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Can You Eat Crawfish While Pregnant? Is It Safe 2024?
Updated on
- Written by Merve Ceylan, Former Health & Nutrition Writer
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
The nutritional needs of women change with pregnancy. Prenatal vitamin and mineral requirements increase to meet both mother and baby’s nutritional needs during this period. However, limitations[1] for certain foods and drinks are advised, too. Is crawfish one of them? Can you eat crawfish while pregnant?
Pregnant women are concerned about consuming seafood like fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish, crawfish, and more. Seafood contains various degrees of heavy metals, such as mercury which can be toxic to the fetus’s neurodevelopment[2]. Still, some fish and shellfish consumption is recommended by regulatory authorities to get omega-3, omega-6, iodine, choline, and iron which are essential nutrients for the baby’s nervous system development.
Read more to find out recommended amounts of seafood consumption and how to safely eat crawfish when pregnant.
When Can Pregnant Women Eat Crawfish?
Place of Seafood in Healthy Pregnancy Diet
Seafood is a great source[3] of protein, iron, zinc, selenium, iodine, choline, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-3, and vitamin D, which are vital nutrients for the growth and development of the baby. Pregnant women may be concerned about eating certain foods. As a result, they may choose not to eat certain foods at all to avoid the risk. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)[4] reported that eating up to 3-4 servings of seafood weekly during pregnancy positively affects children’s neurodevelopment compared to no consumption.
Is it Safe to Eat Crawfish While Pregnant?
Both The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)[5] and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)[6] recommend pregnantly and breastfeeding women eat weekly 8 to 12 ounces (about 2 to 3 servings) of various seafood low in mercury. Crawfish[7], salmon, cod, herring, shrimp, and 32 more seafood classifications are categorized as the best options to eat during pregnancy. That’s why it is essential to know how to choose fish and seafood that is safe to consume. Now, let’s look at if it is safe to eat crawfish during pregnancy.
Mercury levels are one of the concerns regarding fish and shellfish consumption during pregnancy. As reported by the FDA[8], fish and shellfish containing mercury at 0.01 parts per million (ppm) and below are considered low mercury fish. With 0.051 ppm mercury levels, crawfish are in the top 15 on the list of low mercury fish. Therefore, crawfish is a perfectly safe seafood option if it is chosen and handled according to guidelines[9].
10 Steps to be Safe While Eating Crawfish
It is fundamental to know how to eat seafood to avoid food poisoning. Follow FDA[9] recommendations on selecting and handling shellfish to safely eat crawfish during pregnancy.
- Labels are important: Look at tags and labels because they display the processor’s certification number, which shows the products agree with national shellfish safety controls.
- Avoid imported crawfish.
- Don’t buy cracked or broken packages; perform a ‘tap test’ on live shellfish like clams and oysters.
- Look for leg movement: Live shellfish like crawfish, crabs, and lobster should show some leg movement. Only live shellfish should be bought because, after death, they quickly spoil.
- Do not buy frozen seafood if a package is opened, crushed, or has ice crystals.
- Soon after buying, properly store seafood in the refrigerator at least 40°F and use it within two days. For later use, wrap it in plastic and freeze it.
- When preparing and cooking crawfish, separate food preparation surfaces of raw seafood from fully cooked to avoid parasitic diseases and foodborne illnesses
- Wash your hands before starting and in between the steps of preparation of raw seafood and cooked seafood.
- Fully cook crawfish. Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for most seafood.
- Do not leave seafood outside of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours.
When Can’t Pregnant Women Eat Crawfish?
Even though there is no restriction for eating crawfish during pregnancy. Certain things need to be considered, like not eating raw or undercooked seafood and avoiding imported crawfish.
Raw or undercooked seafood is harmful to pregnant women because it may contain viruses, harmful bacteria, and toxins. Seafood should be cooked thoroughly to avoid infections and food poisoning.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)[10] runs a fish advisory program that analyzes and reports the safety and contamination of locally caught fish. It is important to follow marine advisories; therefore, it is advised to choose domestically sourced seafood.
Benefits of Crawfish for Pregnant Women
Crawfish as a Nutrient-Rich Food
Crawfish, like most other seafood, provides essential nutrients for developing a child’s brain and nervous system. Cooked crawfish[11] contains[12]:
- A good amount of quality lean protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Omega-6 fatty acids
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Choline
- Iodine
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Small amounts of vitamin A and E
Crawfish May Support Brain Development
Crawfish contains omega-3, which may support the baby’s brain development and cognitive functions. Results of two systematic reviews[13] concluded that greater seafood consumption during pregnancy was positively associated with verbal IQ, motor functions, and social cognition.
Crawfish May Lower the Risk of Heart Diseases
Like most other seafood, crawfish contain a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids. The cardiovascular effects of omega-3 have been extensively studied. The American Heart Association (AHA)[14] advised 6 ounces of oily fish weekly for the general population to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Crawfish May Support the Immune System
The immune system affects overall health. Having a healthy immune system can lower the risk of infection and inflammation, which may cause serious diseases. Fish and shellfish like crawfish contain zinc, iron, and vitamin D, which are essential for a healthy immune system. Also, omega-3 fatty acids in seafood may be beneficial in modulating inflammation[15]. However, in some people, shellfish allergy[16] can be seen due to the immune system response to seafood itself or non-seafood components such as parasites, bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
How Much Crawfish Can You Eat While Pregnant?
According to the FDA[8], crawfish is one of the top 15 seafood with regard to its 0.051 ppm low mercury content. Pregnant and breastfeeding women[6] are advised to consume 8 to 12 ounces (about 2-3 servings) weekly of various seafood low in mercury.
Safety Considerations
EPA[17] specified several factors that pose to risk for seafood consumption:
- Chemical pollutants like mercury, methylmercury, and pesticides interfere with the functioning of nervous, immune, and reproductive systems
- Biological contamination: Fish and shellfish can be contaminated by pathogens like viruses or marine biotoxins
- Fish farming: Large colonies may increase the transmission of diseases. Contaminants can be even higher in farmed fish than in wild fish.
However, EFSA[4] stated that the benefits of seafood consumption exceed the risks compared to no fish and seafood consumption. Still, choosing fish and shellfish low in mercury is advised by health authorities due to the possible toxic effects of mercury.
Accidentally Eating Undercooked Seafood
Some food restrictions[1] are advised during pregnancy to keep both mother and baby safe. These restrictions are included but not limited to unpasteurized milk products, raw or undercooked meats, and seafood. Because these foods can cause foodborne illnesses. Crawfish and other seafood should be fully cooked to avoid harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins that can be present in raw fish and crawfish.
What if you accidentally ate raw or undercooked crawfish or other seafood? As the UK National Health Service[1] advised, try not to worry if you eat raw seafood. Call an ambulance:
- If you feel not well after eating raw or undercooked seafood
- If you have symptoms of listeriosis[18] or toxoplasmosis[19] like high temperature, diarrhea, sore throat, aches and pains, and feeling sick.
The Bottom Line
Recommended dietary guidelines and regulatory health authorities like FDA, EFSA, and EPA recommends 2-3 servings of weekly seafood consumption during pregnancy. Still, seafood that has lower mercury content should be preferred.
Crawfish is a nutrient-rich food containing omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, choline, selenium, zinc, and iron which are in demand during pregnancy. Undercooked or raw crawfish and other seafood pose a risk for food poisoning since pregnant people may have weaker immune systems. Pregnant women who eat crawfish should not be concerned, as long as the seafood they eat is fully cooked and cooked properly following recommended steps in handling raw crawfish.
Even though chemical and biological pollutants are the main concerns when consuming seafood. Its benefits exceed the risk, according to EFSA[4]. Crawfish have low mercury levels and are listed as one of the best seafood options by the FDA[5].
Eating crawfish while pregnant could also benefit the baby’s brain development and cognitive functions.
+ 19 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- NHS (2020). Foods to avoid in pregnancy. [online] nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/.
- Taylor, C.M., Emmett, P.M., Emond, A.M. and Golding, J. (2018). A review of guidance on fish consumption in pregnancy: is it fit for purpose? Public Health Nutrition, [online] 21(11), pp.2149–2159. doi:10.1017/s1368980018000599.
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Pregnancy and fish: What’s safe to eat? [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-and-fish/art-20044185#:~:text=The%20Food%20and%20Drug%20Administration,about%20two%20to%20three%20servings.
- European Food Safety Authority. (2015). Statement on the benefits of fish/seafood consumption compared to the risks of methylmercury in fish/seafood. [online] Available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3982
- Center (2022). Advice About Eating Fish. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish#:~:text=At%20least%208%20ounces%20of,that%20are%20lower%20in%20mercury.
- US EPA. (2015). EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish | US EPA. [online] Available at: https://www-epa-gov.translate.goog/fish-tech/epa-fda-advice-about-eating-fish-and-shellfish?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=tr&_x_tr_hl=tr&_x_tr_pto=op,sc
- Translate.goog. (2022). [online] Available at: https://www-epa-gov.translate.goog/system/files/images/2021-09/fish-chart.jpg?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=tr&_x_tr_hl=tr&_x_tr_pto=op,sc
- Center (2022). Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish (1990-2012). [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/metals-and-your-food/mercury-levels-commercial-fish-and-shellfish-1990-2012
- Center (2022). Selecting and Serving Fresh and Frozen Seafood Safely. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-fresh-and-frozen-seafood-safely#:~:text=Wash%20your%20hands%20for%20at,ready%2Dto%2Deat%20foods.
- US EPA. (2014). Fish Advisory Contacts and Partners | US EPA. [online] Available at: https://www.epa.gov/fish-tech/fish-advisory-contacts-and-partners
- Usda.gov. (2022). FoodData Central. [online] Available at: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1099120/nutrients
- Usda.gov. (2022). FoodData Central. [online] Available at: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1099119/nutrients
- Hibbeln, J.R., Spiller, P., Brenna, J.T., Golding, J., Holub, B.J., Harris, W.S., Kris-Etherton, P., Lands, B., Connor, S.L., Myers, G., Strain, J.J., Crawford, M.A. and Carlson, S.E. (2019). Relationships between seafood consumption during pregnancy and childhood and neurocognitive development: Two systematic reviews. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, [online] 151, pp.14–36. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2019.10.002.
- www.heart.org. (2021). Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. [online] Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/fish-and-omega-3-fatty-acids#:~:text=The%20American%20Heart%20Association%20recommends%20eating%202%20servings%20of%20fish,%C2%BE%20cup%20of%20flaked%20fish.
- Calder, P.C. (2010). Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Processes. Nutrients, [online] 2(3), pp.355–374. doi:10.3390/nu2030355.
- Lopata, A.L., O’Hehir, R.E. and Lehrer, S.B. (2010). Shellfish allergy. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, [online] 40(6), pp.850–858. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03513.x.
- US EPA. (2017). Consumable Fish and Shellfish | US EPA. [online] Available at: https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/consumable-fish-and-shellfish
- NHS Choices (2022). Listeriosis. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/listeriosis/
- NHS Choices (2022). Toxoplasmosis. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toxoplasmosis/
Written by:
Merve Ceylan, Former Health & Nutrition Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
