Seafood is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. But if youre pregnant, youve probably heard that you should avoid some types of sushi and seafood. The good news is that most types of seafood, including crab and lobster, are safe to eat while youre pregnant. Not only is it safe, eating seafood has a lot of benefits for you and your baby. Â
Pregnancy comes with a lot of dos and don’ts when it comes to food. While some foods need to be avoided completely, others can be enjoyed in moderation. One such food that often pops up in the pregnancy diet is lobster rolls. The delicious lobster salad sandwich is a popular snack especially along coastal cities. But is it safe to satisfy your lobster roll cravings when you have a baby on board? Let’s find out.
An Overview of Lobster Roll and Pregnancy Diet
A lobster roll is basically a sandwich filled with lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise or butter. The meat can be served hot or cold. The bread is usually a split-top bun which is lightly toasted. Simple delicious flavors like lemon juice, salt, and pepper are added along with some lettuce or celery for crunch.
Lobster is considered a low mercury seafood which means it is generally safe to eat during pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association recommends including 8-12 ounces of low mercury seafood like shrimp, salmon, or lobster in your weekly pregnancy diet. They are excellent sources of lean protein, omega-3s, vitamin B12, zinc, iron and other vital nutrients for mother and baby.
However, lobster rolls also include other ingredients like mayonnaise made from raw eggs, lettuce and vegetables which may harbor bacteria if improperly handled So while the lobster meat itself is safe, care needs to be taken with the accompanying ingredients and preparation methods of a lobster roll
Potential Risks of Eating Lobster Rolls During Pregnancy
Here are some of the potential risks associated with eating lobster rolls while pregnant
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Foodborne Illnesses: Ingredients like mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes etc can harbor Salmonella, Listeria and E.coli if made under unhygienic conditions. This increases risk of food poisoning.
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Mercury Exposure: Lobster is low in mercury but some rolls may contain other high mercury seafood like tuna which should be avoided.
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Allergic Reaction: Some pregnant women may develop new food allergies and lobster allergy, though rare, is a possibility.
However, these risks can be minimized by taking adequate precautions while choosing and consuming lobster rolls during pregnancy.
Precautions for Safely Eating Lobster Rolls When Pregnant
Here are some tips to eat lobster rolls safely during pregnancy:
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Opt for rolls made with fresh, high quality ingredients without any signs of spoilage.
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Ensure the lobster meat is cooked thoroughly and has no raw or undercooked portions.
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Avoid rolls with raw egg mayonnaise, aioli or creamy sauces which may harbor salmonella bacteria.
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Choose minimal added flavorings – plain melted butter is a safer choice than heavy creamy dressings.
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Only eat from reputable eating establishments like restaurants with strict food safety standards and practices.
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Check inspection scores and recent health reports before dining at any restaurant.
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When in doubt, avoid the lobster roll and choose a safer alternative to satisfy your craving.
By taking these simple precautions, you can safely enjoy lobster rolls during pregnancy and benefit from all the vital nutrients they provide for you and your growing baby.
Healthy Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to Lobster Rolls
If you don’t want to risk eating lobster rolls during pregnancy, try these delicious pregnancy-friendly alternatives:
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Shrimp, Crab or Salmon Salad Roll
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Veggie Roll with Avocado and Bean Sprouts
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Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap without Raw Egg Dressing
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Falafel Sandwich with Tahini Sauce
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Egg Salad made with Hard Boiled Eggs
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Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel
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Tuna Salad Roll made with Canned Light Tuna
Choose rolls made with thoroughly cooked seafood, vegetables, beans or eggs for a healthy satisfying snack you can feel good about during pregnancy.
Tips for Safely Enjoying Lobster Rolls While Pregnant
Follow these tips for enjoying lobster rolls safely during your pregnancy:
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Stick to reputable restaurants with ‘A’ health inspection grades.
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Ask for lobster to be cooked thoroughly and no raw ingredients.
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Opt for small size rolls instead of jumbo stuffed ones.
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Request sauce and dressing to be served on the side.
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Balance with fresh veggies, fruits and lean proteins at the meal.
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Do not eat if you have any food allergy or intolerance signs.
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Take your prenatal vitamin to meet all nutritional needs.
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Stay hydrated and monitor for any concerning symptoms after eating.
By using common sense and care when choosing your lobster rolls, you can absolutely satisfy those pregnancy cravings safely!
Can I Eat Lobster Rolls While Breastfeeding?
The good news is lobster rolls are also considered safe to eat when breastfeeding. Lobster is a healthy lean protein and rich source of other vital nutrients for lactating mothers. However, as when pregnant, care needs to be taken with the preparation methods and hygiene levels of all the ingredients. If your breastfed baby shows any signs of reaction like rash, digestive upset etc after you eat lobster, avoid eating it again and speak to your pediatrician. Otherwise, lobster rolls in moderation are safe to satisfy your cravings even when breastfeeding.
Lobster roll when chosen mindfully and eaten in moderation can be a safe and healthy addition to your pregnancy or breastfeeding diet. The key is focusing on food quality, hygiene, preparation methods and avoiding any ingredients that may pose a higher risk of foodborne illnesses. If in doubt at all, avoid the lobster roll and choose a safer alternative. But with the right precautions, you can certainly give in to your lobster roll cravings during pregnancy and enjoy both taste and nutrition for you and your growing baby!
Eat a Variety of Seafood
Eating a wide variety of seafood helps to limit your exposure to mercury. The Seychelles Child Development Study has followed children in Seychelles, a country of tropical islands in the Indian Ocean, since the mid-1980s. People in Seychelles eat an average of 8 seafood meals a week, which is much more than other places in the world. Being an island nation, they eat a wide variety of seafood.Â
Since many fish contain mercury, the study is trying to determine if there are any bad effects from eating so many fish. So far, there has been no evidence of abnormal or delayed development in the children, many of whom are now adults.Â
Benefits of Eating Seafood While Pregnant
Several studies have shown that the benefits of eating seafood low in mercury while pregnant outweigh the risks. In one study, women who ate less omega-3 fatty acids from seafood had a higher chance of becoming depressed during pregnancy and postpartum. This study concluded that eating seafood during pregnancy could improve pregnant womens mental health.Â
Another study followed 805 mother-child pairs and asked how much fish the mothers ate during pregnancy. Children of women who ate between 1 and 3 servings of fish weekly while pregnant were tested between the ages of 6 and 12. The children had lower metabolic syndrome scores, which meant they were less likely to get heart disease or diabetes.Â
Eating fish while youre pregnant may make your baby smarter and more well-behaved. A study of almost 12,000 women showed that children born to women who ate more than 2 servings of fish per week did better on tests of intelligence, behavior, and development than children born to women who ate less fish. Â
Another study showed that 6-month-old babies whose mothers ate 2 or more servings of low-mercury fish weekly while pregnant had better visual recognition than babies whose mothers didnt. Women who are pregnant should eat 8 to 12 ounces of fish per week to get all of the health benefits.Â
Not all seafood is safe to eat when youre pregnant, however. Here are some guidelines about the types of fish and shellfish you should avoid.
Seafood high in mercury. Some fish can be high in mercury, which can harm your babys developing nervous system. Studies have shown that children born to women who were exposed to mercury during pregnancy could have delayed brain functions. A general rule of thumb is the bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it can contain. Its recommended you avoid these while pregnant:
- Shark
- Marlin
- Orange roughy
- King mackerelÂ
- Bigeye tuna
- Swordfish
- TilefishÂ
Seafood that is low in mercury includes:Â
- Light canned tuna
- Anchovies
- Cod
- Catfish
- Herring
- Sardines
- Salmon
- Pollock
- Pacific oysters
- Trout
- Shad
- Talapia
- Shrimp
You should limit albacore tuna to 6 ounces per week.Â
Raw or undercooked seafood. When youre pregnant, your immune system changes, making you and your baby more susceptible to bacteria and parasites in raw or undercooked seafood. During pregnancy, these illnesses can be worse and can cause miscarriage or preterm delivery.Â
There are some foodborne illnesses, including Listeria and Toxoplasma gondii that can infect your baby even if you dont feel sick. All seafood should be cooked to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish is cooked well when it cannot be seen through and flakes easily. Shrimp, lobster, and scallops should be milky white when cooked. Clams, mussels, and oysters should be cooked until their shells open. You should avoid:Â
You should also avoid refrigerated smoked seafood unless it is canned, shelf-stable, or in a dish that has been cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This includes many foods labeled:Â
Seafood listed on fish advisories. Every state and territory in the U.S. issues a warning about fish caught in local waters that may be contaminated with pollutants or mercury. These warnings tell you which fish you can safely eat. The warnings are based on the levels of five toxins that may be present in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. These include:Â
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)Â
- Mercury
- Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane (DDT)Â
- ChlordaneÂ
- DioxinsÂ
Can You Eat Lobster During Pregnancy? – Women’s Health and Harmony
FAQ
Is it safe to eat lobster roll when pregnant?
Safety and Consumption Guidelines
Recommended Intake: Pregnant women can safely consume lobster as part of their 2-3 servings (8-12 ounces) of low-mercury seafood per week.
Is a lobster roll cooked lobster?
The whole live lobster is dropped into a large pot of salted boiling water. Once fully cooked, the boiled lobster is cracked open and the meat is picked out. Then, the warm lobster meat is stuffed into a roll or the meat is chilled and made into a lobster salad with a touch of mayonnaise for a cold lobster roll.
Is lobster good for you when pregnant?
Safe foods
During pregnancy it’s safe to eat: cooked fish. sushi, but only if the fish has been cooked thoroughly. seafood/shellfish as long as it has been thoroughly cooked until steaming hot, for example mussels, lobster, crab, oysters, scallops, clams and pre-cooked prawns.
What sushi rolls can I eat while pregnant?
- Vegetarian Rolls: These include rolls made with avocado, cucumber, and other vegetables.
- California Rolls: Typically use imitation crab, which is cooked.
- Shrimp Tempura Rolls: Shrimp is cooked in the tempura process.
- Cooked Fish Rolls: Opt for low-mercury options like salmon or eel.
Can pregnant women eat lobster rolls?
Since this is usually boiled lobster in a bun, it’s safe to eat lobster rolls when pregnant. However, check if the mayonnaise in your lobster roll is made with pasteurized eggs. You might also want to skip the coleslaw if it’s served on the side. Commercial mayonnaise usually is pasteurized, whereas homemade usually isn’t.
Is it safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy?
It is safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy as long as it comes from a reliable source, with appropriate hygienic and sanitary conditions for pre-preparation, preparation and packaging of this food.
Can pregnant women eat lobster?
Pregnant women can eat lobster if it’s fully cooked and you’re reasonably confident about its source. However, this depends on how the lobster is served. Some common dishes, recipes, and methods of serving lobster may not be as safe to eat in pregnancy.
Is lobster good for a prenatal diet?
In addition to being delicious, lobster is packed with a range of nutrients that are recommended for prenatal diets, says Christine Naze, RD, CDE, a clinical dietitian at the Oregon Health Sciences University Center for Women’s Health in Portland, Oregon.
Is lobster a good protein during pregnancy?
Lobster is a good choice of lean protein during pregnancy. Lobster also contains several minerals and nutrients – it contains zinc, phosphorus, copper, vitamin B12, magnesium, selenium, iron, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids in small amounts, all of which are beneficial in pregnancy (source: NutritionData ).
Can pregnant women eat lobster Mac and cheese?
For green leafy type salads, you can follow the guidance in our pregnancy salad safety article. It’s usually safe for pregnant women to eat lobster mac and cheese if the cheese used is a hard cheese. Traditionally, recipes call for hard cheese such as Gruyere, cheddar or similar, which are all safe, but check the ingredients first.