If you’re pregnant, it’s important to keep in mind that you should avoid ceviche. Although this dish is popular and delicious, it can actually be dangerous for your unborn baby. Ceviche is made with raw fish that is marinated in citrus juice or lime, and it’s often served as a snack or appetizer before a meal.
While ceviche is considered to be safe to eat by many experts, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best choice for you. It isn’t a substitute for a healthy diet, and it can be a cause of food poisoning. You may also develop a listeria infection after eating ceviche, which can affect your unborn child. This infection can be life threatening and can lead to serious problems such as miscarriage or preterm labor.
The National Health Service recommends that pregnant women should avoid eating raw shellfish. This includes oysters, crab, lobster, and shrimp. Other types of seafood, such as tuna, sashimi, and mackerel, also pose health risks for babies. Nonetheless, it’s still safe to eat cooked fish while you’re pregnant, as long as it’s properly prepared and cooked to the right temperature.
Fish is one of the best sources of protein you can eat. It’s rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. But it can also carry parasites, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms that can infect your fetus or nursing baby.
Listeria is the most notorious pathogen that can be ingested from seafood. Pregnant women are ten times more likely to contract this infection than the general population, and it can have life-threatening consequences. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye out for the telltale signs of this disease. These include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, it can even lead to dehydration, blindness, and renal dysfunction.
The National Institutes of Health recommend that you steer clear of the following food poisoning culprits: salmonella, listeria, and Vibrio vulnificus. Salmonella can be deadly and can affect your fetus’s brain development and kidneys. Listeriosis, on the other hand, can be just as lethal. Aside from being a threat to your developing fetus, listeriosis can also lead to a variety of medical complications, including involuntary muscle contractions, blindness, and CNS (meningitis) symptoms.
While it’s certainly not impossible to eat ceviche while you’re pregnant, it isn’t recommended. Some governments, such as the Australian Government Department of Health, do advise against eating this dish. For some women, it may be a relief to know that there are a variety of healthy and safe alternatives. Whether you choose to make it yourself or buy it at the store, it’s always a good idea to consult your physician or obstetrician before eating it.
However, you might be surprised to find out that the only thing that ceviche can’t do is actually cook your fish! To help ensure your fish is cooked, try using a meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat will be safe to eat.