Can You Eat Lobster When Pregnant?

Hi, I’m Lucy, the Midwife looking after you today 🤗

I get asked this question all the time and I know a lot of you have been searching for the answer on Google.

The answer is YES, you can eat lobster when pregnant! However, much like many other types of shellfish: only when the lobster is thoroughly cooked!

Top Tips for Safely Consuming Lobster Whilst Pregnant: 

1. If you’re cooking it at home, the Mayo Clinic suggests cooking it until the flesh turns pearly and milky white. 
2. If you’re dining out, let the staff know you want your lobster thoroughly cooked and to not be served with other raw shellfish/fish.
3. One interesting safety tip I discovered while researching this topic is about the green section of the lobster, called the tomalley. According to Peanut, this part should be avoided or discarded because it contains toxins that could be harmful to you or your baby. So, enjoy your lobster, just be sure to skip the tomalley!
4. Limit your overall seafood servings to 2-3 servings per week.

The Centre for disease control and prevention (CDC) also recommends sticking to 2 to 3 servings of shellfish and fish per week, which totals around 200- 300 grams a week.

A serving size is around 100 grams before cooking, and it's best to choose low-mercury options (see the chart below) Just keep an eye on/avoid the fish that are higher in mercury, and you’re all set.

Health Benefits of Lobster During Pregnancy:

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (The ACOG) says that lobster is classified as one of the 'best choices' of seafood for pregnant people."

Here's why:

1. Lobster contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin b12- which are crucial for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. 
2. It's a lean, low-calorie source of protein. 
3. Lobster is also a good source of Iron. A good source of iron during your pregnancy will help you avoid becoming anaemic, may help you feel less tired and may help you stay away from needing to supplement your diet with iron tablets.

Foods to Avoid During Your Pregnancy: 

General food preparation is an important step in keeping you well.  Keep your hands and surfaces clean and wash all your foods throroughly, especially fruit and vegetables. Always make sure your food is well cooked to ensure any bugs have been killed off with the heat.

Avoid these foods when pregnant:

1. Foods that are made with unpasteurised milk to avoid listeriosis. Such foods consist of:

• Mould ripended cheeses and soft blue cheeses
• Unpasteurized milk/cream/yogurt

2. Cold cured meats and raw/under cooked meats to avoid toxoplasmosis:

• Liver or liver products
• All kinds of pate
• Prosciutto/pancetta

3. Goose, partridge/pheasant to avoid the risk of lead poisoning

4. Eggs that aren’t British Lion eggs – eggs that are raw or partially cooked can increase your risk of catching salmonella

5. Raw/smoked fish to avoid parasites/bacteria. Specifics to note:

• No more than 2 servings of oily fish a week
• Keep a limit on your tuna consumption (4 tins or 2 tuna steaks a week at most)
• Avoid sushi with raw fish/ sashimi
• Avoid swordfish/marlin and shark due to the mercury levels

6. Liquorice root due to the high levels of glycyrrhizin which has been linked to fetal developmental issues

7. Consume no more than 200mg of caffeine a day (Tommy’s website has a great caffeine calculator to help you understand how much caffeine is too much)

8. No more than 4 cups of herbal tea a day (raspberry leaf tea from 32 weeks only)  

9. No high dose vitamins or vitamins that include vitamin A. I would stick to pregnancy approved vitamins and always check with your midwife/doctor before taking any.

10. Avoid alcohol, completely. If you require help with this (or quitting smoking) please contact your midwife or GP and they will be able to support you to get help in stopping.

Safe and happy eating,

Lucy x