A lot of people don’t know what foods are safe and healthy to eat while they are pregnant. Seafood, in particular, has been a topic of concern for expecting mothers. What kinds of seafood can you eat while you’re pregnant? This blog post will talk about seafood while you’re pregnant and help you figure out what kinds of seafood you can eat. Myths about eating seafood while pregnant will also be talked about, as well as foods you should avoid when you’re planning to have more children. Use this as your guide to understand what seafood is safe during pregnancy.
Talking to your doctor or a registered dietitian is always a good idea if you want specific advice about eating seafood while you’re pregnant. They can give you personalized advice based on your unique situation and help you make smart choices about your diet. Remember that a healthy, balanced diet that includes safe seafood can help you and your baby stay healthy during pregnancy.
Pregnancy comes with plenty of food rules and restrictions. But when those irresistible cravings strike, is it possible to safely satisfy them? If you’re dreaming of succulent crab cakes, the good news is you can likely enjoy them in moderation. Here’s what expectant mothers need to know about indulging crab cake cravings during pregnancy.
The Benefits of Seafood While Pregnant
Far from being off limits, seafood offers some excellent benefits for expectant mothers and babies. Fish and shellfish provide high-quality protein for your baby’s growth and development. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids like DHA which are vital for your baby’s brain, eyes and nervous system.
Studies show babies born to mothers who consumed low amounts of seafood and omega-3s during pregnancy had higher risks for poor brain development and suboptimal nervous system function. Eating 2-3 servings of low-mercury seafood weekly provides all the benefits with minimal risks.
Both the FDA and ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) encourage including 8-12 ounces of low mercury seafood in your weekly pregnancy diet. Crab can be part of a healthy mix.
Are Crab Cakes Safe When Pregnant?
Rest assured that crab cakes made from lump crab meat are perfectly safe for expectant mothers when prepared properly. Here’s what you need to know:
Crab Species Matters
-
Stick with cakes made from blue crab or stone crab claw meat from the Atlantic Ocean These have very low mercury levels
-
Avoid cakes containing king crab from Alaska or snow crab from the Pacific which have slightly higher mercury content.
Cook Thoroughly
-
Crab cakes should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to destroy any bacteria or parasites.
-
An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F+ in the thickest part. Fish should flake easily with a fork when done.
Avoid Raw Seafood
-
Only eat fully cooked crab, not raw or undercooked. This eliminates the risk of foodborne Illnesses.
-
For homemade cakes, form and refrigerate the patties before cooking to prevent eating uncooked interior portions.
Limit Portions
-
Stick to 6-8 ounces of cooked crab per week, as part of your mix of low mercury seafood.
-
Crab cakes are often a 3-4 ounce serving. Enjoying 1-2 small cakes per week is fine.
Other Seafood Safety Tips When Pregnant
Beyond crab cakes, there are some other seafood precautions pregnant women should follow:
-
Do not eat any raw or undercooked seafood or raw shellfish like oysters.
-
Avoid fish with the highest mercury levels: swordfish, shark, tilefish, bigeye tuna, marlin, king mackerel. Limit white tuna to 6 oz/week.
-
Do not eat refrigerated smoked seafood unless it is canned or shelf stable. Refrigerated versions may contain bacteria.
-
Check local fish advisories for contaminated waters. Avoid fish caught from those areas.
-
Purchase seafood from reputable restaurants and stores. Ensure it is properly handled and kept at safe temperatures.
Taking these simple precautions allows you to enjoy the benefits of seafood safely. Crab cakes from a trusted source can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet within recommended portions.
Does Crab Have Mercury?
One of the top concerns with eating seafood while pregnant is mercury exposure, since mercury can cause neurological problems in developing babies when eaten in high amounts.
The good news is that crab contains very little mercury since these shellfish are low on the food chain. Smaller shellfish feed on plankton and algae which are very low in mercury. Predatory fish accumulate more mercury by eating contaminated prey.
Compared to fish like tuna, tilefish and swordfish which should be limited or avoided due to high mercury levels, crab and lobster have minimal mercury and are considered safe. You can eat 6-8 ounces of low mercury crab weekly as part of a balanced mix of seafood. Crab cakes make a tasty treat within the recommended limits.
Healthy Pregnancy Diet
While pregnancy is not the time to eat raw seafood or limit your entire diet, you can safely satisfy your cravings in moderation. Here are some other tips for staying healthy:
-
Keep up your daily prenatal vitamins with folic acid and omega-3s.
-
Eat plenty of veggies and fruit for vitamins and fiber. Go for colorful produce.
-
Choose whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds for plant-based protein and minerals.
-
Stay hydrated with water and milk. Low-fat dairy provides calcium for you and baby.
-
Talk to your doctor about appropriate calorie needs and weight gain goals for your pregnancy.
-
Get clearance for any supplements beyond a basic prenatal. Some can be unsafe.
-
Limit caffeine to 200 mg daily from coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks.
-
Avoid alcohol which causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Making wholesome choices like swapping sugary desserts for fruit most of the time, while still allowing yourself occasional treats in moderation, can help you stay healthy without deprivation.
Homemade Crab Cake Recipe
If you’re up for preparing your own crab cakes at home, you control the ingredients. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp minced parsley
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil for pan-frying
Instructions
-
Gently mix together crabmeat, mayonnaise, egg, parsley, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire and breadcrumbs being careful not to break up the crabmeat lumps. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Form into patties about 3/4-inch thick and refrigerate 30 minutes.
-
Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook patties 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Crab cakes should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
-
Serve warm with lemon wedges and remoulade sauce or dip in melted butter.
Adjust portion sizes as needed to fit within dietary limits. Cooking your own allows you to control the quality and ingredients.
Consulting Your Doctor
When you’re pregnant, it’s always wise to discuss any dietary questions or concerns with your OB/GYN or healthcare provider. They can consider your medical history and offer personalized advice about foods to embrace or avoid.
Some women may need to restrict their seafood intake due to compromised immune systems, pregnancy complications like hypertension, or other medical issues. It’s smart to get the all-clear from your provider before indulging.
With professional guidance, you can satisfy your cravings for crab cakes and other treats safely during pregnancy and enjoy eating for two. Just be sure to cook seafood thoroughly, choose low mercury varieties, and avoid high mercury fish and raw shellfish. Then dig in and savor each tasty bite of this healthy, protein-packed comfort food. Your growing baby will benefit from the nourishment.
Salmon: A great Choice for Expecting Moms
People often ask us if it’s safe to eat salmon while pregnant. The answer is a resounding “yes!” Salmon is not only safe to eat while pregnant, it’s also highly recommended. Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for you and your baby. They help their brain and eyes grow. Make sure you pick wild-caught salmon instead of farmed salmon because it is generally thought to have less mercury in it.
Seafood and Pregnancy: Debunking the Myths
It’s a common misconception that all seafood should be avoided during pregnancy. However, eating some types of seafood while you’re pregnant can give you important nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, that are good for both you and your growing baby. Let’s dive in and explore the seafood options that are considered safe for consumption during this special time.
True or False: Pregnant women should avoid eating fish and seafood due to mercury concerns
Can pregnant women eat crab?
Pregnant women should avoid high-mercury seafood choices. Instead, opt for crab species that are low in mercury, such as blue crab, snow crab, Dungeness, or king crab. Many commonly consumed crab varieties have relatively low mercury levels compared to larger predatory fish. Consuming crab is safe for preconception and all trimesters of pregnancy.
Are pregnant women allowed to eat shrimps?
Properly cooked shrimp is considered a safe choice for women because it is low in mercury, a which can be detrimental to baby’s health. Consuming moderate amounts of seafood provides a source of the omega-3 fatty acids that a baby needs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that pregnant women eat at least 8 ounces, and up to 12 ounces, of a variety of low mercury seafood per week. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid raw seafood. For a healthy guide to choosing the right fish, the Environmental Defense Fund provides both a handy guide on toxin load in various fish species and recommended serving limits per month for men, women, and children.
Can a fetus eat raw crab?
When preparing raw crab, it is essential to keep raw and cooked seafood on separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils. In addition to these risks, exposure to mercury can be toxic to a fetus. It can lead to neurological problems and congenital abnormalities. As a result, avoiding high-mercury fish is vital for keeping the fetus healthy and safe.
Is seafood safe during pregnancy?
Seafood can be safe during pregnancy, but only if it’s prepared correctly. So give yourself permission to be picky. Undercooked seafood can be just as risky as the raw version. Most of the harmful parasites and bacteria are killed off during the cooking process. So make sure your food is piping hot.