You’ve probably heard that you should avoid certain types of seafood during pregnancy. Is lobster among them? Is it safe to eat lobster during pregnancy?
Yes, pregnant women can eat lobster as long as it is fully cooked and not undercooked!
Eating cooked lobster is generally considered safe as part of a healthy diet during pregnancy.
However, as with any food, moderation is key! Overeating any food, including lobster, can lead to an imbalance of nutrients in the pregnant woman’s body. So, before making significant dietary changes while pregnant, speak with your healthcare provider.
What are the recommendations for eating lobster during pregnancy?
There are no recommendations regarding the exact amount of lobster that would be considered safe for pregnant women.
There are only recommendations for seafood in general. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states eating 8-12 ounces (around 2-3 servings) of various seafood per week is safe for pregnant women.
However, it’s important to remember that they specified which seafood is safe during pregnancy.
Some seafood can contain high levels of mercury, which may harm the developing baby. Therefore, pregnant women should choose only low-mercury seafood. For instance, they should avoid swordfish, tilefish, and tuna. You can find more about mercury in seafood here: “Can Pregnant Women Eat Fish?“.
Are there any benefits of eating lobster during pregnancy?
Being high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, lobster has many potential health benefits for you and your baby.
- Proteins in lobster boost the baby’s growth and development throughout pregnancy.
- Omega-3 fatty acids in lobster boost the baby’s brain and eye development.
- Lobster is high in vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. Vitamins and minerals in lobster promote a healthy pregnancy.
Potential risks of eating lobster during pregnancy
Although eating lobster while pregnant is generally safe, there are some potential risks you should consider.
1. Bacterial infection:
Raw lobsters may contain parasites or bacteria, such as Vibrio. Heat kills all of them, so eat only fully-cooked lobster. Eating undercooked one will increase the chance of food poisoning!
2. Mercury:
While lobster is not known to have high levels of mercury, pregnant women should still be mindful of their overall seafood intake.
3. Allergic reactions:
Some people may be allergic to seafood, including lobster. Avoiding lobster and other seafood is essential if a pregnant woman has a seafood allergy.
4. Overconsumption:
Consuming too much of any food can produce nutritional imbalances and weight gain during pregnancy.