Is it safe to eat raw crustaceans when we are pregnant?
A lot of questions during pregnancy! We don’t really find out what to do right for the baby or not to do. For feeding during pregnancy, there are a few guidelines to observe in order to allow your baby to develop properly. So a question that comes up all the time, can you eat raw crustaceans when you’re pregnant? We will first check with you to see if you are allowed to eat raw crustaceans during pregnancy, then we will look at the problems associated with its intake and finally the precautions to take.
Is it safe to eat raw crustaceans when we are pregnant?
You want to find out if you can eat seafood during your pregnancy. But are you allowed to eat raw crustaceans while pregnant? The answer is NO, you cannot eat raw crustaceans during pregnancy. There is a risk of infection when raw crustaceans intake.
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What are the problems if you eat raw crustaceans while pregnant and what should you do if you have consumed it?
The problems of eating raw crustaceans while pregnant
If you eat raw crustaceans while pregnant, the risk is to have listeriosis. It is a disease linked to a Listeria bacterium, which is present in fish, shellfish, raw crustaceans, undercooked meat, raw milk cheese for example. Listeriosis can cause infection in mothers with fever and headaches. But it can be serious for the baby, causing infection or, in the worst case, premature delivery. However, you should be aware that the risk is low, so no panic.
For more information on listeriosis, click on the following link:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/fr/public/publications/disease/listeria.aspx
What should you do if you have eaten raw crustaceans while pregnant?
So first of all, don’t be anxious, the risk of Listeria infection is low. If you have just looked at our article and you ate raw crustaceans during your pregnancy, don’t panic. Inform your doctor when you can. You should check within two months of consuming raw crustaceans for fever and headaches. Then at that time, you will need to do a blood test to look for the presence of Listeria. If this is confirmed, then you will need to take antibiotics.
What precautions should be taken to ensure that seafood can be consumed?
Seafood should be eaten in moderation during pregnancy in all cases. Their intake will provide you with vitamins, iodine, minerals and trace elements that are important during pregnancy. Limit the intake of fish and seafood to twice a week so as not to eat too much mercury, which could interfere with the proper course of pregnancy. It might happen that you can eat raw crustaceans when you are pregnant, but with one condition. It must be cooked (minimum 70°C/158°F) in order to destroy Listeria. You can only eat shellfish if they are well cooked.
The only raw shellfish allowed during pregnancy will be fresh oysters from a well identified farm. We do not advise eating raw seafood (raw or undercooked shellfish and crustaceans, sushi, clams and raw mussels. Do not take seafood that has already been cooked and refrigerated. Always take fresh seafood and cook it yourself. Discard shells that did not open after cooking.
Conclusion
It is not advisable to eat raw crustaceans while pregnant. You will avoid Listeria infection.