Yes, but only once in a while. If you’re worried about mercury levels in your diet, eating crab is not the best idea right now. However, it is an excellent source of zinc, Vitamin B12 and protein. In fact, one serving of crab contains almost half your recommended daily value of this mineral.
What type of crab is safe to eat while pregnant?
All crab meat is not created equal. The blue crab and king crab are the most common types of crabs eaten in the United States and Canada. These varieties are safe for pregnant women to eat, but only once in a while. Dungeness, snow and rock crabs contain high levels of mercury, which can harm a fetus.
How many grams of crab meat can I have during pregnancy?
It’s best to avoid eating crab entirely during pregnancy. Just four ounces of blue crab meat contains more than 100 milligrams of cholesterol — well over the daily recommended amount of 300 milligrams. A high cholesterol level can lead to complications during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia and preterm labor. One serving of crab contains almost half your recommended daily value of this mineral. If you’re craving crab, try to have a few bites. Or, you can find crab-flavored foods that are safe to eat during pregnancy, like crab-flavored crackers or crab-flavored chips.
Can eating crab during pregnancy cause gestational diabetes?
High cholesterol from crab can lead to gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) happens when your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin. It usually starts in the second half of your pregnancy. Eating too much crab can increase your chances of getting gestational diabetes.
Are there any benefits to eating crab while pregnant?
Crab is an excellent source of zinc, Vitamin B12 and protein. In fact, one serving of crab contains almost half your recommended daily value of this mineral. In addition, crab is a good source of iron, magnesium and selenium. These nutrients are important for a pregnant woman’s health and her baby’s growth and development.
Is it safe to eat lumpia and hong Kong while pregnant?
Yes, lumpia and hong Kong are Filipino and Chinese dishes that contain ground crabmeat. Both are safe to eat during pregnancy, but only once in a while. One lumpia, or one serving of hong Kong, contains almost 100 milligrams of cholesterol, so you should limit your consumption.
How much shrimp can I eat while pregnant?
You should avoid eating shrimp entirely during pregnancy because it can cause bacterial infection and increased risk of food poisoning. Also, shrimp is high in cholesterol, so eating it more than once in a while will put you at risk of getting heart disease when you’re older.
Should I avoid scallops and salmon?
Scallops are safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as you don’t eat them while they’re raw. And salmon, which is high in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and protein, is safe to eat.
Conclusion
Crab is an excellent source of zinc, Vitamin B12 and protein. In fact, one serving of crab contains almost half your recommended daily value of this mineral. In addition, crab is a good source of iron, magnesium and selenium. These nutrients are important for a pregnant woman’s health and her baby’s growth and development. However, a pregnant woman should avoid eating crab entirely during pregnancy because it is high in cholesterol. The best way to stay healthy during pregnancy is to eat a balanced diet. That means getting the right amount of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. Stay away from high-cholesterol foods such as crab, scallops and salmon.