Last Updated on January 23, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that eating raw salmon in moderation is very good for the baby and can be consumed during pregnancy. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook reel shares the video of a woman eating sushi with the caption, “Even raw salmon is okay in moderation. It’s actually very good for the baby.”
Fact Check
Is the consumption of raw fish safe during pregnancy?
Not really. The FDA states that the consumption of raw seafood is risky. Eating raw or undercooked seafood puts a pregnant woman and her unborn baby at risk. It is advised that the moms-to-be should avoid eating raw or undercooked finfish or shellfish (including oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops).
Dt Chhavi Kohli, Chief Diabetes Educator and Nutritionist, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medanta the Medicity, states, “Fish is a great source of vital nutrients like protein, iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids (like docosahexaenoic acid) but special precautions should be taken while eating fish during pregnancy. Due to the changes in the immune system during pregnancy, eating raw or undercooked fish can increase the chances of foodborne illness caused by harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites, which may further increase the risk of uterine infection, miscarriage or preterm delivery. Also, in order to reduce mercury exposure, it is important to choose fish containing low levels of mercury and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, herring, shrimp, sardines etc.”
Dt. Kamna Chauhan elaborates this by stating, “No. Consuming raw fish during pregnancy is not safe as it contain harmful bacteria and viruses. It even contains high mercury which is not good for baby. Due to immune system changes during pregnancy, the chances of getting infection is high in pregnant women. It is advisable to eat fish cooked at temperature of 145 degree Celsius. As we know fish is the great source of protein, iron, zinc and even omega 3 fatty acid but when it comes to raw fish it is high in mercury which affects the growth and development of baby and even to the health of pregnant women so it is advisable not to consume raw fish instead of that you can have cooked salmon, herring, sardines etc., as they are low in mercury and high in omega 3 fatty acid.”
Additionally, Research states that eating raw fish can cause parasitic infections. Such infections can be more challenging to treat during pregnancy due to medication exposure of the fetus. Parasites from raw fish can lead to a wide range of clinical manifestations.
Furthermore, the Cambridge University Press states that pregnant women should avoid raw and undercooked seafood. Also, raw fish can contain parasite, which can only be killed by freezing or cooking.
Moreover, there is a probability that fish may be contaminated with a neurotoxin, methylmercury, to which the fetal brain is sensitive. Methylmercury can cross the placenta and accumulate in the fetus at higher concentrations than in the mother.
Nutritionist Nidhi Sarin says, “The consumption of fish is beneficial due to the presence of iron and iodine, which support children’s immune systems. However, they should be eaten in recommended amounts and within calorie needs. However, uncooked fish and shellfish should be avoided as they are high in mercury and microbes. In order to remove the virus and bacteria, they should be adequately cooked. Usually, seafood dishes should be cooked at a temperature of 145°F, and one must be careful with local fish caught by friends and family as they might be higher in mercury or other metals and contaminants.”
Therefore, it is considered that because of the nutrients, such as iron and omega fatty acids present in cooked fish, it may benefit the development of a fetus, only if it is not contaminated, else it can lead to complications.
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