Is it safe to eat crab cakes or other seafood when pregnant?

Can I eat crab cakes while pregnant? Can I eat sushi while pregnant? Can I eat shrimp while pregnant? Why? or Why not? If you are pregnant and have wonder any of these questions you have come to the right place. 

The answer is not that complicated but its also not as simple as ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but I will try to answer it as quickly and as simple as possible. 

Fish have a higher tendency to carry harmful bacteria then other foods so its important that what ever fish you eat its fully cooked. When fully cooked the bacteria is killed by the heat and now safe to eat. 

Avoid fish with high-mercury levels. High levels of mercury are dangerous for the baby’s development and can lead to an unhealthy pregnancy with potential risks. Scary. 

Keep reading for further explanation and understanding of the risk and benefits of seafood for pregnant women.

Here is a list of high-mercury fish and low-mercury fish.

Is crab cakes safe while pregnant? 

Yes, just make sure the crab cakes are fully cooked and hot when eating them. Both real crab meat and intimation crab are safe during pregnancy. This includes blue crab, king crabs, crab sticks, and even snow crab legs are safe to eat during pregnancy and low in mercury. Do not eat raw crab, or crab cakes that come from questionable sources. Expectant mothers should be a little more cautious over where they get their foods from, especially if eating out. A pregnant women’s immune system is weaker then normal and more vulnerable towards getting food poisoning.  

Is shellfish safe while pregnant?

Shellfish is safe to eat when pregnant, again it must be fully cooked, and from a reliable source. Do not eat raw shellfish, no raw oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, or shrimp. Even if well sourced do not eat raw or even undercooked seafood or shellfish. Shellfish should be cooked through and steaming hot before you eat it. 

Shellfish is not only safe to eat but its also healthy for your pregnancy diet. Shellfish is a good source of protein, iron, and omega 3 oils, all which play a huge role in your baby’s development. 

Also, keep in mind that while you are pregnant allergic reactions can be more severe. If you think you may have a small allergy to shellfish stay away while pregnant to avoid potential risks of an more severe allergic reaction.

Is sushi safe while pregnant? 

It’s often said that you should not eat sushi while pregnant but the truth is you should not eat raw fish. There are plenty of sushi choices that have fully cooked fish or imitation crab (which is fully cooked). Therefore, eating certain types of sushi is safe for pregnancy. Again, stay away from raw fish, and types of fish with high-mercury levels. Please also remember to choose creditable sushi restaurants for the best source of fish and cleanliness as to avoid food poisoning or risk of foodborne illnesses. 

What are the benefits eating fish while pregnant?

Good news! Fish is very good for you and is full of important nutrients for your developing baby. Pregnant women often suffer from lack of nutrients due to the amount of that your growing baby takes from you. A healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy diet. Getting essential nutrients is important while pregnant and seafood is often a great source. 

Different types of seafood and types of fish are a great source of protein, iron, omega 3, fatty acids, essential vitamins like vitamin B, vitamin D and more depending on what fish you are eating. 

To insure you are getting the right amount of your essential nutrients during your pregnancy try following the Dr Brewers Pregnancy Diet. This diet is designed for pregnant woman to avoid pregnancy complications by tracking your dietary choices to create a balanced diet with all your essential nutrients. I have free PDF guides for tracking all your nutrients needs during pregnancy here.  

What are the risk of eating fish while pregnant?

The risks come with the type of fish you choose to eat and the way it is prepared. 

High-mercury fish, such as king mackerel, canned albacore tune, shark and swordfish should be avoided. High-mercury is a heavy metal that effects the nervous system and can cause lasting damage to the brain development of your baby. 

To avoid these heavy metals choose low-mercury options such as light tuna, white fish, salmon and shrimp. These are not only safer seafood options but are beneficial to your healthy and support your baby’s growth. 

Another risk is how your fish is prepared. Raw fish, undercooked fish, smooked fish is not consider safe due to the bacteria that fish often carry in the raw state. Cook your fish thoroughly and eat it hot. Do not eat fish or seafood that has been sitting at room temperature for a lengthily time period. If so, its a good idea to reheat till steaming hot to make sure any harmful bacteria is killed. 

Learn More…

To learn more about how to have a healthy pregnancy through diet don’t forget to check out the Dr Brewers Pregnancy Diet.