Can we eat raw sea urchins when we are pregnant?
A lot of questions during pregnancy! We don’t really know 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 sea urchins when you’re pregnant? We will first verify with you to see if you are allowed to eat raw sea urchins during pregnancy, then we will look at the risks associated with its intake and at last the precautions to take.
Can we eat raw sea urchins while we are pregnant?
You want to know if you can eat seafood during your pregnancy. But are you allowed to eat raw sea urchins while pregnant? The answer is NO, you cannot eat raw sea urchins while pregnant. There is a risk of infection when raw sea urchins intake.
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What are the risks if you eat raw sea urchins while pregnant and what should you do if you have consumed it?
The risks of eating raw sea urchins while pregnant
If you eat raw sea urchins 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, at worst, 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 sea urchins 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 sea urchins during your pregnancy, don’t panic. Notify your doctor when you can. You should verify within two months of consuming raw sea urchins 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 while pregnant. 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 may happen that you can eat raw sea urchins 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 while pregnant will be fresh oysters from a well identified farm. We do not recommend 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 sea urchins while pregnant. You will avoid Listeria infection.