When Is It Risky to Eat Sushi While Pregnant?
The main risk of eating sushi while pregnant is infection with parasites such as anisakis worms. Fish-borne parasitic infections can lead to anemia and compromised immunity in pregnant women, which may cause the fetus to develop more slowly and be born prematurely.
Sushi From Reputable Sources Won’t Contain Parasites
Fortunately, the risk of parasitic infection from sushi is very low in the United States. Sushi chefs in the US are required to freeze fish before preparing it raw, which kills parasites. So if you were enjoying some sushi or sashimi with raw fish and later thought “I ate sushi while pregnant! Will my baby be OK?”, the answer is probably yes – unless the sushi was prepared illegally.
Was There Mercury in Your Sushi?
Another concern is that certain types of fish used in sushi (such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish) may contain high levels of mercury, which can damage the developing nervous system of the fetus.
The FDA recommends that pregnant women avoid these fish altogether. So, you may want to check the sushi menu before you order next time to make sure it doesn’t include any of these fish.
I Ate Sushi While Pregnant – What Should I Do?
If you’re worried that sushi you ate while pregnant put your baby at risk, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. They can order tests to check for parasites or mercury exposure, and they’ll be able to put your mind at ease if you’re thinking “I ate sushi while pregnant, what can happen?”.
In general, the occasional sushi meal is probably not going to harm your baby – but it’s always best to check with your doctor first. And, of course, be sure to eat sushi from a reputable source to minimize the risk of parasitic infection.
How to Minimize the Risks Associated With Sushi and Pregnancy?
Now that we’ve answered the question “I ate sushi while pregnant, will my baby be OK?”, let’s talk about how you can minimize the risks associated with sushi and pregnancy.
- To avoid parasitic infection, make sure you only eat sushi from reputable restaurants that follow proper food safety procedures. You can also order sushi with cooked fish to be extra safe.
- To avoid mercury exposure, avoid fish that are high in mercury, such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish. Some safe seafood options include salmon, shrimp, and pollock.
- Limit your sushi intake to once or twice a week to further reduce your risk of mercury exposure.
If you’re concerned about the risks of eating sushi while pregnant, talk to your doctor. They can help you make decisions that are right for you and your baby.
Conclusion: One Sushi Meal Shouldn’t Hurt Your Baby
If you’re wondering “I ate sushi while pregnant, will my baby be OK?”, the answer is probably yes – as long as the sushi was prepared properly and you don’t eat it too often. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor to put your mind at ease. And, of course, always follow food safety guidelines to minimize the risk of infection or exposure to harmful toxins.
What do you think about sushi and pregnancy? Have you ever eaten sushi while pregnant? Let us know in the comments below!
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