Both fish and shellfish are two foods that cannot be missing from the diet of any person including pregnant women. Such foods provide healthy fats of the omega 3 type that are beneficial for the health of the fetus.
Despite this, pregnant women should avoid eating raw fish and shellfish as well as not eating large fish due to the presence of mercury. In the following article we will talk to you of the dangers and risks of eating shellfish during pregnancy.
The danger of mercury in pregnancy
Mercury is an environmental pollutant and it is present in certain fish and shellfish. If the pregnant woman consumes fish or shellfish with mercury, it can cross the placenta causing certain brain damage in the fetus that could become irreversible.
It should be pointed out that not all types of shellfish and fish are prohibited. There are seafood in which the presence of mercury is low or almost non-existent so it can be eaten without any problem. This is the case of prawns, prawns, mussels or clams.
If it is fish or shellfish with a presence of mercury considered as average, experts advise moderate consumption and without overdoing it.
No raw seafood
It is important to note that pregnant women can eat seafood without any problem, As long as it is perfectly cooked and not overdone at the time of consumption. The problem usually occurs with raw shellfish since it can contain certain toxic substances that can be quite harmful to the health of the baby.
Mollusks such as octopus or squid must be perfectly cooked, to avoid the famous anisakis. This parasite could endanger the life of the fetus that is formed in the mother's womb.
Some tips when eating seafood during pregnancy
- The seafood that you are going to consume during pregnancy must be perfectly cooked. In the case of eating it out of the house, it is important not to go to restaurants that do not inspire any confidence in you. It is quite dangerous to eat shellfish that has not been well cooked, especially for the health of the baby that is forming and developing inside.
- Despite all the nutrients it has for both the pregnant woman and the fetus itself, it is advised not to abuse when eating it and always do it in a moderate way.
- In the case of consuming it at home, it is good to freeze the shellfish itself for about three days. In this way they are able to kill parasites such as anisakis.
- When eating seafood it is important not to suck the heads of the prawns and prawns. Within them there is a substance that is rich in cadmium, a type of metal that can be dangerous for the health of the pregnant woman and her own child.
- Experts advise eating shellfish and fish either grilled or cooked. In this way there is no risk that the shellfish contain bacteria that are dangerous for the proper development of the pregnancy.
Ultimately, Food is essential when it comes to having a pregnancy without any problem. Many pregnant women have doubts as to whether they can eat some seafood and fish during the pregnancy process. Most seafood is not dangerous as long as it is eaten in moderation and is perfectly cooked. The danger arises in the case of consuming raw fish and shellfish. You also have to be very careful with those types of fish that have large amounts of mercury. Apart from this, if you consume both seafood and seafood in a moderate way and without overdoing it, there is no problem for the baby's own health.