When Expecting, Is Crawfish Safe To Eat?

Many individuals love crawfish as their favorite seafood. They are particularly well-liked in the south where they are frequently boiled along with various kinds of fish, sausage, and vegetables. But despite its widespread consumption and advantageous health properties, eating crawfish while pregnant is controversial. We've compiled all the facts you need to know about whether or not eating crawfish while pregnant, so you can put your worries to rest.

What is a Crawfish?

The freshwater shellfish crawfish, also called crayfish, crawdad, and mudbugs, are tiny lobster-like creatures. They are common in lakes, ponds, and streams all across the world and are particularly well-liked in Cajun cooking. They are a fantastic addition to any dish because to their mild flavor and sensitive meat. The most well-liked method of preparing crawfish is to boil them along with other seafood, sausage, and veggies. Additionally, crawfish are frequently used in gumbos, stews, and soups.

Mercury in Seafood

The presence of mercury in seafood is one of the biggest worries people have about doing so while pregnant. A naturally occurring element, mercury is present in the environment in trace amounts. Additionally, it is discharged into the air as a result of industrial pollution, and it may wind up in waterways where fish consume it. Mercury can penetrate the placenta and build up in the fetus when pregnant women consume mercury-containing fish, which can result in neurological issues and developmental delays.

Depending on the species of fish and the area where it was caught, different fish have different amounts of mercury. For instance, king mackerel, shark, tilefish, and swordfish all have high mercury content and are to be avoided when pregnant. On the other hand, those who take measures can safely eat shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish because they are all low in mercury.

When pregnant, is it safe to eat crawfish?

Crawfish contain a comparatively small amount of mercury when compared to other kinds of seafood. They are well below the 0.1 parts per million that are deemed safe for consumption by pregnant women, with an average of of 0.033 parts per million. This indicates that you are absolutely fine to eat crawfish while pregnant as long as it is prepared properly.

Advantages of Eating Crawfish During Pregnancy

Crawfish are a wonderful source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids and are low in mercury. The fetus's growth and development depend on protein, whereas the development of the brain depends on omega-3 fatty acids. These two vitamins and minerals can support a healthy pregnancy. Crawfish are a good source of iron, copper, selenium, niacin, and vitamins A and C in trace levels, all of which are essential nutrients for a pregnant woman's diet.

Recommendations for Eating Crawfish When Pregnant

A pregnant lady should eat a diet that is as balanced and healthy as possible. This entails consuming a range of nutritious foods, such as crawfish. When consuming crawfish while expecting, there are a few things to remember. Some of these things are as follows:

Freshness

Freshness is among the most crucial qualities to consider while buying crawfish. Make certain the mussels you purchase are fresh and alive. If their bodies are firm and their tails are curled, you can tell they are new. It is advised to stay away from crawfish if they have straight tails or soft bodies.

The 12-ounce rule

Pregnant women are advised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consume no more than 12 ounces of seafood each week, or two to three ordinary meals. All forms of seafood, including fish, shellfish, and other seafood items like sushi and clam chowder, are covered by this law. Additionally, because to their high mercury content, the FDA advises against serving shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish to expectant mothers.

Suitable Cooking

Make sure the crawfish you're eating is cooked correctly as well. This entails heating them until their flesh is opaque and their tails are curled. By accident consuming uncooked fish, you run a higher chance of developing food poisoning, which can be harmful to both you and your unborn child. The most common method for cooking crawfish is boiling, but other options include frying, baking, and grilling.

Storage

It's crucial to properly refrigerate the crawfish if you won't be eating them straight away. Make sure to fully wash your hands after handling raw crawfish to prevent cross-contamination. Raw crawfish can stay alive for up to two days if kept in the refrigerator. To ensure that they stay fresh, store them in a closed container with ice. It would be best if you could stay away from crawfish that has been imported because there is no way to tell how long they have been sitting around or if they have been properly chilled.

Cleaning

It's crucial to thoroughly clean your crawfish before cooking or eating them. This entails removing the gut known as the "mud vein," which spans the length of the crawfish. Simply make a short cut along the back of the crawfish with a sharp knife to remove it.

Leftovers

Make careful to put any leftover crawfish in the refrigerator no later than two hours after preparing them. You can consume them for up to four days. Make sure they are thoroughly heated through before reheating. Any leftovers that have been kept at room temperature for longer than two hours should be thrown away, according to the FDA.

Final Comments

There's no need to worry about giving up your love of seafood when you're expecting. Crawfish are completely safe to consume as long as they are fresh, properly cooked, and refrigerated. However, there are several types of seafood you should avoid. So feel free to indulge in a wonderful plate of crawfish guilt-free! You'll be alright as long as you always remember to abide by the 12-ounce rule.

If you're interested to read more on crawfish consumption when expecting, be sure to check this blog post from Seafood Empire .