Is it safe to eat sushi during pregnancy?

Eat sushi at your own risk during pregnancy.

Once you are pregnant, everything you eat and drink can affect the development of the baby. And while some pregnancy diet tips such as ditching alcohol and increasing your fruit and vegetable intake are obvious, some, especially about seafood, are ambiguous. And if you like sushi, here s why you should avoid it during pregnancy according to diet and nutrition consultant Priya Kathpal.

Mercury in raw fish

The raw fish in sushi contain mercury that is found in most seafood. While in water, fish are exposed to mercury from man-made sources like coal power plants and natural sources, depositing mercury in the fish ecosystem. When consumed in excess, the mercury from the fish can build up in your bloodstream and affect the development of the child s nervous system and brain. Also, say no to these 7 things when pregnant.

Presence of bacteria and parasite

The raw fish in sushi may contain harmful bacteria or parasites that can make you sick while you are pregnant. Listeria, a parasite in raw fish, can make a pregnant woman sick and also potentially harm the health of the baby. While experienced sushi chefs in the restaurants are trained to choose parasite-free fish, there is still a risk when the fish is eaten raw. On the other hand, when you cook fish properly, the heat kills the microorganisms in the fish. Plus, you must cook all sea foods at 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which means sushi is an absolute no.

However, if you still do not want to give up on sushi, you can opt for the ones with no raw fish. Most sushi restaurants now offer a vegetarian version of sushi which eliminates the potential dangers of sushi that feature raw fish. When ordering, look for ingredients in sushi that can promote a healthy pregnancy. For example, leafy grains rolled into sushi can provide folate which is a vital nutrient for placenta health. Sushi rolls with peas and broccoli can provide iron necessary during pregnancy. Every pregnant woman should include these 10 superfoods in her diet.

Bottom line Eat sushi at your own risk during pregnancy.

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