It can be difficult to determine what you can and cannot eat while pregnant, especially if you are a first-time mother over the age of 35. Many pregnant women question, “Is It Safe To Eat Roe While Pregnant?
In this blog post, we will address that question and provide some ideas for eating a healthy diet while pregnant!
What Is Roe?
Roe is a fish’s unfertilized eggs. Roe can be obtained from shrimp, scallops, squids, lobsters, and other sea creatures. They are commonly used in sushi and are available in select places. Caviar, which is salt-cured roe, is another name for roe.
Is It Safe To Eat Roe While Pregnant
Fish Roe Varieties
Tobiko, ikura, and masago are the most typical varieties of fish roe.
Tobiko
Tobiko is a flying fish that comes in orange, red, yellow, and green colours. It has a crunchy texture and a smokey flavour.
Ikura
Ikura is a salmon roe that can be pink or orange in colour. It is softer and has a milder flavour.
Masago
Masago is capelin roe that can be orange or crimson in colour. It has the mildest flavour of all the roes and is mildly sweet.
Other species that contain roe include trout, halibut, catfish, sturgeon, and cod.
Is it safe to eat roe when pregnant?
Fish roe is frequently served raw, and regrettably, raw foods are not permitted while pregnant. The possibility of toxoplasmosis and other bacterial contamination, which can cause major birth abnormalities, is a worry with raw fish.
Cooked fish roe is safe to consume while pregnant. If you are unsure about a specific type of roe, avoid it or see your healthcare physician.
The Benefits of Eating Fish Roe While Pregnant
Roe is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for the development of the brain and eyes in newborn children. Fish eggs are also high in vitamins such as vitamin C, riboflavin, B12, and folate.
When you may have to forego your beloved sushi rolls while pregnant, you may still eat cooked fish roe as part of a healthy diet.
Pregnant women should consume at least two servings of fish each week, one of which should be oily. Oily fish, such as salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, and roe is an excellent method to supplement your diet with these critical nutrients.
The Effects of Eating Roe While Pregnant
Eating roe when pregnant can be dangerous. The primary issue with eating roe during pregnancy is the possibility of,
Poisoning with mercury
Mercury is a heavy element present in fish and other seafood that can be harmful to both the mother and the developing child.
Poisoning from Food
Another issue to consider while eating roe while pregnant is the risk of food poisoning. Food poisoning can result in serious complications for you and your baby, such as early birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
Infection with Listeria
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a dangerous infection. Listeriosis is extremely harmful for pregnant women and their unborn babies, and it can result in miscarriage, early birth, or even the baby’s death.
How to Eat Roe While Pregnant
Pasteurization is a method of making raw food safe by heating it to high temperatures, which kills most germs, including listeria. As a result, it is critical to ensure that any roe you consume has been pasteurised.
Pasteurized roe can be found in some specialist stores or online. You can also make your own by boiling the roe for at least three minutes.
Even after pasteurisation, fish roe should be stored at 3C (37.4F) or below to prevent germs from developing.
It’s also worth noting that even pasteurised roe can contain bacteria. As a result, it is better to avoid consuming it in big quantities or on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Eating roe can provide a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins A and D. It can, however, pose dangers of mercury poisoning or foodborne infections such as listeria, which can cause major issues for pregnant women and their unborn offspring.
As a result, even if you can get pasteurized fish roe in stores or online, it’s recommended to consume it sparingly and heat it until it’s firm. If you have any concerns, always with your healthcare professional before including new foods into your pregnancy diet.
