In short, its okay to eat raw fish, even if youre nursing a little one.
But you do need to be careful about your choices.
Why shouldnt pregnant women eat sushi?
Sushi is off-limits during pregnancy for two reasons:
1.
Raw and undercooked seafood can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Consuming fish that hasnt been thoroughly cooked can sicken moms-to-be and endanger their unborn babies.
A pregnant woman who eats fish contaminated with listeria can spread the bacteria to her baby through her bloodstream.
If the infection isnt treated, her baby can develop life-threatening complications.
The illness poses risks, including miscarriage, preterm labor andlow birth weight.
Thats why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that pregnant women avoid raw seafood.
Youll want to avoid these fish dishes during pregnancy:
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2.
Some sushi contains fish that have higher mercury contamination.
Mercury is a heavy metal that accumulates in the flesh of fish.
Eating higher-mercury seafood while youre pregnantor trying to conceive is a big no-no.
Once it enters a womans bloodstream, it can pass from mom to baby through the placenta.
(See the list of culprits below.)
Can you eat sushi if youre breastfeeding?
The warning about mercury in fish also applies to lactating moms.
Mercury can pass from mom to baby, albeit in smaller amounts, through breast milk.
That shouldnt stop you from nursing.
Still, it makes sense to be vigilant.
Also note: Many freshwater fish arent safe to eat raw.
Saltwater varieties are usually better.
To reduce your mercury exposure while you’re breastfeeding, opt for sushi prepared with low-mercury fish.
(See a list of some recommended options below.)
What are the best types of fish for breastfeeding women?
Fortunately, there are lots of lower-mercury seafood options that are safe for breastfeeding women.
ACOG actually encourages breastfeeding moms to eat 8 to 12 ounces of fish a week.
That works out to be roughly two to three servings per week.
The FDA and EPAs best choices list of low-mercury fish is extensive.
The FDA and EPAs list includes varieties such as halibut, striped bass, snapper and albacore tuna.
Immune system changes during pregnancy can put moms-to-be and their unborn children at risk.
If youre expecting, its best to skip the sushi bar completely.
Nursing moms have a little more leeway and can eat sushi cautiously.
Still, its important to recognize that raw or undercooked seafood can make anyone sick.
Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe:
Buyer beware.Choose freshly prepared sushi and seafood.
Or maybe youd rather have a trained sushi chef prepare your meal.
If thats the case, be sure to do your homework first.
Pick a restaurant with an excellent reputation, and enjoy yourself.
World Health Organization,Listeriosis, February 2018.
