During pregnancy, it's important to eat the right foods. 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. Mussels are safe during pregnancy under certain conditions. Show
Pregnancy HealthThere are two reasons it's important not to expose yourself to sources of bacteria during pregnancy. 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. Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz in their book "You: Having A Baby." The second reason is that some bacteria can cross the placenta and damage or kill a developing fetus. Shellfish Can You Eat Ricotta Cheese During Pregnancy?Shellfish can be a source of many vitamins and minerals, as well as protein, but they also have the potential to harbor dangerous bacteria. 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. Vibrio is a common cause of food poisoning from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, explains the consumer information site SafeOyster.org. Infection With VibrioIt'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. 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. Mussel ConsumptionCan You Eat Oysters When You Are Pregnant?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. Still, AmericanPregnancy.org cautions that if you're going to eat mussels, you need to ensure that they're well cooked. 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. Mussel NutritionWith 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." Like many other shellfish, they're high in protein and the mineral zinc. They're also quite high in iron, which you need during pregnancy to increase your blood volume. Finally, mussels are low in fat, making them heart-healthy. If you're unsure about whether it's safe to eat seafood during your pregnancy, you're not alone. Understand the guidelines for pregnancy and fish. By Mayo Clinic StaffPregnancy nutrition can be confusing, especially when it comes to seafood guidelines. Here's help understanding the facts. What are the pros and cons of eating seafood during pregnancy?Seafood, which includes fish and shellfish, can be a great source of protein, iron and zinc — crucial nutrients for your baby's growth and development. The omega-3 fatty acids in many fish, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), also can promote your baby's brain development. But some types of seafood — particularly large, predatory fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish — can contain high levels of mercury. Although the mercury in seafood isn't a concern for most adults, special precautions apply if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you regularly eat fish high in mercury, the substance can accumulate in your bloodstream over time. Too much mercury in your bloodstream could damage your baby's developing brain and nervous system. How much seafood is recommended?The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that pregnant women eat at least 8 ounces and up to 12 ounces (340 grams) of a variety of seafood lower in mercury a week. That's about two to three servings. What's safe to eat?Eat a variety of seafood that's low in mercury and high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as:
Other safe choices include:
However, limit white (albacore) tuna and tuna steaks to 6 ounces (170 grams) a week. Are there other guidelines for seafood during pregnancy?Consider these precautions:
Are there other ways to get omega-3 fatty acids?Beyond seafood, other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:
Keep in mind that researchers haven't yet determined whether supplements can promote fetal brain development. While pregnant women can get omega-3 fatty acids from many sources, most experts recommend eating seafood for this purpose. Though mercury can harm a developing baby's brain, eating average amounts of seafood containing low levels of mercury during pregnancy hasn't been shown to cause problems. And the omega-3 fatty acids in many types of fish can promote a baby's healthy cognitive development. As long as you avoid fish known to be high in mercury or contaminated with pollutants, seafood can be a regular part of your healthy-eating plan during pregnancy. Dec. 08, 2021
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. Can pregnant people eat mussels and clams?Avoid raw, undercooked or contaminated seafood
To avoid harmful bacteria or viruses in seafood: Avoid raw fish and shellfish. Examples of raw or undercooked foods to avoid include sushi, sashimi, ceviche and raw oysters, scallops or clams. Avoid refrigerated, uncooked seafood.
Can a pregnant woman eat prawns and mussels?Hot prawns or shellfish are safe as part of a hot dish, however they need to be cooked thoroughly to at least 63 degrees and eaten whilst hot. Oysters and other raw shellfish in pregnancy should be avoided, as these types of seafood can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses.
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Can i eat cooked mussels while pregnant
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