Can You Eat Walleye While Pregnant?

May 6, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

Yes, you can eat walleye while pregnant. Walleye is considered a healthy fish to consume while pregnant and it is low in mercury levels so it is safe for consumption. It contains many beneficial nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids which are important during pregnancy.

However, it should be consumed in moderation as too much of any type of food may cause health issues for both the mother and child. It’s also important to make sure that the walleye has been cooked properly before consuming it; undercooked seafood can contain harmful bacteria or parasites which could lead to food poisoning if not cooked throughly enough.

• Choose a reputable source for your walleye: Choosing walleye from a reputable source is important when pregnant, as it ensures that you are eating fish that has been properly handled and cleaned to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses
• Check the mercury levels in your walleye: Eating high-mercury items while pregnant can be dangerous to both you and your baby, so make sure that any walleye you consume is low in mercury content by checking with the vendor or local health department before purchasing
• Prepare the fish safely: Make sure to wash all surfaces and utensils used during preparation of the fish with hot water and soap to avoid cross-contamination with other foods or raw meat products which could contain bacteria or parasites which can cause harm during pregnancy
• Cook thoroughly: Cooking walleye until its internal temperature reaches 145°F will help ensure any harmful bacteria have been killed off, so check this throughout cooking time with a food thermometer if possible
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• Limit consumption frequency : It’s best not to eat more than twice weekly while pregnant due to potential higher concentrations of pollutants found in larger predatory fish like walleyes, so limit intake accordingly if opting for these types of meals regularly

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Is Walleye High in Mercury?

Walleye is generally considered to be a low-mercury fish, with the highest levels of contamination found in larger adults. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends limiting consumption of walleye to one meal per week for women and children, and two meals per week for men due to concerns about mercury contamination. However, it’s worth noting that walleye can still accumulate mercury from their environment, so those at risk – pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children – should avoid eating it altogether if possible.

What Fish Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

When it comes to pregnancy, the diet of an expecting mother is incredibly important. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, but there are some types that should be avoided during pregnancy. These include fish high in mercury such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and albacore tuna.

Mercury can build up in the body over time and have adverse effects on development for both mom and baby. Additionally pregnant women should avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood due to possible bacteria growth which could lead to food poisoning that could harm mom or baby’s health. For those looking for safe alternatives while pregnant, salmon (when cooked properly), cod and Pollock are all good options with low levels of mercury.

Can You Eat Lake Fish While Pregnant?

Yes, you can eat lake fish while pregnant. However, it is important to be aware of the possible risks that may be associated with eating certain types of fish. The amount and type of fish consumed is an important factor to consider when deciding what to eat during pregnancy.

Eating more than two servings a week (or more than 12 ounces) of certain species such as large-mouth bass or walleye from a local lake could potentially contain higher amounts of mercury which can affect the development of your baby’s nervous system if consumed in large quantities. When consuming any kind of seafood it is best to check with your doctor first and make sure that you are not exceeding safe guidelines for intake established by health organizations like the FDA or EPA.

What Fish is High in Mercury Pregnancy?

It is important for pregnant women to be aware that certain types of fish are especially high in mercury, which can cause harm to a developing baby. These include tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, swordfish, shark, mackerel (Spanish and king), orange roughy and tuna (albacore). The FDA recommends avoiding these during pregnancy because they contain higher levels of mercury.

Additionally, it’s recommended for pregnant women to limit their consumption of other fish such as halibut and bass due to lower yet still significant concentrations of mercury. In general, it’s best for expectant mothers to avoid eating more than 12 ounces per week combined from all fish species.

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List of Safe Fish During Pregnancy

When pregnant, it is important to be mindful of what foods you are eating. Fish in particular can contain mercury and other contaminants that could harm your baby’s development. However, there are still plenty of fish options that are safe to eat during pregnancy such as salmon, tilapia, cod, catfish, canned light tuna and shrimp.

It is advised to avoid larger fish such as shark or swordfish since they tend to have higher levels of mercury. Eating up to 12 ounces per week of these low-mercury choices should provide a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids while also keeping you and your baby safe from any potential harm caused by consuming contaminated fish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, walleye can be eaten while pregnant as long as it is cooked thoroughly and properly. As with any type of fish, the risk of foodborne illness increases when not cooked correctly so it is important to follow cooking instructions carefully. Additionally, moderation should be practiced when consuming any type of fish during pregnancy due to the potential for high levels of mercury.

Ultimately, eating walleye during pregnancy can be a safe and healthy option if done responsibly.