Can you eat crab while pregnant?

24 November 2023

Eating crab during pregnancy is it a safe for pregnant? Given that, during pregnancy, the mother-to-be also feeds her growing baby every time she eats, it is not surprising that many pregnant women are concerned about what they eat and choose healthier and more nutritious foods. It is true that, if any doubts arise, some of the most common are usually related to fish and shellfish. The question is, is it possible to eat crab during pregnancy?
Luckily, as we will explain in the next section, eating safely during pregnancy is safe, as long as it is eaten entirely cooked (and in moderation).

Can i eat crab while pregnant?

Crab is a nutritious and delicious food usually eaten alone with a bit of lemon, mixed into salads, pasta, or piled on delicious sandwiches. In addition, it is usually one of the favorite options when preparing the famous seafood cake, in which crab is one of the star ingredients.
The truth is that, as nutritionists maintain, there are actually few risks of consuming crab during pregnancy; as long as, yes, the guidelines for proper food handling are followed, it is cooked properly, and its consumption is not exceeded.
Moreover, shellfish, such as crab, have a very interesting profile regarding their protein content and being low in fat, so the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends consuming them regularly during pregnancy.

Eating crab Is it safe food for the baby?

As long as the crab is well cooked, it is a fairly safe option for both the mother-to-be and baby. On many occasions, raw shellfish contain bacteria that can make the mother sick and pass it on to the baby.
For this reason, it is of vital importance that the crab, before consuming it, has been completely cooked.
But what happens with certain elements, as could be the case of mercury? This indeed becomes one of the main problems of both fish and shellfish due to the amount of mercury it can contain, which could be dangerous for the mother-to-be and the baby and cause genetic malformations. (among other problems).
Luckily, crab is a low-mercury seafood option, so when it comes to eating it, it shouldn't be a problem as long as it's been cooked well.

Some general precautions to keep in mind

Eat it fully cooked

Whether you cook it yourself or order it at a restaurant, it's vital to ensure the crab is thoroughly cooked, as crab and other shellfish are sometimes prepared raw or undercooked.
The key? Cook it to at least an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

Limit the amount

As long as the crab is well cooked, it is safe to consume it between 2 to 3 times a week, maintaining a weekly limit of 320 grams in total.

Choosing the crab very well

We must keep in mind that some crabs may come from areas with contaminants in the water, so pregnant women must control where the shellfish they buy and consume come from.
As experts maintain, it is essential to stress that the benefits of shellfish such as crabs tend to outweigh the risks. And, in the case of the crab itself, it is a fairly safe option as long as everything indicated is fulfilled.

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