Can pregnant lady eat crab?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Most experts agree that pregnant women can safely eat crab in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Crab can provide important nutrients like protein, iron, and omega-3s. However, pregnant women should avoid eating raw crab due to risk of foodborne illness. Cooked crab should be limited to 12 ounces per week and sourced from reputable retailers. Those with shellfish allergies must avoid crab completely.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Crab?

Many pregnant women wonder if they can still enjoy their favorite seafood while expecting. Crabs can be a nutritious addition to the diet during pregnancy if eaten fully cooked and in moderation. Here is what pregnant women need to know about eating crab:

Pregnant women can safely eat cooked crab in moderation, up to 12 ounces per week according to FDA guidelines.

Crab provides lean protein, iron, omega-3s, selenium, and other nutrients beneficial during pregnancy.
Raw or undercooked crab should be avoided due to risk of foodborne illnesses like salmonella or listeria.
Imitation crab and canned crab can contain added sodium, so these should be limited.

Those with shellfish allergies must avoid all crab during pregnancy.

Checking with your doctor is advised, but most expectant mothers can continue to enjoy their crab cravings cooked thoroughly. Eating a variety of seafood, including crab, is encouraged for healthy fetal development.

Is Crab Good for You When Pregnant?

In addition to being delicious, crab offers many beneficial nutrients for pregnant women and their developing babies. Here are some of the top health benefits of eating crab while pregnant:

High-Quality Protein

Crab is an excellent source of lean protein, providing about 20-25 grams in each 3 ounce cooked serving. Protein is vital during pregnancy to support maternal health and fetal tissue growth.

Iron

Pregnant women have higher iron needs to support increased blood volume. A serving of crab provides up to 9% of the daily recommended iron intake for pregnancy.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Crab contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s like DHA which are important for baby’s brain and eye development.

Selenium

This mineral supports thyroid function and immune health in moms-to-be. A serving of crab offers over 50% of selenium needs during pregnancy.

Vitamin B12

Essential for energy and red blood cell health, crab is high in this vital nutrient. B12 needs increase during pregnancy.

Zinc

Zinc supports immune function and development of organs and tissues in the fetus. Crab provides a good source of this mineral.

So while tasty, crab can also deliver substantial nutritional benefits during pregnancy when consumed fully cooked.

Is it Safe to Eat Raw Crab While Pregnant?

Raw and undercooked seafood, including crab, is not considered safe during pregnancy. Raw crab may contain harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites that can cause foodborne illness. Here’s what pregnant women need to know about raw crab:

Raw crab and products like sushi should be avoided due to risk of infection.

Bacteria like salmonella, listeria, vibrio can be present in raw crab and make pregnant women very sick.
Parasites like cryptosporidium in raw crab also pose health risks.
Cooking crab to an internal temperature of 145°F destroys any dangerous bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Refrigerating crab properly can also reduce risks.

Consuming raw or undercooked crab while pregnant exposes women and developing babies to unnecessary risks of foodborne illness. Fully cooked crab is a safer choice.

How Much Crab Can You Eat While Pregnant?

While crab can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet, it’s important not to overdo it. Here are some guidelines for how much crab pregnant women can safely consume:

Up to 12 ounces of cooked low mercury crab per week.
Avoid eating crab daily due to mercury concerns.
Imitation crab is higher in additives so limit to 6 ounces weekly.

Prioritize a variety of low mercury seafood like salmon, shrimp, or cod.
Check local seafood advisories for safe crab limits in your area.
Spacing out crab over a week offers best benefits while minimizing risks.

Following the FDA’s advice of limiting overall seafood intake to 12 ounces per week is smart. This allows pregnant women to enjoy the benefits of crab and other fish safely.

What Types of Crab Can You Eat While Pregnant?

Pregnant women looking to add crab to their diet have many tasty options to choose from. Here are some of the most common types of crab that are safe to eat during pregnancy:

Dungeness Crab

Popular on the West Coast, these crabs offer sweet meat. They are low in mercury and safe when cooked thoroughly.

King Crab

Prized for their large legs, king crab also have very low mercury levels. Opt for steamed or baked.

Snow Crab

Snow crab legs are an excellent source of lean protein. Choose them fully cooked instead of raw.

Blue Crab

Atlantic blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay offer delicious meat. Enjoy steamed with Old Bay seasoning.

Stone Crab

These crabs from Florida can’t be harvested whole so their meat is very safe.

Imitation Crab

Surimi-based mock crab can be eaten during pregnancy but limit intake due to sodium content.

As long as they are thoroughly cooked, these crab types make smart choices for expecting mothers. Opt for fresh or frozen over canned to reduce sodium.

Are Crab Rolls Safe in Pregnancy?

Crab rolls made from fully cooked crab can be safe for pregnant women to eat. However, there are some precautions pregnant crab roll lovers should take:

Opt for crab rolls made with real lump or shredded crab meat without raw ingredients.
Avoid any crab rolls containing raw, marinated, or imitation crab.

Check that the crab roll filling is heated thoroughly, not just chilled.
Ask if the crabmeat mix contains mayonnaise, which carries slight risk of salmonella.
Inquire about ingredient sources and prep practices to assess food safety.

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat fully before consuming again.

Properly prepared crab rolls from reputable vendors can make for tasty, safe pregnancy food choices. But take care to avoid raw crab and ask questions to determine if recipe or handling practices pose any risks.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Soft Shell Crab?

Soft shell crab can be safe for pregnant women when thoroughly cooked. Here are some guidelines around eating soft shell crab while pregnant:

Opt for soft shell crab that has been harvested, processed, and cooked in a food-safe manner.
Eat soft shell crab that has been cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to destroy bacteria.
Avoid raw or partially cooked soft shell crab as it may contain harmful microbes.

Be aware that soft shell crab has a higher risk of spoilage compared to hard shell.
Consume leftover soft shell crab within 2 days and reheat fully before eating again.

Properly handled soft shell crab is unlikely to pose risks during pregnancy. But due to potential food safety issues, pregnant women should take care in determining the source and freshness of soft shell crab.

Is Canned Crab Safe During Pregnancy?

Canned crab can be a quick and convenient way to enjoy crab meat during pregnancy. However, there are some considerations around canned crab safety:

Choose brands of canned crab that are pasteurized to destroy any bacteria or parasites.
Avoid cans that are bulging, leaking, rusty or severely dented as these may contain toxins.

Rinse canned crab under cool water to remove excess sodium.
Moderately limit intake of canned crab due to potentially high sodium levels.
Look for low-sodium or reduced-sodium options if available.

Stick to consumption guidelines of 12 ounces maximum of crab weekly.

Properly processed canned crab can offer a quick protein boost during pregnancy. But moderating portion sizes and sodium content by rinsing makes canned crab even safer.

Tips for Picking and Storing Crab to Eat When Pregnant

To safely enjoy crab during pregnancy, following proper selection, handling, and storage guidelines is key. Here are some top tips for picking and storing crab meat to eat when pregnant:

Choose fresh crab meat that is refrigerated or displayed on ice at seafood counters.
Pick crab meat that has no unpleasant odor and a natural light color.
Avoid pre-cooked crab meat at high risk for spoilage or bacterial growth.

Select pasteurized crab meat in sealed containers if buying pre-cooked.
Store fresh crab tightly wrapped for up to 2 days in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
Use frozen crab within 3 to 6 months for best quality and safety.

Discard leftover crab that smells fishy or has an off color or mushy texture.

Following seafood safety best practices helps pregnant women take advantage of crab’s nutrition while avoiding any foodborne illnesses.

How to Cook Crab to Eat When Pregnant

Thorough cooking is key to safely enjoying crab during pregnancy. Here are some tips for properly cooking crab:

Boiling crab until the internal temperature reaches 145°F kills potential bacteria.
Baking crab legs, claws or whole crab at 375°F until opaque and flaky.
Sauteeing crab cakes, stir fries, or other dishes until no translucent flesh remains.

When reheating crab, bring the internal temperature back up to 165°F.
Avoid eating any raw or undercooked crab while pregnant.

Cooking crab thoroughly not only improves the taste but also destroys any dangerous microbes that could harm mom and baby. Reheating leftover crab dishes to safe temperatures ensures safety.

Healthy Ways to Eat Crab During Pregnancy

Incorporating crab into a healthy pregnancy diet is easy with these nutritious and delicious recipe ideas:

Crab Salad

Toss cooked, shredded crab with diced celery, red pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs for a light salad.

Crab Cakes

Combine lump crab meat with bread crumbs, egg, red pepper, and seasonings. Saute cakes until golden brown.

Crab Soup

Add shredded crab meat to chicken or vegetable soup along with onion, celery, pasta or rice.

Crab Boil

For an easy weeknight meal, boil crab legs, corn, and potatoes with Old Bay seasoning for flavor.

Crab Stuffed Salmon

Top salmon fillets with a crab, cream cheese, bread crumb and Parmesan stuffing. Bake until fish is opaque.

With so many tasty ways to prepare it, eating your fill of crab can be safe and healthy for both mom and baby during pregnancy.

Risks of Eating Too Much Crab When Pregnant

While moderate crab consumption can be safe during pregnancy, eating too much raises some potential health concerns:

Mercury exposure – Limiting total crab intake to 12 ounces weekly reduces risk of excessive mercury levels.

Allergic reaction – Those with shellfish allergies may develop hives, swelling or anaphylaxis from crab.
Foodborne illness – Consuming raw or undercooked crab raises the risks of bacterial infections.
High cholesterol – Crab is relatively high in dietary cholesterol so intake should be moderate.

Food additives – Imitation crab products often contain added preservatives, colorings and sodium.

Overall, crab is low risk during pregnancy if mercury guidelines are followed. But those with shellfish allergies or seeking to limit cholesterol should be cautious of overindulging.

Crab Safety Tips for Pregnant Women

Here are some top food safety tips for pregnant women planning to eat crab:

Avoid raw, undercooked, or refrigerated unpasteurized crab products.
Cook crab to an internal temperature of 145°F and reheat any leftovers to 165°F.
Prevent cross contamination by keeping raw and cooked crab separate.

Refrigerate cooked crab within 2 hours and use within 3 to 4 days.
Thaw frozen crab properly in the fridge or cold water, not room temp.
Seek crab from reputable retailers and check for current shellfish advisories in your area.

Following basic food handling and prep best practices helps pregnant women protect against illness from crab.

What About Crab Allergies?

Those with known allergies to shellfish including crab should strictly avoid all crab when pregnant. Crab allergies involve the body’s immune reaction to certain proteins.

Symptoms

Allergic reactions to crab range from mild to life-threatening and can include:

Tingling or burning sensation in the mouth
Hives, rash, or itchy skin
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat

Wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Nasal congestion, runny nose
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Dizziness, fainting
Anaphylaxis – a severe, whole-body reaction

Treatment

Those who experience mild crab allergy symptoms can take an antihistamine. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention including an epinephrine injection, trip to emergency room, IV fluids, and other interventions.

Prevention

The only way for pregnant women with crab allergies to prevent reactions is strict avoidance. Reading ingredient labels, alerting others about allergy, and carrying emergency epinephrine can also help prevent severe symptoms.

Crab allergies should be diagnosed by an allergist whenever possible. Pregnant women with confirmed shellfish allergies must avoid all exposure to crab.

When to See a Doctor

Pregnant women should consult their physician in the following crab-related circumstances:

If they have a known shellfish or crab allergy to determine safety of any exposure.
After any reaction to crab including rash, stomach issues, or breathing problems.
If concerned about mercury exposure from elevated seafood intake.

To check current seafood advisories if locally harvested crab is consumed.
If any foodborne illness symptoms arise after eating raw or undercooked crab.
To seek approval for crab intake if at a high risk pregnancy.

Doctors can provide personalized guidance on crab safety based on the pregnant woman’s health status and risks factors. Don’t hesitate to ask your obstetrician any questions about eating crab during pregnancy.

The Bottom Line

During pregnancy, women can still enjoy crab in moderation as part of a healthy diet as long as it is fully cooked. Expectant mothers should avoid raw crab and limit their total intake to 12 ounces weekly. Those with shellfish allergies must abstain. Checking with a doctor about any crab-related concerns is wise. With proper handling and preparation, eating crab in pregnancy can be safe and provide nutritional benefits for mom and baby.