In 2016, Statista reported that in France, 30% of 20\u201334-year-olds ate sushi regularly, as did 26% of 35\u201344-year-olds. More recently, the Food Observatory stated that \u201c22% of French people order it at least once a month.\u201d One thing is certain: sushi doesn\u2019t leave anyone indifferent. But are you allowed to eat it during pregnancy?<\/p>\n
Sushi while pregnant: we tell you everything.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re pregnant, food-related risks increase and require a few temporary restrictions<\/strong>. In fact, the list of food safety precautions is one of the first documents the healthcare professionals following you will give you. And, unfortunately for Japanese food lovers, sushi is not on the \u201capproved\u201d list<\/strong>.<\/p>\n We won\u2019t keep you waiting any longer: sushi during pregnancy, if it contains raw (or smoked or undercooked) fish, is unfortunately strongly discouraged<\/strong>. Eating raw fish during pregnancy exposes you\u2014and therefore your baby\u2014to risks<\/strong> of listeriosis (we explain those risks a bit further down).<\/p>\n We\u2019re talking about sushi, but of course the same recommendations<\/strong> apply to maki, temaki, chirashi, sashimi, futomaki\u2026 And anything that may contain raw, undercooked, or smoked fish<\/strong> (smoking a food is not the same as cooking it).<\/p>\n All these food rules can be hard to remember<\/strong> (especially when they pile up). On May<\/strong>, we\u2019ve prepared summary sheets<\/strong> as well as a practical tool<\/strong>: \u201cPregnant, can I?<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n We mentioned it above: the biggest risk with eating raw fish<\/strong> is listeriosis<\/strong>\u2026 but not only that!<\/p>\n Listeriosis is a disease caused by a bacterium<\/strong>, Listeria, which can lead to risks of complications<\/strong> during pregnancy. These risks include:<\/p>\n The first two points are closely linked to the fever episode that listeriosis can cause<\/strong>. Fortunately, there is an antibiotic<\/strong> for listeriosis. But its effectiveness depends on how quickly it\u2019s given: the sooner, the better. At the slightest worrying symptom<\/strong> (mainly fever, but it can be accompanied by headaches and digestive issues), don\u2019t hesitate to consult your doctor or midwife promptly<\/strong>. Note that the incubation period can last up to two months.<\/p>\n Listeria is a bacterium that is very resistant to cold<\/strong> (but not to heat, hence the importance of thoroughly cooking food). It tends to thrive in the environment and in homes (particularly in refrigerators, since it can colonize foods).<\/p>\n Also note that some fish<\/strong>, whether raw or cooked, may contain mercury<\/strong>. As you can imagine, consuming mercury during pregnancy (and not only then!) is generally discouraged\u2026<\/strong> Above all, large fish<\/strong> (those at the very top of the food chain) pose the greatest risk, such as shark, swordfish, marlin, tuna, wels catfish, etc. (the full list is available on the ANSES website).<\/p>\n Another risk that can go along with eating sushi: toxoplasmosis. Note that this risk is more related to the raw vegetables<\/strong> that sometimes accompany these Japanese dishes (if they aren\u2019t properly washed) than to the raw fish itself. It is an infection caused by a parasite<\/strong> that can cross the placental barrier<\/strong> and transmit congenital toxoplasmosis<\/strong> to the fetus, which can cause developmental abnormalities<\/strong> or even pregnancy loss<\/strong>.<\/p>\nWhat are the risks of eating raw fish for a pregnant woman?<\/h2>\n
The risks of listeriosis<\/h3>\n
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Risks related to mercury<\/h3>\n
The risks of toxoplasmosis<\/h3>\n