Is Abalone Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
Eating a balanced diet is crucial for expectant mothers to ensure proper growth and development of the baby. However with so much conflicting advice, it can be challenging to know which foods are safe and which to avoid. One such food that often causes confusion is abalone – the large edible sea snail prized in many cuisines for its tender meat and savory flavor. But is it safe to eat abalone during pregnancy? Let’s find out.
What is Abalone?
Abalone is a type of mollusk that belongs to the same family as clams, mussels, and oysters. The shellfish is harvested for its muscle-like foot which is considered a delicacy. There are around 100 species of abalone found mostly in cold coastal waters around the world. The abalone shell ranges from 4 to 10 inches long with a row of holes along the upper surface through which the single muscular foot protrudes. The edible portion is usually sliced, pounded and tenderized before cooking.
Nutritional Profile
Abalone is nutritious and delivers a good punch of vitamins and minerals, A 3-ounce portion of cooked abalone contains
- Protein: 14 grams
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 100 mg
- Vitamin B12: 2 mcg
- Iron: 2 mg
- Zinc: 2 mg
- Copper: 130 mcg
- Selenium: 27 mcg
This nutritional profile makes abalone a healthy addition to a well-rounded pregnancy diet. The omega-3s promote fetal brain and eye development. Protein is vital for growth and repair of maternal and fetal tissues. Vitamin B12 prevents anemia and birth defects. Zinc boosts immunity while iron carries oxygen in the blood. Copper assists in iron absorption and selenium is an antioxidant.
Potential Mercury Contamination
Like other seafood, abalone may contain traces of mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal that can damage the fetal nervous system if consumed in high amounts. Shellfish such as abalone tend to accumulate lower mercury levels compared to large predatory fish. Still, it is advisable to eat abalone in moderation during pregnancy.
The FDA recommends eating no more than 12 ounces of seafood per week while pregnant or breastfeeding. This equals around 4 servings of abalone. Opt for farmed abalone as they are raised in controlled environments with lower mercury levels. Also, avoid eating abalone caught in contaminated waters. Check local advisories to know which areas to steer clear of.
Risk of Foodborne Illness
Abalone and other shellfish have increased risks of harboring bacteria, viruses, toxins and parasites. Refrigeration does not kill off these pathogens. Consuming raw or undercooked abalone can result in foodborne illness. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
During pregnancy, food poisoning raises chances of dehydration, hospitalization and premature delivery. Toxoplasmosis is a parasite of special concern as it can cause birth defects. Cooking abalone thoroughly until opaque and firm eliminates risks. Pregnant women are also advised to avoid preparing raw abalone to prevent cross-contamination.
Tips for Safe Consumption
Here are some tips for expectant mothers to eat abalone safely:
- Purchase abalone from reputable sellers and check “best by” dates.
- Wash hands and cooking surfaces after handling raw abalone.
- Cook abalone thoroughly to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Opt for steaming, grilling or baking rather than eating abalone raw.
- Limit intake to 12 ounces of seafood weekly, around 4 servings of abalone.
- Avoid abalone from areas with mercury advisories.
- Refrigerate cooked abalone within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days.
- Consult your doctor about specific diet restrictions or concerns.
The Bottom Line
When sourced and prepared properly, abalone can be a tasty and nutritious addition to a pregnancy diet in moderation. Seek out reputable suppliers, thoroughly cook the shellfish and adhere to the recommended seafood intake limits. Avoid raw or undercooked abalone due to risks of foodborne illnesses. Check local advisories regarding mercury levels as well. With some basic precautions, expectant mothers can safely reap the nutritional benefits of abalone. As always, consult your healthcare provider about specific diet recommendations during pregnancy.
Avoid Fish with High Levels of Mercury
Many of us in America aren’t consuming enough fish. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that you should eat 8 to 12 ounces of mercury-low fish every week. That’s roughly 2-3 servings per week. Mercury is an element that can collect in oceans, lakes and streams. Mercury changes into methylmercury in these bodies of water. Methylmercury is a neurotoxin that is found in very small amounts in most fish. In high quantities, however, it can be toxic to the nervous system. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, these fish are advised to be avoided:
- Tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico
- Swordfish
- Shark
- King Mackerel
- Bigeye Tuna (found in sushi)
- Marlin
- Orange Roughy
If you accidentally eat one of these high-mercury fish, it’s not likely that a single serving will be dangerous. However, it’s best to avoid these fish. Keep an eye out on locally caught or consuming river, lake or stream fish as well. Check the fishing regulations website or the health department in your area to see if there are any warnings about these bodies of water while you are pregnant. You should only eat 6 ounces of fish a week or less if you can’t find any information about fish from rivers, lakes, or streams.
General guidelines for seafood avoidance during pregnancy include:
- Avoid large, predatory fish. This will reduce your exposure to mercury.
- If you want sushi with raw fish, oysters, and sashimi, skip the raw fish and shellfish. This avoids harmful bacteria or viruses. Keep any raw seafood in the fridge, especially seafood that says “nova style,” “lox,” “kippered,” “smoked,” or “jerky.”
- Understand your local fish advisories. If you plan to eat fish from local waters, make sure you follow the local warnings.
- Cook all seafood properly. Most seafood needs to be cooked all the way through to 145 F (63C). When fish breaks up into flakes and is clear all the way through, it’s done. For lobster and shrimp, cook until the meat is opaque and pearly. For clams, mussels, and oysters, cook until shells open. Discard any that the shells did not open.
Sushi fish with lower levels of mercury, that can be consumed safely (and should be cooked). A few examples of sushi safe to consume:
- Shrimp
- Conger eel
- Abalone
- Clam
- Surf clam
- Scallop
- Octopus
Low mercury fish have less than 0.29 parts per million in them.
Seafood can be a great source of protein and zinc—crucial nutrients for a baby’s growth and development. Omega-3 fatty acids in many fish, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which promotes brain development.
The safest fish to eat and cook during pregnancy (or order cooked when you’re out to eat) at least two to three servings:
- Wild-caught Salmon
- Anchovies
- Herring
- Sardines
- Shrimp
- Pollock
- Tilapia
- Cod
- Light tuna in a can (but no more than 6 ounces of albacore or white tuna or tuna steaks per week). ).
Fish safe to consume for pregnant women, but should be kept to once a week (4 ounces):
- Bluefish
- Buffalo fish
- Carp
- Chilean sea bass
- Grouper
- Halibut
- Mahi Mahi
- Monkfish
- Rockfish
- Sablefish
- Snapper
- Striped bass
Looking for certain labels on canned seafood is another way to help you choose the best, healthiest, and safest seafood that will last on the shelf.
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- Canned salmon that is not labeled Atlantic Salmon. Atlantic salmon are always farmed because they are so rare that there aren’t many left. Farmed salmon are given antibiotics and PCBs, and their pens can be dirty. Best to avoid any canned Salmon labeled, “Atlantic. ”.
- Make sure that the label says that the salmon in the can is either Alaskan pink salmon, sockeye salmon, or red salmon.
- Do not buy crab meat in a can that says “swimmer crab,” “swimming crab,” “clue swimmer crab,” “jumbo lump crab,” or “backfin lump crab.”
Navigating through pregnancy can be a very tough time all around. Changes in hormones, people telling you what to do and what not to do, and information coming at you from everywhere We don’t want to add to that stress. With just a quick glance, these lists, tips, and hints should help you figure out what fish to avoid and what fish are safe for you and your baby or child. This will save you time and effort, letting you focus on what’s more important: your health and the health of your child.
What Fish to Avoid and What Fish to Eat during Pregnancy
Congratulations! You are about to become a mother or are just starting the wonderful journey of become a mother. While pregnant, breastfeeding, or attempting to become pregnant, consuming more fish is just a healthier step overall. Fish is a great source of important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals like iron. All of these are important for pregnant women because they help babies and kids grow up healthy.
But there is no doubt that you will get a lot of stories, opinions, and pieces of advice from different people. For first-time moms, it can be hard to sort through what is good advice and what isn’t. It can be a lot to process at once. Especially when it comes to what you should or should not eat.
Are foods dangerous? What about seafood? Is it okay to eat, or are some kinds of fish bad? How do you know? Relax and put your feet up. We’re happy to help and take a little bit of mom-to-be stress off your plate, so to speak.
Avoid Raw Fish:
Do you adore sushi with raw tuna or a delicious slice of uncooked salmon? What about sashimi?
Unfortunately, we have some bad news for raw sushi and sashimi lovers out there expecting. You should avoid this to be completely safe. Undercooked or raw fish can carry toxoplasmosis and salmonella.
For those who have never had toxoplasmosis before, it is a very rare but very dangerous blood infection that can be caught by touching cat poop or eating raw, infected fish.
Salmonella is bad enough on its own, but if you get it while you’re pregnant, it can be very dangerous or even kill you. Faced with Salmonellosis as a pregnant woman you might experience:
- Extreme dehydration
- Bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream.)
- Meningitis caused by Bacteremia
- Reactive arthritis
And more seriously, Salmonellosis is transferable from mother to child.
If you are going to cook with raw fish or any other kind of raw meat, wash your hands very well after touching raw fish. Clean up your counters and make sure you cook your fish well-done at home and order well-done fish when you go out to eat. If you really want sushi or have to have it, try to eat sushi with cooked seafood and vegetables instead of raw seafood and vegetables.
Health Benefits of Abalone
FAQ
Is abalone high in mercury?
What Seafoods can I not eat while pregnant?
What kind of sushi can a pregnant woman eat?
Can I eat oysters while pregnant?
Can you eat salmon during pregnancy?
Despite the long list of fish to limit during pregnancy, the vast majority of fish you’ll find in the store and at restaurants are safe to eat when you’re expecting at two to three servings (8 to 12 ounces) per week. These include: Heard conflicting advice on salmon during pregnancy? Salmon is definitely one of nature’s best providers of DHA.
Can pregnant women eat bitter melon?
Yes, pregnant women can eat all the fruit they want, it is even recommended that they form part of their diet for pregnant women, as they are sources of important nutrients. The indication, however, is not to eat poorly washed fruits and vegetables.
Can you eat cooked meat during pregnancy?
While it’s safe to eat cooked meat during pregnancy, Cordella advises that you steer clear of raw meat dishes, such as rare steaks and carpaccio, when planning your pregnancy diet. She explains that these could potentially cause food poisoning. “Make sure all meat is cooked well to the minimum acceptable internal temperatures ,” she adds.
Is it safe to eat a healthy diet during pregnancy?
We’ve seen that there is a whole range of foods that are safe to include in a healthy pregnancy diet. There is no specific daily diet recommended during this time, but following the principles of a healthy, balanced diet with sufficient nutrients is best.