Sushi?

My favorite food by far is sushi, during my last pregnancy I felt tormented because my family would go to our favorite Japanese restaurant and my Mom would not let me eat any raw fish. The owners wife would always give me a hard time about it, she said that she ate sushi during all of her pregnancy's and everything was fine. The restaurant we go to is very clean and well know for it's very fresh fish, I have never nor have I known anyone to get ill from their food. My question is, do you ladies think it is OK for me to indulge in some sushi every once in a while during my pregnancy? I will obviously not be eating it everyday just once a month or so.

[AndiJ78]

It is the mercury that is big concern more so than the "cleanliness." The tuna often used is high in mercury.

Perhaps you could go for the California-type rolls, with crab instead.

[GRose]

I know tuna should be avoided but there are many other kinds of fish to choose from.
Also, Japanese women eat raw fish while pregnant, so why is it taboo to eat it in the US?

Thanks for your input Andi ;)

[empty]

As a sushi and sashimi nut myself i took your question very seriously :) Hope this link helps.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/sushimercury.htm

[GRose]

Thank you, that helped a lot.

[AndiJ78]

Honestly? I think we take it all very seriously. As a result, our infant mortality rate is much lower than it was years ago. Part of the reason is the recommendations.

Some women will eat all of that, smoke, drink, and their babies will come out "fine" or rather will appear fine. Others will not be so lucky.

[1nana]

My fear would be contacting a parasite from the raw fish.

Although rare, it can happen, and the medication used to kill off the parasite WILL harm the baby.

You won't be pregnant forever.

[tiredbuthappy]

your best bet is to ask your OB. My OB was a great source of info on all of those questions, and he would always explain the reasoning why. i personally wouldn't risk it.

i had to chuckle when i saw you live in wisconsin. when i think fresh seafood, i just don't think wisconsin! probably cause my brother manages a fish store in NYC who gets fresh fish that's actually fresh and brought in that morning.

[GRose]

I know I wont be pregnant forever and I avoided sashimi during my last pregnancy. I am not saying it is going to be the end of the world for me to not eat sushi I just wanted to know other peoples opinions on the matter. Thank you all for you input, I will stick to cooked sushi for the next 8 months.

[GRose]

I just wanted to add that I do put the health of my unborn child first before my wants, that is why I was asking all of you for information. I wanted to be a little more educated on the matter and I figured most of you would be able to lend me some knowledge and you did.

[AnnieBrooke]

My doctor ate sushi throughout her pregnancies.  I still didn't.