Pregnancy will be a phase of life where there are a lot of questions. You are pregnant and during your medical appointments, you have been given many food advice. But you are lost on what food is allowed or not recommended. To prevent causing your baby illness, it is good to follow various feeding recommendations. Can we eat haddock when pregnant? It depends on how it is prepared in most cases. This way we will discover with you if you can eat haddock when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat haddock while pregnant with no risk?
Can we eat haddock raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is contraindicated while pregnant with no exception. Eat haddock when pregnant, will not be recommended during pregnancy. Raw fish may 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 child. For that reason, to prevent worries, do not eat haddock raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat haddock smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is exactly the same as for raw fish, it is not advised to eat haddock smoked when pregnant. Smoked fish may contain precisely the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will contain listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat haddock steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking generally exceeds 158°F/70°C, which is advised for haddock steam cooking. This is why you will be able to safely eat haddock steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat haddock frozen while pregnant?
The frozen fish will be able to be eaten by the pregnant woman. You will have to make sure that the cold chain has been respected. In the event that you freeze haddock 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 haddock cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat haddock while pregnant, you are absolutely 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 precautions will there be to prevent becoming infected by eating haddock 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 recommended 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 shouldn’t eat risky foods, and follow certain rules during food preparation and handling. The infection can then be transmitted to the baby, that may 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 don’t have these antibodies and for that reason 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, 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
Finally, it is possible to eat haddock while pregnant but in some forms. You can search for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.
