Pregnancy Diet - Is it true you can't eat seafood?

I looooove lobster, crab, shrimp, etc. Do you have to avoid shellfish too? I thought it was just raw fish you had to avoid??

Any other foods that are no no for baby?

Re: Pregnancy Diet - Is it true you can't eat seafood?

you're supposed to avoid raw seafood and limit your consumption of some fish (I believe filter feeders like clams and muscles, and large predator fish like salmon and tuna) the filter feeders I *think* is becuase they have a concentrated level of bacteria and chemicals from the water... and even if you cook them, the toxins from the bacteria and pollutants remain. the large predator fish limit is to ensure you avoid eating excess mercury during pregnancy (they're at the top of the food chain, so mercury is much more concentrated in them).

Re: Pregnancy Diet - Is it true you can't eat seafood?

honestly, I am 30 weeks along and never really figured out what seafood I can and can't have , and how much of it is safe, so I have completely cut it out of my diet I love seafood, as soon as this baby is born i'm going on a lobster and shrimp binge! it's very confusing , and i don't measure my food

Re: Pregnancy Diet - Is it true you can't eat seafood?

Here is a chart that tells you the fish and how much a pregnant woman should eat each week/month:

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/fishmercury.htm

Here is a chart that tells you mercury levels:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sea-mehg.html

Re: Pregnancy Diet - Is it true you can't eat seafood?

thats a great website thanks

Re: Pregnancy Diet - Is it true you can't eat seafood?

seafood is fine, shrimp is actually one of the better fish/seafoods for you. However, you should try to stay away from raw seafood i.e. clams on the half shell and raw oysters.

Re: Pregnancy Diet - Is it true you can't eat seafood?

My dr said to stay away from raw seafood....everything else is fine as long as its not everyday.

eta: just be careful of the fish that are high in mercury...for example...I lOVE tuna fish...but I only eat that like once a month, b.c its very high in mercury.

Message edited 7/20/2008 9:23:12 PM.

Re: Pregnancy Diet - Is it true you can't eat seafood?

I Still eat seafood. I love eating shrimp.

Re: Pregnancy Diet - Is it true you can't eat seafood?

Personally, I say ask your doctor..

Mine says all seafood is fine in moderation. Raw oysters are a no-no but I never ate those anyway.

I've said away from clams, mussells on my own

My doctor never *EVER* excluded me from raw fish. I love Tuna Sushi and he said he had no issues with it as long as the place was reputable and had fresh fish. Its same with cold cuts in a way, make sure the product is good. Else, how would the women in Japan live (his words). He never ever has an issue with it.

I held off on Tuna sushi until I was in my second tri.. now I eat it every three weeks or more. I made my own limitations.

Bottom line from my doc was "Don't get food borne illnesses" which was followed closely by "Which is something you should be avoiding when you AREN'T pregnant as well" I always thought that made a good point.

I have other 'stuff' going on with me that has always made me very susceptible to food poisoning. So I've never eaten things questionable, such as old left overs, hot mayo sitting out, fish sitting out, chicken, etc. So I guess those rules I've always followed are just the same for preggo. *shrug*

Ask your doctor.. I think each one is very different, but ultimately, if you feel uncomftable eating something, then don't eat it, preggo or not.