Seafood is a general term which includes the edible marine-living creatures. Consumption of these sea foods may be normal, but that’s not exactly the case when it comes to pregnancy. This article reveals the facts behind the safety levels of seafood consumption during pregnancy, a crucial period of your life.

Seafoods-The Aquatic edible foods:

These highly perishable foods are rich in a number of nutrients as well as protein.

This group of foods include around 32,000 types of fishes and the following groups of marine-organisms.

• Molluscs (eg.Shellfish)
• Crustaceans (eg.Lobster, shrimp)
• Echinoderms (eg.Sea cucumber)
• Seaweeds

Seafoods in Pregnancy:

• Oil-rich fishes:

Fishes like mackerals are rich sources of omega 3 oils which are highly beneficial in the brain development of the new-born babies.
 

• White fishes:

These types of fishes are good sources of calcium are helpful in bone and teeth formation in babies and also in maintaining bone health of pregnant women.(eg.Haddock,Cod)
 

• Shell fish:

Fishes of these types are zinc rich and so are highly beneficial in reducing the risk of preterm births in pregnant women and also help in production and functioning of DNA in new-borns.
 

• Crustaceans:

Lobsters, crabs and prawns etc. come under these category and these kinds of seafoods are generally considered unsafe during pregnancy.
 

• Seaweeds:

Seaweeds are less widely consumed seafood when compared with other marine-life creatures. These are a very good sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which are very helpful in brain development of the to-be born babies. These sea-weeds are low in calories and are also good source of iodine which helps in preventing thyroid related problems in pregnant women.

Tips for seafood consumption in pregnancy:

• Avoid fishes and other seafoods high in mercury levels.
• Wait till the fish turns opaque while cooking.
• Prawns and lobsters turn red when cooked properly and so wait for that color change while cooking.
• Do not consume undercooked seafoods.
• Do eat mixed types of seafoods eat a large quantity of  single kind instead.
• Eat seafood only if it is fresh.
• Better go for home made preparations.

Seafoods are great sources of nutrition which are helpful during pregnancy. Enjoy them with no worries!

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