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 recommendations. But you feel lost on what food is allowed or not recommended. In order to avoid causing your baby disease, it is very good to follow various feeding recommendations. Can we eat cod when pregnant? It can depend on how it is prepared in most cases. This way we will discover with you if you can eat cod when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat cod while pregnant without risk?
Can we eat cod raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is contraindicated while pregnant without exception. Eat cod when pregnant, will not be advised during pregnancy. Raw fish may 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. For that reason, to avoid worries, do not eat cod raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat cod smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is precisely the same as for raw fish, it is not advised to eat cod smoked while pregnant. Smoked fish may have precisely the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will include listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat cod steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking generally is higher than 158°F/70°C, which is advised for cod steam cooking. Therefore you will be able to safely eat cod steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat cod 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 cod at home, then you will be able to eat it when you are pregnant. Check that the temperature of the freezer is well below -0.4°F/-18°C.
Can we eat cod cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat cod while pregnant, you are totally safe. Any cooking method above 158°F/70°C allows you to kill bacteria that may 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 measures will there be to avoid becoming infected by eating cod when pregnant?
Food hygiene rule during pregnancy
It is advised 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 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 baby, which can lead to premature delivery or miscarriage. Risky products are raw milk or products made out of 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 infected with toxoplasmosis and have developed antibodies. However, some women do not have these antibodies and as a result 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 poop. Right here are some recommendations 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
Finally, it may be possible to eat cod while pregnant but in some forms. You can search for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.