Sea Food if Pregnant?

Question

Why can't you eat sea food if you are pregnant???

Answer 1

You can eat seafood if you are pregnant. Fish with scales... very good for the developing fetus. It is when it comes to shellfish that you have to abstain.

Let us take oysters for instance. Oysters get their nourishment from the sea via filter form. So if the oyster is growing in polluted waters (Let us say raw sewage), the pollution is concentrated in the oyster, as that is how it digests. So the unlucky person who eats the polluted oyster is actually eating raw sewage along with the meat. That is why you have to make sure if you are eating oysters that the oysters in question are actually harvested from clean waters, but you have no way of knowing for sure. Even if the oyster was harvested in clean waters, it picks up all impurities possible. It can trigger miscarriage.

Lobsters, shrimp and crabs, and so on?
They are also very dicey, though delicious. they go off very quickly and can be poionous for the developing fetus, though no side effects might be felt by the mother (That is, if eaten shortly after cooking.)

It's better to be safe than to be sorry.

Answer 2

Fresh, raw seafood is potentially risky because it can contain parasites such as tapeworms, which, if they grow large enough, could rob your body of nutrients needed for your growing baby. Freezing and cooking kills the parasites. For this reason, many Japanese restaurants that specialise in sushi use frozen rather than fresh fish. You may like to ask a restaurant if they do freeze fish before serving it raw. Many restaurants lightly sear fresh fish on the outside, then serve it rare, but you may be safer if you order it well cooked.

Oysters and other shellfish should be avoided during pregnancy, unless they are part of a hot meal and have been thoroughly cooked. This is because, when they are raw, these types of seafood might be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses. These are usually killed by proper cooking.

Answer 3

Medical field only says that you need to watch how much certain fish you eat because of the mercury levels. You can eat sushi as long as you trust your source. I had sushi when I was 8 months pregnant and it was very tasty. With everything else you have to eat seafood, caffeine, processed foods in moderation. Even with vegetables and fruits you have to know their source. Next time you see your dr ask them about the different foods

Answer 4

It's a high risk food for bacteria and if you got a bout of food poisoning from eating it,it can be pretty nasty.You can eat it but it's generally advised that you don't on the better safe than sorry aspect.

Answer 5

Because the baby might be allergic to sea food..... shell fish or anything sea food and nuts too.

Answer 6

My midwife told me that Crab, Lobster and Prawns were OK, as long as they were properly prepared and cooked.
Smaller shellfish though, oysters, clams, scallops, cockles etc should be avoided completely.

Most fish is fine, in fact you should try to include plenty of oily fish in your diet. Avoid eating too much tuna or salmon though as the level of mercury can apparently be quite high.

Answer 7

Hi It is best to avoid seafood as some of it contains high levels of mercury, I think this includes tuna. Also avoid soft cheese and egg thats not well cooked due to the risk of salmonella.

Answer 8

some seafood contain levels of toxins that could injure your baby however this is not all seafood, oily fish containing omega 3 fatty acids are recomended for good brain development of the baby. speak to your doctor or midwife on which foods are safe during pregnancy.

Answer 9

its only shell fish and tuna , marlin and sword fish cause of the levels of mercury! fish like cod etc are really good for you! its not all sea food! i eat cod and you can have 2 tins of tuna a week x

Answer 10

Mercury poisoning, high levels of noxious chemicals and too much Vit A if not careful.