Updated May 8, 2023
Crawfish season is in full swing and many pregnant women are wondering if they can eat crawfish.
The answer to this question is yes, you can eat crawfish while pregnant! However, you should take some precautions.
In this blog post, we will discuss the safety of eating crawfish while pregnant and give you some ideas on how to enjoy them
safely.
Crawfish are a popular seafood dish, especially in the South.
They are often boiled and served with potatoes, corn, and sausage.
Many people enjoy eating crawfish because they are tasty and fun to eat.
However, some pregnant women may be concerned about the safety of eating crawfish.
Can pregnant women eat crawfish?
There are two main concerns when it comes to eating crawfish during pregnancy.
- The first concern is the risk of foodborne illness. Crawfish can sometimes contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. This is more likely if the crawfish are not cooked properly or if they are not fresh.
- The second concern is the risk of mercury exposure. Mercury is a metal that can be found in seafood. It can be harmful to both you and your baby if you are exposed to too much of it. However, the amount of mercury in crawfish is usually low and not a cause for concern.
Overall, eating crawfish during pregnancy is generally safe as long as you follow the two food safety precautions when eating any seafood:
- Make sure to cook seafood properly, and never eat raw or undercooked seafood during pregnancy. This includes seafood that is eaten raw such as oysters or cherrystones.
- Limit your intake of seafood if you are concerned about mercury exposure. For information about mercury in seafood visit our post: Can Pregnant Women Eat Imitation Crab
With these precautions, you can safely enjoy crawfish during pregnancy!
You might be wondering: Are Crawfish seafood? Although it is a freshwater animal it is classified as an Arthropoda Crustacean and for this reason is considered a seafood. This is important because the food safety precaustions are the same as for saltwater seafood. It is also important to note that inidividuals with a shellfish allergy cannot eat Crawfish.
Crawfish recipe ideas:
1. Crawfish étouffée made with a roux-based sauce and served over rice
2. Crawfish boiled with potatoes, corn, and sausage
3. Crawfish Po’boys served on a French baguette with mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato
4. Crawfish bisque made with a creamy roux-based soup
5. Spicy boiled crawfish served with cocktail sauce
6. Crawfish étouffée omelet made with a roux-based sauce and served with toast
7. Crawfish cakes served with remoulade sauce.
8. Sautéed crawfish served over pasta with garlic and tomato sauce.
9. Crawfish boil soup made with roux-based soup and served with boiled eggs.
10. Gumbo made with roux-based soup and served over rice.
11. Jambalaya is made with sausage, chicken, and shrimp and served over rice.
12. Fried Crawfish served with a dipping sauce.
13. Grilled Crawfish served with garlic and herb butter.
14. Crawfish étouffée served over grits.
15. Crawfish bisque served with boiled eggs.
16. Spicy boiled crawfish salad made with boiled eggs, celery, and mayonnaise.
17. Crawfish étouffée omelette served with a side of grits.
18. Crawfish boil pasta made with a creamy sauce and served with boiled eggs.
19. Jambalaya soup is made with roux-based soup and served with boiled eggs.
20. Gumbo made with roux-based soup and served over rice.
21. Crawfish cakes served with a side of grits.
22. Crawfish étouffée served over rice.
23. Crawfish boil served with boiled eggs.
24. Spicy boiled crawfish served with a dipping sauce.
25. Grilled Crawfish served with garlic and herb butter.
26. Crawfish étouffée served over grits.
27. Crawfish bisque served with boiled eggs.
28. Crawfish étouffée omelette served with a side of grits.
29. Crawfish boil pasta made with a creamy sauce and served with boiled eggs.
30. Jambalaya soup is made with roux-based soup and served with boiled eggs.
31. Gumbo made with roux-based soup and served over rice.
32. Crawfish cakes served with a side of grits.
Can you eat shrimp while pregnant?
Yes, shrimp is generally safe to eat during pregnancy if one practices the same food safety guidelines mentioned above. This
includes not eating shrimp if one has a shellfish allergy.
Like crawfish, there is a risk of foodborne illness from eating undercooked or raw shrimp.
Though there is mercury in shrimp, the amount of mercury in shrimp is usually quite low and not a cause for concern.
With these precautions in mind, you can enjoy shrimp during pregnancy!
What are some other seafood options that are safe to eat during pregnancy?
Some other seafood options that are safe to eat during pregnancy include fish (such as salmon, tilapia, and cod), shellfish
(such as crab and lobster), and canned light tuna. It is important to cook these items properly and limit your intake of
seafood if you to minimize mercury exposure. With these precautions, you can enjoy a variety of seafood during pregnancy!
Can pregnant women eat lobster?
Yes, pregnant women can eat lobster during pregnancy as long as it is cooked properly.
The amount of mercury in lobster is low and not a cause for concern.
Can pregnant women eat clams?
Yes, pregnant women can eat clams. Clams are generally safe to eat during pregnancy as long as they are cooked properly.
The amount of mercury in clams is also quite low and not a cause for concern if eaten in moderation.
Can I eat crawfish while pregnant third trimester?
Yes, you can eat crawfish during your third trimester as long as it is cooked properly.
There is also a concern about mercury exposure from seafood, but the amount of mercury in crawfish is usually low and not a
cause for concern. With these precautions in mind, you can enjoy crawfish during your third trimester!
Are crawfish high in mercury?
No, crawfish are not high in mercury and are not a cause for concern. So you can enjoy crawfish during pregnancy …
moderation is the key! For more information about mercury and what seafood to avoid, see our post about imitation crab
referenced above.
Can I eat fried seafood while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat fried seafood while pregnant. However, you should limit your intake of all types of fried food during
pregnancy, as they are high in unhealthy fats and calories. Oftentimes, fried foods are cooked in oils that are not good for you
or your baby. You can eat fried seafood during pregnancy in moderation.
List of foods not to eat when pregnant:
- Foods that are not pasteurized- certain types of cheese like soft cheeses, Brie, Blue Cheese, etc.
- Certain types of fish- shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
- Raw eggs
- Undercooked meats – lunch meats.
- Hot foods that are not “hot”, avoid hot foods that have been sitting out without a warming source. Same for foods that should be eaten cold. If there is no ice or refrigeration source keeping the food cool, take a pass.
- Caffeine- soda, chocolate. (Limit your caffeine to less than 200 mg a day)
- Herbal Teas (There are so many ingredients in herbal teas so it is best to simply avoid them. Green tea is OK.)
