Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
|
|
 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Eating Shellfish during Pregnancy | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I am curious as to how concerned a pregnant woman should be concerning shellfish. I've been told by various individuals that I should not eat it at all, but others have said it is okay.
What's the truth? Is there a period during my pregnancy that I should avoid it or not at all? Thank you.— Carla in Ramsey, New Jersey | | | ANSWER |
July 18, 2001 | | | Dear Carla,
The illnesses you can get from shellfish are not specifically dangerous to pregnancy and shellfish are not usually on the lists of foods to avoid.
That said, there are many illnesses that can be transmitted by shellfish, including hepatitis A. Some food poisoning from mollusks is actually a result of the algae eaten by the mollusks. This includes those found in "red tides" and is more common in warm months. Unfortunately cooking the mollusks does not eliminate this risk, so you really need to be careful.
Prudence would dictate that if you are going to eat shellfish (particularly bivalved mollusks), and you prefer not to get ill, obtain it from cold waters (during winter months) and only if you are comfortable with the hygiene standards of the food workers.
If I haven't ruined shellfish for you forever, at least you now know that it is not more risky in pregnancy than at other times of your life. Bon appetite!— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
|
