“Can I eat raw fish during the second trimester?”

I would advise not to eat anything raw or uncooked at any point during a pregnancy. This is because the risk of infection which can cause the unborn child to have certain birth defects. For example, in uncooked deli meats it can cause listeriosis to the child. In raw fish it can also cause listeria or salmonella.

Hi, Thanks for the question! Consuming raw or undercooked fish, including sushi and sashimi, during pregnancy poses certain health risks. Here are some some of concerns: 1. Mercury Exposure: Some fish, especially larger predatory species, can contain high levels of mercury. Mercury exposure during pregnancy can harm the developing nervous system of the fetus. It is advisable to avoid high-mercury fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish. 2. Parasitic Infections: Raw fish can carry parasites, such as Anisakis, which can cause infections. These infections can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While cooking fish can eliminate parasites, consuming raw or undercooked fish increases the risk of parasitic infections. 3. Bacterial Contamination: Raw fish can harbor harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and Listeria. These bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses, which can be particularly problematic during pregnancy as they may lead to complications such as preterm birth or infection in the newborn. 4. Food Poisoning: Raw or undercooked fish can also pose a risk of general food poisoning. Pregnant women are generally more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, and these can have more severe consequences for both the mother and the unborn child. To minimize these risks, pregnant women are often advised to: - Choose Low-Mercury Fish: Opt for fish that are low in mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, catfish, and trout. These can be consumed in moderation during pregnancy. - Ensure Proper Handling: If choosing to consume fish, make sure it's sourced from reputable and safe suppliers. It's important to handle and store fish properly to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. - Cook Fish Thoroughly: If you prefer fish during pregnancy, it is generally safer to choose cooked options rather than raw ones. Cooking fish thoroughly helps eliminate parasites and bacteria. When deciding, it is always important to weigh the risk vs the benefit. In this case, my professional opinion is that the risk of consuming fish during pregnancy certainly outweighs the benefit. As always, it's crucial to consult with your in-person OBGYN for personalized advice based on individual health conditions and circumstances during pregnancy. *N. Baldwin, ARNP FNP-C* *Nationwide Virtualist* *Family Nurse Practitioner * *Healthcare Law student * *CEO & Owner of Hamilton Health & Wellness * *https://www.hamiltontelehealth.com/ <https://www.hamiltontelehealth.com/>* *"WE DON'T HAVE TO, WE GET TO"*