Why Sushi Is Off the Menu for Pregnant Women

We all know that Sushi is considered as global favorite because of its freshness , flavour and health benefits.

But unluckily this dishes with beautiful sashimi and nigiri platters are considered having hidden risks and generally in the prohibited food for pregnant women !

Lets get deeper into the understanding why expecting mothers are advised to skip raw sushi and what global data tells us about these foodborne infections.

The key risks:

1. Risk of foodborne illness:

Sushi platter is served in both vegan (Only vegetables) and fish platter.

There are a list of microscopic organisms that are present in raw or undercooked fish which can cause severe infections :

1. Listeria monocytogenes :

   • Listeria is a bacteria often found in raw or undercooked seafood.

   • In the UK, 21.3% of listeriosis cases in 2021 were pregnancy-associated.

2. Salmonella :

   • salmonella infections can cause dehydration, high fever, and preterm labor risks. It's a key reason to avoid raw eggs and seafood while expecting.

3. Toxoplasma gondii :

   • This parasitic infection is commonly linked to undercooked meat and seafood.

   • It can silently cross the placenta, causing serious complications in the baby.

   • In Germany, the incidence is about 40 per 100,000 pregnancies.

4. Anisakiis (Parasitic worm)

   • Rare but nasty, these parasitic worms from raw fish can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

   • Most common in Japan and parts of Europe, prevention involves proper freezing or thorough cooking.

Pregnant women have a weakened immune system, making them more vulnerable to these infections. Some of them (especially Listeria) can cross the placenta and harm the baby, potentially causing Premature birth , Miscarriage , Stillbirth and Severe illness in the newborn

2. Mercury contamination :

Some fish´s used in sushi platter like tuna, swordfish, mackerel can contain high levels of mercury and this exposure can affect the brain development and nervous system which in turn may reflect on cognitive and motor skills of the baby after birth.

Now you can think if its harmful only with the platter with fish , but sushi made with fully cooked seafood or vegetarian options is safe ?

Yes they are safe but be cautious not to have from the same restaurant preparing the non-vegetarian platter because these contaminants are easily spread when prepared in the same kitchen and lead to cross contamination risk.

Pregnancy is a time to prioritize both taste and safety. By understanding these risks and making informed choices, moms-to-be can protect their health and their baby’s well-being.

References:

1. Mylonakis, E., Paliou, M., Hohmann, E. L., Calderwood, S. B., & Wing, E. J. (2002). Listeriosis during pregnancy: A public health perspective. 

   Clinical Infectious Diseases, 35(3), 291–298. https://doi.org/10.1086/339634

2. Mahaffey, K. R. (2004). Fish and shellfish as dietary sources of methylmercury and the ω-3 fatty acids, eicosahexaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid: risks and benefits. 

   Environmental Research, 95(3), 414–428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2004.02.006