High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, seafood is both delicious and healthy to eat. But is it safe to eat while you’re pregnant? The short answer is yes—many types of seafood are perfectly safe to eat while pregnant. However, there are a few caveats.
Why you should eat seafood while pregnant
The majority of seafood is perfectly safe to eat while your pregnant. In fact, many doctors encourage it. Several studies have shown that seafood that is low in mercury is perfectly healthy for pregnant women. Not only that, but the omega-3 fatty acids that seafood provides can help with depression and postpartum depression. One study even found that the children born from women who ate seafood had lower metabolic syndrome scores. This means they were less likely to develop heart disease or diabetes later in life.
But some seafood should be avoided
As we said before, most seafood is safe for pregnant women. However, there are some exceptions. Seafood that is high in mercury can harm a baby’s developing nervous system. As such, pregnant women should avoid any fish that contains high mercury levels. These include the following:
- Marlin
- Swordfish
- King mackerel
- Orange roughy
- Tilefish
- Bigeye tuna
- Shark
Seafood that is raw or undercooked (such as those found in sushi or sashimi) should also be avoided. Thankfully, most seafood that we enjoy on a daily basis are cooked and low in mercury. That means you can still enjoy salmon, shrimp, canned tuna, and more of your favorite seafood dishes while you are pregnant.
Looking for your next seafood meal? Cape Porpoise Lobster has plenty of lobster, shrimp, salmon, and more for you to enjoy. Look through our website to get started!
