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 advice. But you are 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 shad when pregnant? It can depend on how it is cooked generally. This way we will see with you if you can eat shad when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat shad while pregnant with no risk?
Can we eat shad raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is not allowed when pregnant with no exception. Eat shad 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 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 child. For that reason, to avoid worries, do not eat shad raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat shad smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is exactly the same as for raw fish, it is not recommended to eat shad smoked when pregnant. Smoked fish might have the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will contain listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat shad steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking often is higher than 158°F/70°C, which is recommended for shad steam cooking. As a result you will be able to safely eat shad steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat shad 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 case that you freeze shad 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 shad cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat shad 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 measures will there be to avoid becoming infected by eating shad when pregnant?
Food hygiene rule during pregnancy
It is recommended not to eat fish more than twice 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 recommended to avoid the consumption 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 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 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. However, some women do not have these antibodies and therefore 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 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 is possible to eat shad while pregnant but in some forms. You can search for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.