Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. But this doesn’t mean it’s OK to eat all types and preparations of oysters. If you choose to have mussels, include it in your total fish and shellfish allotment for the week to ensure that you’re staying within safe ranges. Into astrology? If you eat too much of these, they can be harmful to your unborn baby. Most health professionals recommend that women who normally eat tuna continue to do so during pregnancy. If you haven’t explored the world of canned fish yet, now is the time to get on board. Your reaction might be more severe than if you weren't pregnant. Good news! However, to ensure safe consumption, be sure to cook them thoroughly (until the shell pops!). Most foods are safe; however, there are certain foods to avoid when pregnant. Raw mussels may harbor bacteria that are harmful to you and your unborn child. Janet Renee is a registered dietitian with a focus on hormonal imbalance. One of the most common bacteria in clams, oysters, mussels, and other shellfish is Vibrio vulnificus, which is a rod-shaped bacterial species capable of surviving in the high-salt environment of seawater. Includes food for a healthy mother and baby, dietary variety, drinking plenty of fluids, foods low in fat, salt and sugar, keeping active, food safety and listeria, salmonella, campylobacter and toxoplasma, snack and lunch ideas, eating well during pregnancy, indigestion, heartburn, constipation, alcohol, being smokefree, folic acid, iodine, and vitamin D. They are one of the most sustainable types of shellfish. Check out our Zodiac Center! What are the benefits of eating octopus? But this not cover the fact that mussels are not only safe to eat during your pregnancy. Nothing compares to an ice-cold, freshly shucked oyster. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that you eat only fresh, well-cooked mussels. ; 2009, "Journal of the American Dietary Association"; Shellfish: proximate composition, minerals, fatty acids, and sterols; I. But also is a very strong nutritional source for your baby to keep her healthy and add to adequate growth. The shells open as they cook. Also, discard any mussels that don't open on their own during cooking as they might harbor bacteria, viruses that can make you ill. Mussels are safe during pregnancy under certain conditions. Mussels are delicious, affordable and simple to cook. While some doctors say you shouldn’t eat mussels when pregnant, others say it is safe to eat mussels during pregnancy, but only if you follow a few important cooking tips: Ensure that you cook the mussels until their shells open up, which is a signal that they are well cooked. Fish to steer clear of include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, orange roughy, marlin, bigeye tuna and tilefish. For this reason sushi is safe to eat, only if you can be sure the restaurant uses frozen fish. Remember that nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, so it’s important to protect your growing baby from exposure to unsafe levels. During pregnancy, it's important to eat the right foods. Aiming for around 2000 calories a day is what is recommended for most women during pregnancy. In particular, omega-3 fats support the healthy brain and eye development of your growing baby. In normal, healthy adults, Vibrio causes gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and nausea, but in pregnant women -- due to their suppressed immune systems -- Vibrio infection can be much more serious. Other foods and drinks. Can You Eat Calamari When You're Pregnant? can i eat clams while pregnant. During pregnancy, you're at increased risk of bacterial food poisoning. When steaming mussels, ensure that you steam over medium-high heat for at least five minutes until the mussels open. These bacteria and viruses are killed by heating. Mussels are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long as they're thoroughly cooked. Raw oysters should be avoided during pregnancy, but fully cooked oysters are safe to eat. This is true not only because a healthy diet helps provide both you and your baby with the nutrients you need to support your cellular processes, but also because avoiding certain foods helps prevent risk of exposure to toxins and bacteria that can damage a developing baby. Eat these in limited amounts or avoid them entirely. Oysters from the Gulf of Mexico are more likely to harbor this bacteria. Regarding … DON'T EAT unless thoroughly cooked to at least 75 o C and eaten soon afterwards: Raw meat: Any raw meat, raw chicken or other poultry, beef, pork etc. This is true not only because a healthy diet helps provide both you and your baby with the nutrients you need to support your cellular processes, but also because avoiding certain foods helps prevent risk of exposure to toxins and bacteria that can damage a developing baby. They're also quite high in iron, which you need during pregnancy to increase your blood volume. Eating well-balanced meals is important at all times, but it is even more so when you are pregnant. Recommended servings for … I eat them raw but I always check the date on the container. Yes you can eat them from the can. But I sure do like smoked Oysters. Raw fish that has been smoked and canned, such as smoked salmon and mackerel in a can, is also safe for you to eat. While some say you shouldn’t eat mussels during pregnancy, others say it is safe to eat mussels while you are pregnant. Foods like fish and shellfish contain omega-3 fats that play an important role in fetal development. Meats. Like many other shellfish, they're high in protein and the mineral zinc. Finally, mussels are low in fat, making them heart-healthy. This is because large fish have fewer predators, allowing them to live much longer and accumulate higher levels of mercury. The good news is that the mercury levels in shellfish such as mussels, oysters and clams is very low. Shellfish. There are two reasons it's important not to expose yourself to sources of bacteria during pregnancy. You can eat octopus while you are pregnant and octopus is useful for you and your baby. Canned mussels can be found packed in brine, olive oil, smoked, or escabeche-style (a vinaigrette marinade). Kirstin Hendrickson is a writer, teacher, coach, athlete and author of the textbook "Chemistry In The World." The short answer is: Yes, it can be OK (and even healthy) to eat oysters during pregnancy. $16.95 $ 16. nutmeg, egg, onion, milk, mussels, serrano ham, breadcrumbs, vegetable oil and 3 more. Always choose cooked, rather than raw, shellfish– including mussels, lobster, crab, prawns, scallops and clams– when you're pregnant, as raw shellfish cancontain harmful bacteria and viruses that cancause food poisoning. used in sandwich bars: DON'T EAT: Hot take-away chicken: Purchase freshly cooked and eat while hot. Iron prevents the most common form of anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness. It's not known whether the Vibrio bacteria can cross the placenta, but there are many other species of bacteria responsible for food poisoning that can cross, meaning it's best to avoid any possible risk of Vibrio infection. We recommend you eat these shellfish only once a month during pregnancy. Mussels are fresh when the shells are closed – when they're alive. Mussels are a shellfish and the NHS says cooked shellfish including mussels, scallops, lobster and crab, is fine to eat when you're pregnant. Dr. Pavel Conovalciuc answered. That said, due to its mercury content, they warn pregnant women to avoid eating … Similarly, what seafood can a pregnant woman eat? As a rule of thumb, the larger the fish, the higher the mercury levels. Cold pre-cooked prawns are fine. While many Americans associate canned food with tough times and wartime bunkers, those in Spain and Portugal see the cans as small packages of gold, and they’re often willing to pay the price. Still, AmericanPregnancy.org cautions that if you're going to eat mussels, you need to ensure that they're well cooked. Vibrio is a common cause of food poisoning from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, explains the consumer information site SafeOyster.org. Unless there is a reason why you should not, try to walk at least a few miles everyday if you are worried about weight gain. Beyond tuna, options abound , from macker filets to razor clams, mussels … The first is that your immune system is much less active during pregnancy -- this helps keep your cells from attacking your growing baby, explain Drs. Meat and poultry are an important part of a healthy, nutritious … Health is about long-term habits, not obsessive rule-following. Oysters are often served raw. So you may wonder whether mussels are safe enough to stay on the menu or whether you'll have to wait until after your baby is born to enjoy them. Best Fish to Eat During Pregnancy Popular types like catfish, clams, cod, crab, pollock, salmon, scallops, shrimp, tilapia, trout, and canned tuna are all not only safe fish, but healthy fish to eat during pregnancy. Always visit your obstetrician to discuss your diet before making any changes. … It is great that you are eating fruits instead of fruit juices. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. These fish are considered to have the highest mercury levels and should not be eaten during pregnancy. Mussels are saltwater foods. Food and Drug Administration: Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish, Nutrients: DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function, Food and Drug Administration: Eating Fish: What Pregnant Women and Parents Should Know. Geisha canned Oysters are cooked. To prevent foodborne illness: Fully cook all meats and poultry before eating. Remember to consult with your doctor rather than going by information from friends and family. Cold cuts, deli meats, hot dogs, and other ready-to-eat meats. Raw shellfish may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning. ... Mussels, swordfish, sharks contain high mercury. For example, a 4-ounce can of almejas, the most expensive Galician clams, can set you … A serving is about 6 ounces. Geisha Oysters in water are not smoked. Commonly enjoyed steamed in the shell, this seafood delight can be a part of a healthy diet. The body easily absorbs mercury from seafood, and exposure during pregnancy can harm fetal development, impairing your baby’s growing brain and nervous system. DON'T EAT: Poultry: Cold chicken or turkey, eg. Pregnant women, however, have unique nutritional needs and must sometimes steer clear of certain foods and substances while their babies are growing and developing. Sardines, anchovies, horse mackerel, ... canned fish consumption is another inconvenient situation that needs attention. She helps clients with issues like polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance balance their hormones and lose weight through dietary changes. Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz in their book "You: Having A Baby." **Brown seaweeds contain naturally very high iodine concentrations. You may eat up to six ounces per week of fish caught in local waters, but do not consume any other fish during that week. With their mild, earthy flavor and nutrient-rich content, there’s a lot to like about mussels. To stay safe, also avoid these foods during your pregnancy. The second reason is that some bacteria can cross the placenta and damage or kill a developing fetus. The body easily absorbs mercury from seafood, and exposure during pregnancy can harm fetal development, impairing your baby’s growing brain … Rarely, food poisoning affects the baby, too. During pregnancy, you're more susceptible to food poisoning. Can You Eat Meat, Poultry, or Pâtés? When pregnant, you can reduce your risk of food poisoning by avoiding raw shellfish and making sure that any shellfish you eat is cooked thoroughly. While mussels are very low in mercury, it’s still necessary to limit your intake. If you enjoy raw oysters, mussels and other shellfish, you'll need to stop eating these during pregnancy. Below is advice from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and the Committee on Toxicity about eating fish when trying to get pregnant, or when pregnant or breastfeeding: That need to be cooked properly before eating during your pregnancy. Canned, white albacore tuna has a higher level of mercury and should be eaten less often than canned, chunk light tuna. Fish and shellfish are good sources of high quality protein and other essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Mussels are safe during pregnancy under certain … These can make you unwell and give you food poisoning. Fresh Oysters are sold in plastic containers in season at my local Wal Mart. In case some do not open, make sure you throw them away. Oysters may carry a naturally-occurring type of bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which often produces no symptoms but can lead to severe illness in some individuals. 23 years experience Family Medicine. At that point, they’re ready to enjoy. There are essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your developing baby needs. If you decide to make the occasional exception in the name of a celebration or strong craving, don’t be hard on yourself! Rich in omega 3's, iron, and vitamin B12, mussels is a nutrient-dense choice to be included in your pregnancy diet. Renee shares her knowledge and expertise through regular contributions to health and wellness publications, including Shape, Women’s Health and Vegetarian Times. But some types of fish contain more mercury than others and could pose a danger during your pregnancy. She has a Bachelor of Science in zoology, a Bachelor of Science in psychology, a Master of Science in chemistry and a doctoral degree in bioorganic chemistry. What to eat during pregnancy is a deeply personal choice, and with so much conflicting information out there, sometimes all we can do is trust our instincts. Smoked fish eg smoked salmon, is safe to eat during pregnancy, but treat as an oily fish – so consume max 3 times a week. D.O.P Spanish MUSSELS IN BRINE | Ready To Eat | Excellent For Seafood Pasta or an entrance | Mussels Size 8/12 Pieces | Mejillones Al Natural ... Polar Fancy Whole Smoked Mussels 3oz Can (Pack of 6) 3.6 out of 5 stars 25. It’s recommended that you stick to two to three servings of low-mercury fish or shellfish per week. To be safe, cook mussels and other shellfish until their shells open, and discard any mussels that don't open on their own during cooking. Unpasteurized/ Blue Cheese. Many women, including about half of pregnant women, do not get enough iron in their diet. Food information for pregnant women. A 23-year-old male asked: can a pregnant women eat clam chowder? it's canned clam chowder. If not, then don’t eat it. When you choose fish and shellfish as part of your diet during pregnancy, it’s necessary to avoid high-mercury fish. ... is it safe to eat clam chowder during the 32nd week of pregnancy? Mussels are safe to eat as mentioned earlier. She's been teaching and writing about health, wellness and nutrition for more than 10 years. Exposing your baby to unsafe levels of mercury is the primary concern when it comes to eating seafood during pregnancy. During pregnancy, it's important to eat the right foods. Shellfish can be a source of many vitamins and minerals, as well as protein, but they also have the potential to harbor dangerous bacteria. 13 June, 2017. You should avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish though as it can cause food poisoning. Fruits satisfy hunger more than juices. This makes mussels safe for you to eat during pregnancy as a part of a healthy diet. With the caveat that mussels must be well cooked, they're actually very good sources of several important nutrients, explains a 1990 article in the "Journal of the American Dietary Association." King et al; May 1990. You should avoid raw shellfish because they can have harmful bacteria, viruses or toxins in them. Use a meat thermometer to make sure. Best to avoid The long and short of the story is, it is not okay to eat canned foods when you are pregnant. “You: Having A Baby”; Michael Roizen, M.D. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Avoid eating dead mussels with shells that appear open before cooking. Mussels typically aren't eaten raw, meaning that they're less likely to be a source of infection or food-borne illness than raw shell. In addition, oysters can carry a variety of other viruses because they are filter feeders and accumulate contaminants from the local environment. The risks from mercury in shellfish and fish depend on how much you eat. Brown seaweeds are typically sold dry and are used in soups, stewed dishes, kelp salt and seaweed salads.