Pregnancy Food: Seafood - December 2024

Previously, we covered which meat and poultry are safe for you to eat during pregnancy and which should be avoided. This time, we’ll be looking into fish and shellfish! Unless we are allergic, most of us do love our seafood. But are they good for you to consume while pregnant?

Let’s take a look at which seafood are safe to consume while you’re carrying and which you should avoid, shall we?

Safe Seafood To Consume During Pregnancy

Salmon

Salmon is great for pregnant mums! It ensures your heart health and develops your baby’s brain. But, please do not eat it raw.

Sardine

Mums-to-be can eat sardines. They are rich in fatty acids which can help your baby’s brain development and supplies calcium to your body.

Snapper

Snapper is also safe for expectant mums. It prevents oedema and boosts your endocrine function during pregnancy. The nutrients in this fish are also great for your baby’s growth.

Catfish

Catfish is healthy to eat during pregnancy. The nutrients in this fish ensures good heart health and reduces swelling. It can also aid in your baby’s bone development.

Silver pomfret

Expectant mummies can consume silver pomfret. It reduces your cholesterol levels and prevents anaemia and oedema.

Tilapia

You can eat tilapia during your pregnancy too. This fish has nutrients that can easily be absorbed by your body. Furthermore, minerals found in tilapia help with cramps prevention. This fish also aids in the development of your baby’s bones and nervous system.

Squid

You can eat squids during your pregnancy, too. Squids are rich in amino acids and proteins, which are required for your health and baby’s growth. Just rememeber to avoid the snack version as it comes with preservatives.

Shrimps

Pregnant mums can eat shrimps! It improves your baby’s bone development and prevents high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Octopus

Expectant mums can also consume octopuses. The calcium and iron in octopus improves your health and supports your baby’s development. It also has low mercury content, making it safe for you to eat while carrying.

Jellyfish

You can also eat jellyfish during pregnancy as it contains minerals and vitamins. Jellyfish is also high in iodine which helps to reduce the risk of hypothyroidism.

Flatfish

Mummies-to-be can consume flatfish. They are low in fat and have low mercury levels. The DHA in this flatfish also promotes the baby’s mental development.

Codfish

Mums-to-be can eat codfish. It is rich in fatty acids that promote your baby’s brain development. It also contains essential nutrients that prevents hypertension and eases your fatigue. Furthermore, it is also low in mercury which makes it safe for you and your baby.

Anchovy

Expectant mums can consume anchovies. They are rich in calcium which is good for a baby’s development. They also prevent anaemia, swelling, and hypertension during pregnancy.

Less is More

Eel

Pregnant mums can eat eels in moderation. They help to boost your health and your baby’s development. Just remember to cook it properly to avoid possible food poisoning.

Grouper

You can consume grouper during your pregnancy, but only once per week. It is high in nutrients that are great for you and your baby’s health. However, it might contain some mercury so only take eels in moderation.

Cuttlefish

Mums-to-be can eat cuttlefish, too. It can prevent cramps and anaemia during pregnancy. It also promotes your baby’s growth. However, it might give you indigestion. Hence, it is best to consume cuttlefish in moderation while pregnant.

Shellfish

If you aren’t allergic, you can eat some shellfish during your pregnancy. You have to avoid eating them raw as doing so might cause you food poisoning.

Lobster

Expectant mummies should eat lobsters with caution. Lobsters are high in protein and minerals, but they might increase your cholesterol levels. So, consume them in moderate amounts only.

Absolute no-no

Abalone

You cannot eat abalone during your pregnancy. This is as it feeds on algae and as such might give you toxins that can cause food poisoning.

Caviar

Pregnant mums should avoid eating caviar. Because if caviars are unpasteurised, it could get contaminated by listeria.

Clam

It is best to avoid consuming clams during pregnancy. You might develop hepatitis A if you accidentally eat it unclean or raw.

Crab

Mums-to-be should avoid consuming crabs as they carry toxins and mercury which are dangerous on your pregnancy. You might also get listeria infection if it was not prepared or cooked properly beforehand.

Sea snail

You cannot eat sea snails while expecting. This is as it might cause indigestion and if it is not cooked well, you might also get food poisoning.

River mussels

Pregnant mums should avoid eating river mussels as they might contain toxins. As such, you might end up with food poisoning if it wasn’t prepared properly before consumption.

Blood cockles

Mums-to-be cannot eat blood cockles as they might cause food poisoning.

Be mindful of your seafood intake while pregnant

Mums-to-be need to consume healthy seafood and avoid the unhealthy ones in order to ensure a healthy pregnancy diet. Remember, everything you eat will affect your baby. So, it is best to consume other healthy choices at this critical time.

Sources:

Now that you know which seafoods are safe to consume while carrying and which you should avoid, here are some pregnancy friendly recipes for you to try out! Do let us know how you find them.

Do also check out which eggs, legumes and soy are safe to consume during your pregnancy and which you should avoid here.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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