Is it Safe to Eat Sushi During Pregnancy?

Filed in archive Is it Safe...? , Pregnancy and Nutrition on August 22, 2008

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Arne Trautmann

The short answer: it depends.

It depends on the freshness and source of the fish used. The American Pregnancy Association says that mercury levels may pose danger, so you must avoid sushi made of those types that contain high levels of mercury such as Kajiki (swordfish), saba (mackerel), Shark and Tilefish.

Aside from mercury poisoning, you also risk contracting bacterial and parasite infection from eating raw fish. This may not harm your baby per se, but well, YOU don't really want to be pregnant and sick, do you?

If you're really craving for sushi, go for the non-fish types. There's california maki and a variety of vegetarian sushi rolls you could enjoy without having to worry.