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.
Crab cakes are a tasty treat that many expectant moms may be craving during pregnancy. With fish and seafood, it’s understandable to have questions about what’s safe and what to avoid. The good news is you can absolutely satisfy your crab cake craving during pregnancy! You just need to take a few smart precautions.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into all the details around eating crab cakes while pregnant so you can indulge in one of summer’s tastiest foods without worry.
The Benefits of Seafood in Pregnancy
Eating fish and shellfish provides important benefits for you and baby during pregnancy. Here’s why doctors recommend it:
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Seafood delivers key nutrients for baby’s brain and eye development including omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA,
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Fish is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, selenium and iodine.
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Eating fish has been linked to lower risk of depression in pregnancy and better birth outcomes.
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Including fish and shellfish provides variety in your diet which is beneficial.
As long as you choose safe options like crab, you and your growing baby will reap the rewards of seafood.
Quick Safety Tips for Pregnant Crab Cake Lovers
When indulging in crab cakes while pregnant, follow these easy guidelines:
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Opt for fully cooked crab cakes, not raw. Fully cooked eliminates bacteria risks.
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Heat store-bought or homemade crab cakes to steaming hot – at least 145°F internally.
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Choose pasteurized crab meat from the refrigerated section, not shelf-stable.
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Limit albacore (“white”) tuna as an ingredient due to higher mercury levels.
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Know restaurant ingredients and prep procedures if dining out. Ask questions!
Follow those simple rules and you can feel good about savoring delicious crab cakes during your 9 months.
How Much Crab Can I Eat While Pregnant?
A key question many pregnant moms have around crab cakes is how much crab is safe to eat. Here are some helpful guidelines:
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Doctors recommend 8-12 ounces of low mercury seafood per week in pregnancy.
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A serving of crab is around 3-4 ounces. So 2-3 servings of crab a week is well within safe limits.
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If crab cakes contain other seafood like shrimp or salmon, account for that in your weekly totals.
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Variety is great! Rotate different low mercury fish and shellfish like scallops, cod and tilapia.
As long as you stick within recommended amounts, you can expect tasty crab cakes to be perfectly safe to satisfy your pregnancy cravings.
Choosing the Freshest Crab Cakes
To enjoy crab cakes at their finest flavor and texture, pick the freshest options when buying pre-made:
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Check the sell-by date and pick crab cakes with the latest date.
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Look for refrigerated options rather than shelf-stable.
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Make sure packaging is undamaged, with no signs of frost or ice crystals.
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Give cakes a sniff test when you open them – they should have no fishy odor.
And if you’re preparing homemade crab cakes, use the highest quality, freshest crab meat you can find. Your taste buds will thank you!
Doctor-Approved Ways to Cook Crab Cakes
Be sure to cook store-bought or homemade crab cakes thoroughly before eating in pregnancy:
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Preheat oven to 400°F and bake crab cakes for around 15 minutes until hot in the middle.
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Pan fry cakes in olive oil 4-5 minutes per side until flaky and browned.
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Grill crab cakes on medium high, flipping once, until they reach 145°F internally.
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Microwave breaded crab cakes for 2-3 minutes if in a pinch – but oven or stove top is better.
Cooking your crab cakes to steaming hot helps destroy any bacteria or parasites, making them safer to eat during pregnancy.
Fab Pregnancy-Friendly Ideas for Eating Crab Cakes
Once your crab cakes are cooked to flaky, hot perfection, try these delicious ways to eat them while expecting:
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Place crab cakes on greens for an easy protein-packed salad. Top with vinaigrette.
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Serve crab cakes on buns with lettuce, tomato and a lemony aioli for a tasty sandwich.
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Enjoy crab cakes alongside roasted asparagus or green beans for restaurant-worthy dinner.
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Layer crab cakes with fresh mango salsa and avocado in lettuce cups for a unique appetizer.
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Crumble leftover crab cakes on top of creamy tomato soup for extra richness.
However you choose to indulge your crab cake craving, take comfort that they can be part of an enjoyable, balanced pregnancy diet with a few savvy safety measures. So go ahead – get crabin’!
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.
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.
Is Eating Crab During Pregnancy Safe?
Can pregnant women eat crab?
Some crab may be fished in areas where water contaminants are present, so it’s important for pregnant people to monitor where their seafood is coming from, explains Dr. Valent. “It should be emphasized that the benefits of seafood outweigh the risks,” she says. Still, in most cases, crab is a safe choice.
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.
Can a baby eat raw crab?
As long as crab is cooked through, it is safe for both the expectant parent and baby. “Often seafood is eaten raw and it might contain bacteria that can make the mom sick and can pass to the baby,” says Sandra Arévalo, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Nyack, New York and a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
How much seafood should pregnant women eat a week?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that, in a week, pregnant people eat at least 8 ounces (224 grams) and up to 12 ounces (340 grams) of a variety of seafood lower in mercury. That’s about 2 to 3 servings a week. What’s safe to eat?