Pregnant, can I eat smoked salmon?

Like meat, fish holds an important place in French gastronomy: it is estimated that seven out of ten French people eat fish at least once a week. Salmon is one of the favorite fish of the French. Once considered a luxury fish, salmon is now a common fish, very present in the heart of French homes. Baked, in sushi, smoked or en papillote, salmon has seduced consumers thanks to its multitude of forms.

If its taste is unanimous, Salmon also has many health benefits. It contains a large amount of phosphorus and selenium, as well as many vitamins (B1, B3, B5, B12, D). But what makes it so interesting is its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids that are very good for neurons. But if salmon seems to have it all, for pregnant women, it can be more dangerous than you think.

What are the risks if I eat smoked salmon while pregnant?

In order to avoid any complications during pregnancy, health professionals recommend not to eat smoked salmon because it is a product that is too sensitive from a bacteriological point of view. Salmon is not the only fish concerned by this recommendation, all smoked fish are dangerous, even if they have been frozen or vacuum-packed. However, if you crave smoked salmon (or any raw fish) it is essential to freeze it, beforehand for at least 7 days, before consuming itin this way the majority of germs can be eliminated.

The two main risks associated with the consumption of smoked salmon during pregnancy are listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, these two infections can be formidable for the fetus.

• The listeriosis is a disease caused by a bacteria called “monocytogenic listeria”. Widespread, it can have very serious consequences in pregnant women: miscarriage, premature delivery, fetal death in utero, etc. It is generally found in plants and soil. Resistant to cold, it can develop in foods stored in the refrigerator. Generally, the products most often contaminated by this germ are raw milk cheeses, cold cuts or even seafood (like smoked salmon). It is during cooking or pasteurization that the bacteria will be destroyed.
• The toxoplasmosison the other hand, is an infectious disease caused by a parasite called toxoplasma. It is regularly found in meat, soil and the body of the cat. If you are pregnant, a blood test will be taken at the start of pregnancy to determine if you have already contracted toxoplasmosis. If you are not expecting a baby, this infection is often mild, but if you are pregnant, it can cause damage to the foetus. If you are not immune to this virus, you will need to be very careful about what you eat. Ban raw and smoked foods from your diet, favor meats cooked at a temperature of more than 68 degrees, wash your fruits and vegetables carefully and remember to store cooked foods separately from raw foods.

Read also: Pregnant, can I eat cold cuts?

I ate smoked salmon while pregnant, is it serious?

If you eat a little smoked salmon during your pregnancy, don’t worry, it is not an emergency. However, monitoring is necessary. The main risk is that the piece eaten is contaminated with bacteria that can lead to food poisoning.

If you are immune to toxoplasmosis, your body will do the work! However for listeriosis, this is not the case. We advise you in all cases to monitor the appearance of fever (even mild), headache, diarrhea or vomiting, for one month after consumption. If in doubt, it is best to talk to your doctor. A blood test can make it possible to make a diagnosis and set up treatment if necessary.

How to eat fish safely while pregnant?

When you are about to become a mother, you often pay particular attention to your diet. In books or on the Internet, we sometimes read that it is absolutely necessary to avoid fish and seafood during pregnancy, because of the risk of the presence of traces of contaminants in these products (such as heavy metals, mercury or PCBs).

But in reality, it is quite possible and even recommended to eat cooked fish when expecting a baby or while breastfeeding. Santé Publique France* recommends that pregnant women eat fish twice a week, including fatty fish, such as cooked salmon, at least once a week. For this, it is essential to respect certain criteria in order to avoid any risk to the health of the mother and the baby.

• Start by choosing quality salmon. Indeed, some contain high levels of mercury.
• Alternate between salmon and other varieties of fish.
• And finally, as with everything, avoid excess!

Can my baby eat salmon without fear?

Good news ! After giving birth, mum can again eat salmon in all its forms (smoked, raw, cooked, etc.) even while breastfeeding your baby!

Be careful however, some dietary restrictions still apply while breastfeeding : alcohol, caffeine and the consumption of certain fish (such as albacore tuna, pike or swordfish). But salmon can make a comeback on the plates, always favoring quality salmon, raised in good conditions. Moreover, sushi is often the dish on which young mothers rush right after giving birth.

From the baby’s 9 months, it is possible to introduce the cooked salmonin his diet. This fish is an excellent source of proteins, vitamins and essential fatty acids, very useful for its growth and proper development. For smoked salmon, it is advisable to wait until the child is 3 years oldas a precautionary measure.

Journalist

Since May 2021, Pauline has joined the Aufeminin team. A journalism student, Pauline is currently on a work-study program and writes for the Aufeminin and Parole de Mamans websites. Curious and passionate, she…