Herring is a tasty and appreciated fish that is often found in Polish homes, especially during Christmas. Many women expecting a child, sitting at the Christmas Eve table, wonder whether it is possible to eat herring during pregnancy? The answer to this question depends on, among other things, the source and the way the herring is prepared. 

Can you eat herring in oil when pregnant?

Let's start by analyzing the popular version: herring in oil, can you eat it during pregnancy? eat without worries? This dish is very popular, but pregnant women should pay attention to a few important issues. Herring in oil eaten during pregnancy can be a healthy part of the diet because it is a valuable source proteins, vitamins D and B12, and omega-3 fatty acids (including docosahexaenoic acid - DHA), which support the proper development of the fetus. 

Expert advises

During pregnancy, it is recommended to limit the consumption of sea fish, including herring, to twice a week (approximately 100 g per portion). due to the content of heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, lead) and dioxins. Therefore, at the holiday table, a pregnant woman should exercise moderation when eating herring in oil and other dishes containing herring, because one piece of this fish weighs about 100 g. 

Sylwia Snopek

Dietitian at the Diabetes Clinic, Institute of Mother and Child

Since we are talking about whether you can eat herring during pregnancy, it is worth recalling the general information rules for eating fish during this special time for a woman, when she is expecting a baby:

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), women planning a pregnancy and pregnant women should not eat fish with elevated levels of mercury, such as tuna, orange roughy, shark, swordfish or marlin.  In addition, they should limit the consumption of salmon, trout, herring and sprat caught in the Baltic Sea due to the high levels of pollutants, primarily dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls. 

Herring in oil eaten Pregnant are therefore allowed, but remember about moderation and the quality of the product. Let's avoid fish that may come from unreliable sources or be stored improperly, which may increase the risk of infections, including bacterial infections.

Can you eat raw herring while pregnant?

Another question a future mother may ask herself is: can you eat raw herring while pregnant? In this case the answer is: better avoid it!

Expert advises

Raw fish, including raw herring, consumed during pregnancy may contain parasites and bacteria such as: Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella, which are dangerous for pregnant women and their babies.

Sylwia Snopek

Dietitian at the Diabetes Clinic, Institute of Mother and Child

Heat-processed fish is definitely safer, so if you really care about the taste of herring while pregnant, serve raw herring cooked or baked. This way you will minimize the risk of infection with a bacterial or parasitic disease and still enjoy the taste of this delicious fish.

Summary – can you eat herring while pregnant?

To the question: "Can you eat herring while pregnant??”, the answer is yes. When eating this fish, it is worth remembering a few simple rules, just in case: 

• Let's choose herring from reliable sources, as much as possible fresh and stored properly. 
• Herring in oil are safe to consume during pregnancy, provided they come from reliable, verified sources and we have no doubts about their quality. 
• Herrings soaked in brine for a long time should be taken before consumption rinse thoroughlyto get rid of excess salt.
• During pregnancy, limit your consumption of sea fish, including herring, to 200g per week. 
• Can you eat raw herring while pregnant? - the best of them toresign, because the risk of bacterial or parasitic infection is too high.

It is always worth consulting your nutritional decisions with your obstetrician, midwife or experienced dietician, especially if you have any doubts. At a lavishly laid Christmas Eve table, the safety and health of the future mother and child are the most important!

Bibliography:

• "Nutrition of pregnant women - theory and practice": http://www.imid.med.pl/images/poradnik-zywienia-dla-kobiet-w-ciazy.pdf
• Zimmer M, Sieroszewski P, Oszukowski P, Huras H, Fuchs T, Pawłosek A.: Recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians regarding supplementation in pregnant women. Gin. Perinat. Prakt. 2020; 5(4): 170-181
• Taylor CM, Emmett PM, Emond AM, Golding J. A review of guidance on fish consumption in pregnancy: is it fit for purpose? Public Health Nutr. 2018 Aug;21(11):2149-2159: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6033312/
• What products should you avoid during pregnancy? – National Center for Nutrition Education 

Author

Editorial office of ePozytownaOpinia.pl

Medical consultation

Sylwia Snopek

Dietitian at the Diabetes Clinic, Institute of Mother and Child