It can be challenging for pregnant women to let go of their favorite foods during pregnancy. Not all of us have or had to, but there are some foods we should avoid for safety reasons. Not because our pregnancy won’t allow us to enjoy spicy food as we did before being pregnant.
Sushi lovers should know that the American College is Obstetricians & Gynecologist guidelines can help you safely eat your favorite foods. However, before you take a peak, it’s best to avoid raw fish rolls for the next nine months of your and your baby’s lives.
Bigeye tuna and yellowtail fish can be high in mercury and/or contain high levels of industrial pollutants or chemicals. Cross-contamination is also very dangerous for your developing baby.
While, after the baby is born, the dangers of eating sushi lessen, health experts still caution nursing women to be careful about what and where they eat.
Can I Eat Sushi While Breastfeeding?
Eating sushi while breastfeeding doesn’t pose a risk to you or the baby. However, that’s assuming that the grocery store, market, or restaurant is mindful of the source and quality of fish. It’s vital to know the origin of the product you’re ingesting.
Consuming sushi or raw fish doesn’t directly affect your little one through your breastmilk, but be cautious. If the fish you ate wasn’t cleaned properly, it could make you incredibly sick.
It’s recommended that women who breastfeed should avoid fish that is high in mercury. Because it could potentially present itself in your breastmilk and, in turn, affect your baby.
Fish high in mercury include:
- King Mackere
- Swordfish
- Bigeye Tuna
- Shark
- Yellowtail
Is It Safe To Eat Cooked Fish While Breastfeeding?
Some types of sushi or raw fish might be dangerous for breastfeeding women. Cooked fish is an excellent healthy choice during pregnancy and provides a boost for you while you’re breastfeeding.
Fish, especially fatty fish, is an excellent source of omega-3s, vitamin D, and niacin. Which are all nutritionally beneficial to you and your little one.
Cooked fish naturally low in mercury is safe in smaller servings; 2 to 6 ounces.
Types of fish low in mercury include:
- Catfish
- Yellowfin or Albacore Tuna
- Haddock
- Cod
- Sardines
- Salmon
- Tilapia
Why Is Sushi Dangerous During Pregnancy?
The main issue with pregnant women eating sushi is that it's raw food. Raw food can sometimes carry foodborne illness bacteria like E.coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria bacteria are found in water, soil, plants, and the produce grown near contaminated soil and water.
A majority of people affected by listeria become sick because they eat contaminated food. Listeria in pregnant women can travel through their placenta and affect the unborn baby. It can lead to stillbirth, premature delivery, miscarriage, or severe health issues for the newborn. While nine months, plus some, might seem like a long time to go without some of your favorite foods, it’s better to make choices that keep you and your little one safe. So, if you know of a safe place to get sushi while breastfeeding, it’s safe. However, consider the risk before satisfaction ensues.
