Pregnancy will be a phase of life where there are a lot of questions. You are pregnant and during your medical consultations, you have been given many dietary recommendations. But you feel lost on what food is allowed or not recommended. In order to avoid causing your baby health problem, it is great to follow various feeding recommendations. Can we eat bonito when pregnant? It will depend on how it is prepared generally. This way we will see with you if you can eat bonito when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat bonito while pregnant with no risk?
Can we eat bonito raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is contraindicated during pregnancy with no exception. Eat bonito when pregnant, will not be encouraged during pregnancy. Raw fish might contain bacteria such as listeriosis or toxoplasmosis. Listeriosis (bacteria) and toxoplasmosis (parasites) are foodborne illnesses. They could 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. As a result, to prevent worries, do not eat bonito raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat bonito smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is precisely the same as for raw fish, it is not recommended to eat bonito smoked while pregnant. Smoked fish might have precisely the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will include listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat bonito steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking generally is higher than 158°F/70°C, which is recommended for bonito steam cooking. This is why you will be able to safely eat bonito steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat bonito 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 the event that you freeze bonito at home, then you will be able to eat it when you are pregnant. Be sure the temperature of the freezer is well under -0.4°F/-18°C.
Can we eat bonito cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat bonito while pregnant, you are totally safe. Any cooking method above 158°F/70°C allows you to destroy 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 prevent becoming infected by eating bonito when pregnant?
Food hygiene rule during pregnancy
It is recommended not to eat fish more than two times a week. It is great 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 advised to avoid the consumption of swordfish, marlin, siki, shark and lamprey.
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is an disease transmitted by a resistant bacteria located in soil, vegetation and water. To protect yourself, you should not eat risky foods, and follow certain rules during food preparation and handling. The infection can then be transmitted to the fetus, which could lead to premature delivery or miscarriage. Risky 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 located 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 poop. Here are some suggestions to avoid being infected with toxoplasmosis when you are pregnant. Wash your hands frequently, 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 bonito while pregnant but in some forms. You can explore for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.