Is lobster and crab safe during pregnancy?
2 min read
Asked by: Leon Sellers
Seafood is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. But if you’re pregnant, you’ve probably heard that you should avoid some types of sushi and seafood. The good news is that most types of seafood, including crab and lobster, are safe to eat while you’re pregnant.
Is lobster good in pregnancy?
Lobster is a good choice of lean protein during pregnancy. Lobster also contains several minerals and nutrients – it contains zinc, phosphorus, copper, vitamin B12, magnesium, selenium, iron, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids in small amounts, all of which are beneficial in pregnancy (source: NutritionData).
Is crab and lobster high in mercury?
Most types of shellfish also have low levels of mercury, although North American lobster is an exception. Scientists consider fish with less than 0.1 parts per million of mercury (ppm/Hg) to have low levels of mercury; moderate to high levels range from 0.16 to . 5 ppm/Hg or higher.
Can I eat crabs while pregnant?
Seafood is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. But if you’re pregnant, you’ve probably heard that you should avoid some types of sushi and seafood. The good news is that most types of seafood, including crab and lobster, are safe to eat while you’re pregnant.
Is crab high in mercury?
Is crab high in mercury? The good news is that crab is not at all high in mercury. In fact, as fish go, it’s very low in mercury, right down there almost at the bottom of the list of high-mercury seafoods. That means that crab should sit very happily on the “what you can eat while pregnant” list.
How much crab can I eat pregnant?
As long as crab is thoroughly cooked, it is safe to eat 2 to 3 times per week maximum, with a weekly limit of 12 ounces total, says Dr. Valent. However, she encourages her patients to eat the full allotted amount of seafood, if possible, due to the nutritional benefits.
What seafood is safe while pregnant?
Eat a variety of seafood that’s low in mercury and high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as: Salmon. Anchovies.
Other safe choices include:
- Shrimp.
- Pollock.
- Tilapia.
- Cod.
- Catfish.
- Canned light tuna.
Is it OK to eat shrimp while pregnant?
Yes, shrimp is safe to eat during pregnancy. But don’t overdo it. Stick to two to three servings of seafood (including options like shrimp) a week and avoid eating it raw. Follow these recommendations and you’ll satisfy your taste buds — and cravings — without getting yourself or your baby ill.
