Pregnancy is going to be a phase of life where we ask ourselves a lot of questions. You are pregnant and during your medical appointments, you have been given many nutritionary advice. But you feel lost on what food is allowed or not recommended. To avoid causing your baby illness, it is good to follow various feeding recommendations. Can we eat anchovies when pregnant? It can depend on how it is prepared in most cases. This way we will discover with you if you can eat anchovies when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat anchovies while pregnant without risk?
Can we eat anchovies raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is not allowed during pregnancy without exception. Eat anchovies when pregnant, will not be recommended during pregnancy. Raw fish may possibly contain bacteria such as listeriosis or toxoplasmosis. Listeriosis (bacteria) and toxoplasmosis (parasites) are foodborne illnesses. They may be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. If the fish is not cooked, then the bacteria is not killed. It can spread and be transmitted to your baby. Therefore, to prevent worries, do not eat anchovies raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat anchovies smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is exactly the same as for raw fish, it is not advised to eat anchovies smoked while pregnant. Smoked fish may possibly have the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will contain listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat anchovies steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking often is higher than 158°F/70°C, which is advised for anchovies steam cooking. As a result you will be able to safely eat anchovies steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat anchovies frozen while pregnant?
The frozen fish could be eaten by the pregnant woman. You will need to make sure that the cold chain has been respected. In case that you freeze anchovies at home, then you will be able to eat it when you are pregnant. Check that the temperature of the freezer is well under -0.4°F/-18°C.
Can we eat anchovies cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat anchovies while pregnant, you are totally safe. Any cooking method above 158°F/70°C allows you to eliminate bacteria that may possibly be present in fish. As well as your fish being cooked in papillote, in the oven, in the frying pan, it will be safe to eat.
What precautions will there be to prevent becoming infected by eating anchovies when pregnant?
Food hygiene rule during pregnancy
It is advised not to eat fish more than 2 times a week. It is good to vary the species and supply locations. It is relatively preferable to limit the consumption of the following fish: sea bream, skate, halibut, tuna, carp, sea bass, monkfish, bonito, and eel. It is suggested to avoid eating of swordfish, marlin, siki, shark and lamprey.
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is an infection transmitted by a resistant bacteria found in soil, vegetation and water. To protect yourself, you probably should not eat risky foods, and follow certain rules during food preparation and handling. The infection can then be transmitted to the baby, which can lead to premature delivery or miscarriage. High risk products are raw milk or products made from raw milk (raw milk cheeses), soft cheeses (brie, camembert,…), delicatessen products, rillettes and pâtés, foie gras, smoked or raw fish and seafood products (so not raw or smoked white tuna), raw or undercooked meat, cooked dishes that have been in the fridge for too long,…Listeria is a bacterium killed by pasteurization and cooking. To protect yourself from listeriosis, cook your food sufficiently and do not eat risky foods.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a disease, linked to a parasite found in soil and meat. Toxoplasmosis will sometimes also be transmitted by cats and their poop. Many women have been contaminated with toxoplasmosis and have developed antibodies. However, some women do not have these antibodies and therefore will have to follow some food hygiene rules during their pregnancy. Human contamination can occur in three ways, either by eating undercooked meat or fish, or by eating food contaminated (raw vegetables) with cat feces. Here are some recommendations to avoid being infected with toxoplasmosis when you are pregnant. Wash your hands frequently, specifically if you have prepared raw meat, earth or raw vegetables. Do not rub your eyes while touching raw meat. Eat well-cooked meat and fish and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Conclusion
At last, it is possible to eat anchovies while pregnant but in some forms. You can search for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.