Written by Editorial Team
Guaranteeing ideal nutrition during pregnancy is one of the best blessings you can give your child. Doctors warn the expecting mother about the possible dangers of certain foods. Are you a seafood lover? Have you quit eating crab during pregnancy because somebody told you eating crab during pregnancy can be bad for your baby? Are you confused and looking for a definite answer? Then read on and take in about how eating crab can influence your pregnancy.
There are several factors that you must consider before consuming your favorite exotic dish in the course of pregnancy. Crabs fall into the fish and shellfish class of foods, so you want to pay special attention to FDA warnings. Likewise, with anything you eat or drink while pregnant, you must always take your doctor’s advice. For example, never have crab before consulting a doctor if your cholesterol level is not under the control.
In This Article
The biggest issue with eating seafood while pregnant is the risk posed by natural pollutants, such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and dioxins and mercury, which may be present in them. Nevertheless, crab belongs to the lowest category when it comes to contamination and can be beneficial to crab during pregnancy.
Crabs are safe to eat during pregnancy only after satisfying the following conditions.
All pregnancies are precious. While crabs are beneficial and may not cause significant issues in pregnancy, certain pointers should be kept in mind.
In the course of pregnancy, intake of king crab is the most secure choice for crab craving. Other popular crab varieties like Snow crab, Blue crab, and Dungeness crab can have higher mercury content and may not be as safe as king crab.
Water contamination and pesticide levels vary from one place to another. Always check with the local health department or local fish advisers to ensure that the crab is safe, especially if the crab is a self-caught one.
Precooked and raw shellfish like a crab may contain dangerous parasites and microorganisms and cause food poisoning. Not only does it cause health issues for the expecting mother, but it can also affect the development of the child. While the Japanese are well known for taking their seafood raw, it is not safe when you are pregnant. Therefore, dishes like sushi and sashimi are out of the question during pregnancy.
Under-cooked crab can be as hazardous as raw crab. Most of the dangerous parasites and microorganisms are destroyed during the cooking procedure. So ensure your crab dish is piping hot.
It is better not to use frozen crab meat for preparing dishes. As per CSU’s proposal, a sealed can or pouch type of crab meat is better for expecting mothers.
If all the conditions mentioned above are met, and after your doctor gives you the green signal, you can go ahead satisfying your craving for crab. Here are some advantages of eating crab during pregnancy:
Crabs are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and protein. By eating crabs, expecting mothers promote the overall development of the baby.
Antioxidants and amino acids present in crab meat help increase the energy level and immunity of the expecting mother.
Crabs are rich in iron. Eating crab during pregnancy guarantees iron intake for expecting moms and keeps pregnancy anemia at bay. Iron also ensures a healthy hemoglobin count for the baby after birth.
Eating crabs can promote the teeth and bone development of the unborn baby.
Crabmeat is low in calories. Therefore, you can eat without worrying about gaining weight.
Expecting mothers may worry about increasing cholesterol levels when they eat crab meat. However, if your cholesterol levels are low, you needn’t worry and can safely eat crab.
[Read : Eating Jackfruit During Pregnancy]
Crabs usually are low in mercury content. However, that does not mean you can have them without limit during pregnancy. 6 Ounces of king crab twice a week is the recommended portion for an expecting mother. Snow crab, blue crab, and Dungeness crab can have higher mercury content, and you can only have them less than 6-ounce every month.
You can even skip them totally to be on the safe side. All pregnancies are exceptional. What might be right for somebody may not be beneficial for you. Only your doctor will be able to give you the best suggestion, as he/ she is familiar with your health history.
Snow crab legs contain fat that is enough for your body’s daily needs. But, they are also high in sodium, and excess consumption may not be safe for the pregnant mother.
When consuming, ensure that you cook crab legs properly with healthy toppings. You can cook them by boiling, steaming, barbeque or frying. Never eat half-cooked or raw legs. Ensure that you do not exceed the RDA also.
When you get pregnant, you should not eat raw or half-cooked crab and should cook it properly. Consumption of raw seafood and shellfish can cause food poisoning in pregnant women due to the presence of Vibrio vulnificus Salmonella in it. Symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain and require immediate medical attention.
Safe food handling and preparation is an important thing when eating seafood like crab, fish, or any raw meat. Following are some risks and considerations while including crab in the pregnancy diet.
It is safe to eat crabs during pregnancy if you pick the right variety of crabs, such as king crabs. Ensure the right source and the right cooking methods to enjoy the full nutritional benefits and avoid the risk of food poisoning. Avoid crabs contaminated with mercury as they can harm the baby growing within you. Always consult your doctor, dietitian, or gynecologist before adding crab to your diet during pregnancy.
[Read : Is It Safe To Eat Tofu During Pregnancy?]
When cooked well, crab soup can be safe. When pregnant, you may crave for something warm and soothing. Soups can help hydrate you too.
If you are a regular crab eater, your body will be used to it. Crabs have to be cooked properly. If the crab is not cleaned and cooked properly, it can cause food poisoning.
If you are not used to regular consumption of seafood it might. Many pregnant women develop different allergies when pregnant. Seafood is a high-risk category.
You need moderate your intake when pregnant. Do not eat more than 12 ounces of seafood in a week. Your doctor can advise better about the quantity.
Read Also: Pregnancy And Eating Fish
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