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 food recommendations. But you are lost on what food is allowed or not recommended. To prevent causing your baby illness, it is very good to follow various feeding recommendations. Can we eat hake when pregnant? It depends on how it is cooked in most cases. This way we will see with you if you can eat hake when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat hake while pregnant without risk?
Can we eat hake raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is contraindicated when pregnant without exception. Eat hake 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. Therefore, to prevent worries, do not eat hake raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat hake smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is precisely the same as for raw fish, it is not advised to eat hake smoked when pregnant. Smoked fish may contain precisely the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will include listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat hake steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking generally is higher than 158°F/70°C, which is advised for hake steam cooking. This is why you will be able to safely eat hake steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat hake frozen while pregnant?
The frozen fish can 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 hake 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 hake cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat hake 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 precautions will there be to prevent becoming infected by eating hake when pregnant?
Food hygiene rule during pregnancy
It is advised not to eat fish more than 2 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 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 then can be transmitted to the baby, which could lead to premature delivery or miscarriage. High risk 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 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 for that reason 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. Here are some advice 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
Finally, it may be possible to eat hake while pregnant but in some forms. You can search for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.