaker due to pregnancy.
Raw fish (sushi) does not transmit toxoplasmosis – the disease is transmitted only by raw or undercooked meat. Avoid eating sushi at steakhouses where the sushi knife may have come into contact with raw meat.
The biggest risks with regards to pregnancy and sushi is in the mercury, the rest can only cause discomfort to the mother who is weaker. The risk of catching parasites will be the same regardless of whether you are pregnant or not.
Wasabi Strong Root – Some people think that eating wasabi will protect our body from some bacteria, but in fact, pregnant women cannot eat wasabi, which can also be harmful.
What types of sushi can pregnant women eat?
First of all, you need to make sure that the sushi you are eating is made from fresh, high-quality fish. This means that the fish must come from reputable suppliers.
Sushi is not just raw fish, more often than not it is anything wrapped in nori seaweed or something else. In a way, when eating sushi, you don't even want to taste the fish, the combination of ingredients makes the dish succulent.
During pregnancy, women can eat any sushi that does not have raw fish, such as hot philadelphia, or some that have fruits or vegetables. There are hundreds of options.
Smoked and chilled seafood should also be avoided as there is a risk of listeria. The FDA recommends that fish be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
We also recommend reading:
- 130 Types of Sushi – Urumaki, Hossomaki, Nigiri
- Temaki - Sushi in the shape of a cone
- Sushi Restaurants in Japan – How to eat?
Can pregnant women eat ceviche?
Ceviche is one of the most popular dishes in Japanese restaurants, despite its non-Japanese origin. Some may find it safe to eat ceviche, as the fish cooks in the lemon sauce.
The acid in lemons cooks and can kill most bacteria in fish. Still, you may need to be cautious as you don't know how ceviche is prepared.
Even so, be careful. Marinating raw fish in citrus juice or vinegar, as in ceviche, does not kill all bacteria and parasites. Ceviche can stay in the sauce longer and is a little safer, but be careful with dishes like Tataki and Carpaccio.
Fish that have mercury
The fish below should be avoided by pregnant women as they contain mercury:
- Shark.
- Swordfish.
- Mackerel.
- Tilefish.
- Bigeye tuna (found in sushi)
- Marlin.
- Clock fish.
