Pregnancy is a time that requires extreme care, especially when it comes to diet1. It is through the foods consumed that the pregnant woman provides all the necessary nutrients for proper fetal development, as well as maintains her own health. But among the vast list of foods and menus out there, some items are not recommended for consumption during this phase because they pose risks to the health of both mother and baby, such as oriental food. But after all, can pregnant women eat Japanese food or not? Which pregnant woman hasn’t heard about eating raw fish and Japanese food? But there are a lot of questions about this subject and about what you really can and cannot eat. After all, what do Japanese women do during pregnancy? Naturally, in Japan, the diet is not entirely based on the foods we know in Brazil, but it is part of their tradition and food pattern to eat some items such as raw fish, shrimp, and other seafood.

Is Japanese Food Healthy?

Japanese food, depending on what is consumed and how it is prepared, is considered extremely healthy, but during pregnancy it should be eaten with care. Pregnant women can eat Japanese food as long as these foods have been cooked and are as low in fat as possible. However, dishes that use raw fish in their preparation should be avoided, since fish can pose a significant risk of contamination and present a high health risk to the mother and baby’s development, no matter the type of fish: tuna, salmon, and others2. For those who are passionate about Japanese cuisine and don’t want to give up sushi, sashimi, or temaki from time to time, you will have to watch yourself and choose other menu items, at least for the time being. The risks are not in the food itself, but in the preparation. Foods made with raw fish undergo only a cleaning process and are served raw, with no cooking at all, and can be contaminated with bacteria or even have high levels of mercury as in the case of specific fish such as swordfish, mackerel, and shark, which have higher concentrations.

Contamination Risks

One of the main bacteria found in fish is Listeria, which normally appears due to poor storage of fish and seafood or the lack of refrigeration during storage. Listeriosis, which is caused by this bacteria, is one of the main causes of miscarriage, premature birth, and even fetal developmental problems. Pregnant women are more likely to contract certain diseases, especially listeriosis, because their immune system is more fragile than normal, so every precaution is necessary.

Options for Japanese Food Lovers

For fans of Japanese cuisine, there’s some good news! You do not have to completely give up your favorite food, but you will need to choose other menu options. If your craving is something surreal, a true pregnancy craving you can satisfy it, as long as you know the place where the food is prepared very well and are sure of the hygiene of both the place and the foods to be served. But it’s better not to overdo it and choose sushi made with other ingredients besides raw fish. Most Japanese restaurants offer a variety of options and items on the menu, including different kinds of sushi. Anyone who thinks Japanese food is just raw fish is mistaken! There are options made with rice, cucumber, or the well-known California rolls, which have a sweet and salty flavor and include rice, cream cheese, strawberry, or mango. There are also nashi options, which are the same well-known rolls but larger and made with vegetables, omelet, or vegetarian options like sun-dried tomato, arugula, and other ingredients. There’s no reason to feel deprived; just choose dishes that are nutritious, tasty, and do not pose risks to the health of the woman or baby. So, pregnant women can eat Japanese food, as long as they do so with caution!

Can Pregnant Women Drink Wine?

Another major question women have about what they can and cannot eat and drink during pregnancy is wine. Everyone knows that alcoholic beverages are not recommended at any stage of pregnancy, but we also know that wine can have beneficial effects if consumed in moderation. So, can pregnant women drink wine or not? Wine is a drink made from the fermentation of grapes and contains alcohol. Some types have higher alcohol content than others, but it is always present. That’s why studies on this subject have divided opinions on its effects on the pregnant woman’s health and fetal development. Some specialists assure that drinking wine in small amounts, 2 to 3 times a week, does not pose risks. Others point out that even in small amounts, there are risks. Among the risks considered are:

  • Malformation of the fetus, including the brain.
  • Congenital malformations
  • Increased risk of the baby developing fetal alcohol syndrome
  • Impact on thyroid function

Therefore, ideally, pregnant women should not consume any type of alcoholic beverage, as these can pose risks to fetal development3. Overall, pregnancy is just 9 months of your life and if you can refrain from the glass of wine during that time, it’s better. Everything in life is a choice, but we always have to be aware of the possible consequences! Just like wine, any other alcoholic beverage should be avoided during pregnancy. During pregnancy, every food and drink consumed is shared with the baby inside your womb and, for them to develop as expected, healthy and proper nutrition is necessary. See also: Can Pregnant Women Dye Their Hair? Find Out What to Use During Pregnancy Photo: noiresur