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 nutritionary advice. But you are lost on what food is allowed or not recommended. To avoid causing your baby disease, it is great to follow various feeding recommendations. Can we eat monkfish when pregnant? It will depend on how it is prepared generally. This way we will discover with you if you can eat monkfish when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat monkfish while pregnant without risk?
Can we eat monkfish raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is contraindicated while pregnant without exception. Eat monkfish 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 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. Therefore, to avoid worries, do not eat monkfish raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat monkfish smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is exactly the same as for raw fish, it is not recommended to eat monkfish smoked when pregnant. Smoked fish might contain precisely the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will contain listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat monkfish steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking often exceeds 158°F/70°C, which is recommended for monkfish steam cooking. As a result you will be able to safely eat monkfish steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat monkfish 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 monkfish at home, then you will be able to eat it when you are pregnant. Make sure that the temperature of the freezer is well under -0.4°F/-18°C.
Can we eat monkfish cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat monkfish 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 monkfish 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 suggested to avoid eating of swordfish, marlin, siki, shark and lamprey.
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is an disease 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. Risky products are raw milk or products made 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 do not 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 recommendations 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 may be possible to eat monkfish while pregnant but in some forms. You can search for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.