Pregnancy is going to be a phase of life where there are 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 health problem, it is very good to follow various feeding recommendations. Can we eat smelt when pregnant? It depends on how it is cooked in most cases. This way we will discover with you if you can eat smelt when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat smelt while pregnant with no risk?
Can we eat smelt raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is not allowed during pregnancy with no exception. Eat smelt when pregnant, will not be advised 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 baby. For that reason, to prevent worries, do not eat smelt raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat smelt smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is exactly the same as for raw fish, it is not advised to eat smelt smoked while pregnant. Smoked fish might have precisely the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will contain listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat smelt steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking often is higher than 158°F/70°C, which is advised for smelt steam cooking. As a result you will be able to safely eat smelt steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat smelt frozen while pregnant?
The frozen fish will be able to be eaten by the pregnant woman. You will need to make sure that the cold chain has been respected. In case that you freeze smelt 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 smelt cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat smelt while pregnant, you are absolutely 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 prevent becoming infected by eating smelt when pregnant?
Food hygiene rule during pregnancy
It is advised not to eat fish more than twice 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 should not eat risky foods, and follow certain rules during food preparation and handling. The infection then can be transmitted to the baby, which can lead to premature delivery or miscarriage. High risk 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 therefore 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. Right here are some suggestions 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
At last, it is possible to eat smelt while pregnant but in some forms. You can search for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.