Fish during pregnancy-is it safe?

Is fish safe during pregnancy?

Fish should be part of every diet, regardless of pregnancy. Recommendations are to eat fish at least 1-2 times a week. However, it is always worthwhile to go for fish from reliable sources.

Fish is famous for its health benefits. They provide polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, among others. DHA, which are essential in the diet of a mother-to-be, as well as well-absorbed protein. Besides, fish contain fat-soluble vitamins among others. Vitamin D, and micro- and macronutrients such as calcium, iodine and selenium. If the mother-to-be eats heat-processed fish, they are safe and should definitely not be abandoned during pregnancy.

What fish not to eat during pregnancy?

Pregnancy time is a special period in which there are certain restrictions related to what the mother-to-be can and cannot consume. One of the prohibited products during pregnancy is raw fish. Cold-smoked ones should also be avoided. This is because failure to heat treat them can lead to the development of a bacterial disease- listeriosis.

Pregnant women are also advised against eating fish from uncertain sources and unknown freshness. Attention is also paid to the risk of contamination (mainly mercury) that fish in the Baltic Sea and predatory fish contain. Among the fish that should be avoided by the mother-to-be are mentioned: tuna and swordfish.

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According to the recommendations of gynecological scientific societies, it is safe to fly during a pregnancy that is running without complications. It is best to choose period II for further travel. trimester, when a woman is not struggling with the ailments associated with the onset of pregnancy, and there is still a safe amount of time until delivery. It is always best to ask your attending physician if there are contraindications to air travel. Many people say that flying by plane during pregnancy is safer than traveling by bus, which takes much longer and risks thromboembolic complications. The course of pregnancy has not been proven to be adversely affected by the radiation present during the flight. Seat belts on airplanes are also safe for pregnant women.

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Seat belts during pregnancy

Sushi during pregnancy

Sushi containing raw fish or seafood should not be eaten by pregnant women. However, the mom-to-be can eat sushi while pregnant. Rolls containing baked or grilled fish will be an ideal choice, as well as vegetable versions – for example, with avocado or cucumber. When going to a restaurant that serves sushi, always make sure that the highest standards of hygiene are maintained there to avoid possible poisoning. It is best to report to the waiter the fact that you are pregnant, and he will certainly suggest safe alternatives to raw fish and seafood.  

How often to eat fish during pregnancy?

It is considered that a pregnant woman should consume fish 1-2 times a week, in the amount of about 300 grams. It is best to go for oily fish, especially sea fish. Pregnant women are recommended to eat, among others: Norwegian salmon, sardines, farmed trout, flounder, shrimp or mackerel.

Regular consumption of fish reduces the risk of vitamin deficiencies and the need for additional supplementation during pregnancy.