Why do some pregnancy websites say you can eat shellfish while you are pregnant & other sites say to avoid it?

Answer 1

You can eat shellfish, but its better if you do not because of pollution shellfish can contain mercury and you would never know it. Mercury can poison your body and your child's, if you get too much of it. Also shellfish can cause an allergic reaction. If you've never had an allergic reaction to it before you probably wont now, but your allergies can change throughout your life especially during pregnancy since your hormones and many other things about your body are rapidly changing.

Answer 2

I've never seen that. Shellfish and salmon are actually the best seafood to eat during pregnancy because the mercury levels are low. Shellfish and salmon sushi are also fine from a reputable establishment. ***For those who say NO SUSHI, what do you think pregnant Japanese women eat?! They never stop eating sushi and sashimi, but they steer clear of the high mercury fish, like king mackerel, swordfish, fresh tuna, and shark.
Canned chunk light albacore tuna is fine, just no more then 12 oz a week.
Shellfish is a common allergen, so if you have ever had a negative reaction to it, or have a family history, it is best to steer clear while you're pregnant. The allergy could be passed to the child.
Good luck!!
I recommend reading "Pregancy for Dummies", because it's the most calm, down-to-earth, sensible approach to your pregnancy.

Answer 3

There are so many things that some people say pregnant people can have, but others say they should avoid. Allergy foods are one of them.

Some experts believe that if you eat common allergy foods such as shellfish or peanuts that you will give your baby a better chance of having that allergy. Others think that as long as you don't have the allergy, you won't pass it along to your baby. I'd say trust your judgement. I personally still eat shellfish and peanuts.

Answer 4

Not all websites are up to date or complete. The concern with shellfish is that it can contain listeria. Proper cooking of shellfish may not eliminate the danger. In fact, it was because of shellfish that they even identified listeria as a cause of miscarriage and stillbirth.

As far as other folks' experience, consider that doctors try as hard as they can to identify causes of miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects. If you choose not to follow those warnings, the chances of everything being ok is likely. However, if you are one of the unfortunate ones, you will never forgive yourself.

Answer 5

You should only really have to avoid it during pregnancy if your family has a medical history of shellfish allergies, same with peanut butter and peanut allergies, because what you eat directly affect your baby. Your baby could be allergic to it, you wouldn't want to give an unborn baby an allergic reaction.

Answer 6

You should limit it to no more than 2-3 times per week- if you know it may have mercury.

Answer 7

hey..
any food is okay within reason...
as long as you know where it came from and if its still fresh

just be careful tho.!