Pregnancy is going to be a phase of life where we ask ourselves a lot of questions. You are pregnant and during your medical consultations, you have been given many dietary advice. But you are lost on what food is allowed or not recommended. To avoid causing your baby health problem, it is very good to follow various feeding recommendations. Can we eat bluefin tuna when pregnant? It will depend on how it is cooked in most cases. This way we will discover with you if you can eat bluefin tuna when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat bluefin tuna while pregnant without risk?
Can we eat bluefin tuna raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is contraindicated during pregnancy without exception. Eat bluefin tuna when pregnant, will not be recommended during pregnancy. Raw fish might contain bacteria such as listeriosis or toxoplasmosis. Listeriosis (bacteria) and toxoplasmosis (parasites) are foodborne illnesses. They are generally 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 child. Therefore, to avoid worries, do not eat bluefin tuna raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat bluefin tuna smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is exactly the same as for raw fish, it is not recommended to eat bluefin tuna smoked when pregnant. Smoked fish might have the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will contain listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat bluefin tuna steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking generally exceeds 158°F/70°C, which is recommended for bluefin tuna steam cooking. As a result you will be able to safely eat bluefin tuna steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat bluefin tuna frozen while pregnant?
The frozen fish can be eaten by the pregnant woman. You will need to make sure that the cold chain has been respected. In the event that you freeze bluefin tuna at home, then you will be able to eat it when you are pregnant. Make sure that the temperature of the freezer is well below -0.4°F/-18°C.
Can we eat bluefin tuna cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat bluefin tuna while pregnant, you are completely safe. Any cooking method above 158°F/70°C allows you to kill bacteria that might 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 avoid becoming infected by eating bluefin tuna when pregnant?
Food hygiene rule during pregnancy
It is recommended not to eat fish more than two times a week. It is very 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 the consumption 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 shouldn’t eat risky foods, and follow certain rules during food preparation and handling. The infection then can be transmitted to the baby, that may lead to premature delivery or miscarriage. High risk products are raw milk or products produced 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. But, some women don’t have these antibodies and therefore will have to follow some food hygiene rules during their pregnancy. Human contamination can happen in three ways, either by eating undercooked meat or fish, or by eating food contaminated (raw vegetables) with cat feces. Here are some advice to avoid being infected with toxoplasmosis when you are pregnant. Wash your hands very often, especially 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 may be possible to eat bluefin tuna while pregnant but in some forms. You can search for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.