Have I caused harm by eating sushi while pregnant?

Question

I checked on the internet and it said sushi was fine to eat if it had been frozen beforehand. I checked with my local Yo Sushi and they confirmed their fish had been frozen so I've been merrily eating it as it's the only thing I crave. Last time I went in the server told me I shouldn't eat sushi as I am pregnant and I explained that I'd been told they freeze their fish and she checked and said they freeze most of it but not the salmon which is what I have been eating. I'm now very worried that I may have caused some harm. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

It's actually the rice that is the biggest issue with Sushi, as it's an ideal environment for bacteria.

If you haven't been ill, then it's extremely unlikely that there is an issue.  The reason for caution is because the bacteria that can grow can include salmonella or listeria, which will make you sick as well.

So I wouldn't worry, but I wouldn't be eating sushi for the rest of your pregnancy either!

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry about the salmon as in the UK they do not advise against eating smoked salmon. I found this out last week much to my surprise and enjoyed a smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich!!!. However, I personally wouldn't eat sushi just in case it hadn't been frozen but it's personal choice. Best to check with your midwife if you are concerned. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy :)

Answer 3

i have heard that eating sushi is not good in pregnancy now that u have already made mistake there is nothing u can do but go to the dr and ask her if she can suggest u anything or stop u not to eating much sea food but do not worry at all its gonna be fine so chill and calm down make an appointment and talk to ur dr.

answer minehttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 4

You can't cause any harm simply by eating it. Sushi itself isn't bad. It's only recommended that you don't eat it because it's raw fish and it's not always prepared or kept properly, which of course can breed bacteria, leading to a risk of food poisoning, which of course can lead to miscarriage.

If you're getting it from a reputable restaurant it's unlikely to do you any harm.

Answer 5

dont worry you and baby will be fine, lots of women eat it when they dont even know they are pregnant, its just a precaution against food poisining which can be bad when pregnant.

Answer 6

yes it can cause harm to your unborn baby.different types higher and lower risks.. heres some info for you and just remember dont worry about what you have done but if you decide not to eat it anymore then that is all you have to worry about.

Most women who are pregnant or wishing to become pregnant have heard the warnings about eating sushi due to the risk of certain bacteria and increased exposure to mercury. But women also need to remember that not all sushi is uncooked, and most fish contain essential nutrients and vitamins needed for growth and development of their baby. Eating fish that is cooked can help reduce the risk of exposure to certain bacteria. Eating fish that is not on the "high" mercury list is also a way to eat fish safely. There are 4 types of fish that pregnant women should avoid.

The NRDC has compiled a list of fish used in sushi and their levels of mercury. Many of the main sushi type fish contain high levels of mercury and should be completely avoided. If you have further questions regarding sushi, you should talk with your health care provider to get their recommendation.

Highest mercury

AVOID

Kajiki (swordfish)

Saba (mackerel)

Shark

Tilefish

High Mercury

Eat no more than three 6-oz servings a month

Ahi (yellowfin tuna)

Buri (adult yellowtail)

Hamachi (young yellowtail)

Inada (very young yellowtail)

Kanpachi (very young yellowtail)

Katsuo (bonito)

Maguro (bigeye, bluefin or yellowfin tuna)

Makjiki (blue marlin)

Masu (trout)

Meji (young bigeye, bluefin* or yellowfin tuna)

Shiro (albacore tuna)

Toro (bigeye, bluefin or yellowfin tuna)

LOWER MERCURY

Eat no more than six 6-oz servings per month

Kani (crab)

Seigo (young sea bass)*

Suzuki (sea bass)*

LOWEST MERCURY

Enjoy two 6-oz servings a week

Aji (horse mackerel)

Akagai (ark shell)

Anago (conger eel)

Aoyagi (round clam)

Awabi (abalone)

Ayu (sweetfish)

Ebi (shrimp)

Hamaguri (clam)

Hamo (pike conger; sea eel)

Hatahata (sandfish)

Himo (ark shell)

Hokkigai (surf clam)

Hotategai (scallop)

Ika (squid)

Ikura (salmon roe)

Kaibashira (shellfish)

Kaiware (daikon-radish sprouts)

Karei (flatfish)

Kohada (gizzard shad)

Masago (smelt egg)

Mirugai (surf clam)

Nori-tama (egg)

Sake (salmon)

Sawara (spanish mackerel)

Sayori (halfbeak)

Shako (mantis shrimp)

Tai (sea bream)

Tairagai (razor-shell clam)

Tako (octopus)

Tamago (egg) Tobikko (flying fish egg)

Torigai (cockle)

Tsubugai (shellfish)

Unagi (freshwater eel)

Uni (sea urchin roe)