Oysters, whelks, langoustines, mussels or shrimps… What crustaceans and shellfish can you eat when you are expecting a baby and how? Advice from Odile Bagot, gynecologist.
Are you wondering if it is possible to treat yourself to a seafood platter during the holidays? Provided they are well cooked and consumed in moderation, seafood is allowed during pregnancy ! We take stock with gynecologist Odile Bagot on the shellfish that you are allowed to eat and those that are prohibited if you are pregnant.
What seafood is prohibited during pregnancy?
No seafood is prohibited per se during pregnancy. What is safe, however, is eating them raw or lightly cooked. because they are then potentially carriers of germs. So we forget the smoked salmon and all raw fish. In addition, oysters, which are usually eaten raw, should be avoided, unless they are eaten well cooked, baked in the oven for example. The same goes for mussels which require cooking thoroughly. And of course, the seafood must absolutely be of indisputable freshness, from the catch of the day.
What shellfish can you eat when you are pregnant, and how?
A pregnant woman can absolutely consume crustaceans such as crab, shrimp, langoustines, lobsters, prawns or crayfish. She can also consume shells (whelks, oysters, mussels, scallops, clams, etc.), as long as she ensures that they are extremely fresh and cooked to perfection. “A pregnant woman can eat scallops as long as they are well cooked. The good way to ensure this is to observe their flesh which must be very firm. The shellfish should be well browned on both sides. reacts Dr Odile Bagot.
Whelks and periwinkles can be cooked in court-bouillon for around twenty minutes. “It’s not a question of the type of seafood, because listeria and salmonella can grow on all raw foods. They can be eaten occasionally, as long as they are thoroughly cooked.“, nuance the gynecologist.
What are the risks if I eat raw seafood while pregnant?
The consumption of Raw seafood is associated with listeriosis riska serious foodborne infection that can cause miscarriage, premature birth or even a neonatal infection, or even, in the most serious cases, the death of the newborn. “A lack of freshness or poor preservation of seafood can also lead to salmonellosiswhich manifests itself as gastroenteritis, most often benign, but there are sometimes serious forms with septicemia and multiorgan damage.indicates Dr Odile Bagot, gynecologist. Moreover, some seafood may be contaminated with the hepatitis A virus found in water. Acute hepatitis A in pregnant women is associated with the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Finally, “seafood can be contaminated with heavy metals and endocrine disruptors, It is therefore essential not to consume it too regularly.
