Should Pregnant People Eat Sushi?

Being pregnant can come with many restrictions. Once someone becomes pregnant, they are set down the path of consuming foods and doing activities that are specifically set to ensure that both they and the baby are safe. For decades, pregos have heard a plethora of foods and beverages that they must stay away from — one such food has been sushi (to the dismay of many sushi-loving pregnant folks). But while the perception has been to stay away from all sushi, a Healthline report explains that's not the case at all. 

babyMed backs up this claim by explaining that there is a massive misunderstanding that occurs when folks hear "no sushi," mainly because people don't truly understand the definition of sushi. While you do need to be cautious about the type of fish you consume, not all sushi is off the proverbial table, per Healthline. So, now that it's known that not all sushi needs to be exiled for nine long months, what kind of sushi can you consume while pregnant?

According to Healthline, pregnant folks should absolutely steer clear of any sushi that is made with any fish that is either raw or undercooked. Why specifically raw and/or undercooked fish? Per The Bump, these kinds of fish normally carry parasites and bacteria like listeria, which can lead to infections for the parent and baby. Kristian Morey, RD, LDN, clinical dietician at The Center for Endocrinology at Mercy Medical Center tells Healthline that during pregnancy, pregnant folks are highly susceptible to infections and food-borne illness because of a compromised immune system (the immune system that protects one body is now protecting two). 

Now packing this knowledge, you're probably wondering what rolls you can eat safely. Healthline suggests sticking to things like the California roll, ebi roll (aka shrimp roll), crab (or krab) roll, or any vegetarian rolls. The Bump notes that pregnant people should stay away from any rolls that have swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, tilefish, shark, and tuna as these fish have high levels of mercury that can affect the developmental process of the baby.