Expectant mothers have to be very careful with the foods they eat. There are some foods that can affect the health of a baby so you should be well informed before including a certain food in your diet. Expectant moms should know which foods are beneficial and which can be harmful for their babies.
In this article we will talk about lobster that is one of favorite seafood items all over the world. Lobster is a popular shellfish that has long been considered a luxury food item and today it is commercially very important. But, it is known that seafood can be high in mercury and other compounds that can be harmful.
So, the question is can you eat lobster when pregnant? In this article we will tell you something more about lobster and its impact on the health of expectant mothers. If you are pregnant and if you love seafood, this article will be interesting for you.
More about Lobster
Lobster belongs to the family of large marine crustaceans. Its body is long and it has a muscular tail. Lobsters live on the sea floor and they are highly prized as seafood. They have five pairs of legs and three of them have claws. The first pair of legs is modified in the form of pincers. Like snails and spiders, the blood of lobsters is also blue. Lobsters are pretty expensive and they are usually served in form of specialties. When the lobster is cooked the color of its shell will change from blue to orange.
Lobster is rich in vitamins and minerals, so they can be a healthy and a very delicious meal. Lobster is a great source of protein and it doesn’t contain carbohydrate and fiber. This shellfish has many health benefits, but it should be eaten in moderation. If eaten in large amounts, lobster can cause a heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.
Also, it is recommended not to dip lobster in butter and not to add too much salt. But, what about pregnant women? Can they also eat this luxury food item or it should not be a part of their diet? Read along and you will get the answers.
Is Lobster Safe During Pregnancy?
The answer is yes. If you also enjoy seafood, we have good news for you. Shrimp, crab and lobster are safe during pregnancy as long as they are cooked properly. Like all seafood, these shellfish may have parasites so the proper cooking is essential. This way all bacteria and viruses will be killed. It is important to cook shellfish to a temperature of 145 F. Your lobster is ready when it turns milky white.
You should not eat raw shellfish while pregnant because it can lead to food poisoning, which can be very unpleasant during pregnancy. Raw shellfish is not high in mercury, but it is usually contaminated with toxins and bacteria that can make you ill. Sometimes it is possible that lobster is higher in mercury than average, so pregnant women should limit the amount of lobster they consume. For pregnant women it is enough to take about 6 ounces of lobster per week. If you consume lobster that is properly cooked, it can be beneficial for your health, as well as for your baby’s health.
As we have already said, this seafood is a great source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, which can improve baby’s eye and brain development.
Summary
As you have seen in this article, pregnant women can eat lobster as long as it is cooked well. Cooking will kill all the parasites and bacteria that may be present in raw seafood. If pregnant women eat lobster raw it will lead to food poisoning, so it is best to avoid it.
Expectant moms can consume seafood occasionally, but they should not overdo the amount. Eating seafood in moderation won’t do anything bad for the health of expectant moms and their babies.
So, if you are pregnant, you can enjoy in your favorite seafood, but remember that it has to be cooked properly. To avoid any health risks, don’t consume lobster and other shellfish raw. Remember that you are the only responsible for your baby’s health.
