Consult guidelines and look for local fish advisories before eating locally caught fish. So turn down anything marked “nova-style,” “lox,” “kippered,” smoked,” or “jerky.”Īlso be wary of any fish caught in local waters, as it could contain contaminants. Refrigerated smoked seafood is off-limits during pregnancy. This will decrease the likelihood of any parasites or bacteria being transferred onto your food. Whether you’re cooking, eating out, or ordering for delivery, take care that your meal isn’t prepared near or on the same surface as raw fish or meat. If your restaurant meal is served lukewarm, send it back. Use a cooking thermometer to be sure everything’s been cooked thoroughly. Most of the harmful parasites and bacteria are killed off during the cooking process. Undercooked seafood can be just as risky as the raw version. However, to support population growth, it is often illegal or at least discouraged to take female crabs in many fisheries. Female crabs are fattier and are preferred for soup. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued revised advice regarding fish consumption for pregnant women or women who may become pregnant, as well as breastfeeding mothers and parents of young children 1. You can tell a male blue crab by its apron, the underbelly shell of the crab, which is narrow compared to the female’s. Seafood can be safe during pregnancy, but only if it’s prepared correctly. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. During pregnancy, we are supposed to limit fish with higher levels of mercury, blue crab is fine.

Pregnant blue crab