Can Pregnant Women Eat Clams Safely?

Once you are pregnant there are so many questions that come to mind about what is safe and not and what is ideal to eat while pregnant. One of the top questions that pregnant women ask is can pregnant women eat clams safely? There are so many myths, misconceptions, and conflicting advice out there, that it can be hard to know what to believe. So if you want to know can pregnant women eat clams? Read on to find out.

Clams are a type of shellfish that is a delicacy in many cultures and cuisines. They are high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and numerous vitamins and minerals.

However, some pregnant women might think that clams are off-limits due to their because of concerns about food safety and the warning they’ve heard against eating seafood while pregnant.

In this blog post, we will answer the question, “Can pregnant women eat clams?” as well as provide information about when it is not safe to eat clams during pregnancy, and how to cook them properly.

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Can Pregnant Women Eat Clams?

Yes, pregnant women can safely eat clams under most circumstances. In fact, being certified in Nutrition and Lifestyle During Pregnancy, I can knowledgeably say that clams are a healthy and tasty addition to a balanced diet during pregnancy, as they are rich in nutrients that are vital for fetal development.

Clams are low in fat and calories, but rich in many vitamins such as:

• calcium
• iron
• Vitamins A
• B12
• Vitamin C
• riboflavin
• niacin
• phosphorus
• potassium
• zinc
• copper
• manganese
• selenium

Clams don’t only have a little bit of each of these nutrients either. They have a ton! While pregnant you want to focus on adding in as much nutrient dense food as possible, and clams qualify as that!

The reason you really want to focus on the nutritional density of your food while pregnant is that you nutritional requirements increase exponentially while pregnant, but your caloric requirements do not.

You can learn every detail about the nutritional requirements during pregnant in the most up-to-date revolutionary prenatal nutrition program on the market as of 2023, called the Perfect Pregnancy Plan. It will help you learn exactly how to grow the most healthy baby possible.

Clams are a great choice to add into your prenatal diet plan. The level of nutrition in clams make them a great choice to eat during pregnancy.

Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth for your baby, iron helps to prevent anemia, and Vitamins A and C are important for the immune system, vision, and skin health for baby as well.

Additionally, clams are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for proper brain and eye development and is a nutrient not naturally found in many foods. It’s always best to get your required nutrients from your diet as much as possible while pregnant, then fill in the gaps with a high quality naturally-sourced prenatal vitamin.

Related: Can eating cinnamon cause a miscarriage?

Important Dangers of Seafood During Pregnancy

Mercury in Fish

While clams are a great addition to a prenatal diet plan it is important to be aware of potential dangers of eating too much seafood while pregnant. Clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, and cockles are low in mercury.

However, pregnant women should be cautious when it comes to eating much seafood, specifically certain types. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant women avoid certain types of seafood that are high in mercury, such as:

• shark
• swordfish
• king mackerel
• and tilefish.

This is because mercury can harm the developing nervous system of the fetus, which can affect brain function and development.

However, the nutrients in fish greatly help fetal cognitive development, so it is a great idea to include the right type of seafood (like clams) into your prenatal diet in moderation (8-12 oz per week is recommended).

Foodborne Illness in Seafood

Another factor to consider is the risk of foodborne illness, which is higher in raw or undercooked seafood, including clams. Raw clams can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause food poisoning, such as Vibrio vulnificus, Norovirus, and Hepatitis A.

If you are hunting for your owns clams, be sure to check the local food and wildlife website to find out if it is safe to gather each type of clam in your area before heading to the beach.

To avoid the risks of contracting foodborne illness, pregnant women should make sure that clams, oysters, or mussels are cooked thoroughly before eating them.

This means boiling, steaming, or frying them until their internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Pregnant women should also avoid eating raw clams, oysters, or mussels, as well as any seafood that is served cold or raw. (Gotta skip on that sushi for a bit.)

How to Eat Clams During Pregnancy

One way to enjoy clams safely during pregnancy is to add them to cooked dishes, such as pasta, soup, or stew. Clam chowder is a great choice to enjoy during pregnancy so your baby gets those awesome clam nutrients.

Another option is to grill, bake, or broil them with herbs, garlic, or lemon juice.

These methods will ensure that the clams are cooked thoroughly and that any harmful microorganisms are destroyed.

It is also worth noting that pregnant women should only eat clams that are from reputable sources and have been stored and handled properly. They should also avoid eating any seafood that smells or looks off.

Wrapping Up Can You Eat Clams While Pregnant?

In conclusion, pregnant women can safely eat clams as long as they are cooked properly and obtained from a reputable source. Clams are a nutrient-dense food that can provide numerous health benefits for both the mother and the baby.

However, pregnant women should be cautious when it comes to eating seafood, as some types are high in mercury or can contain harmful microorganisms. By following the FDA’s guidelines and cooking seafood thoroughly, pregnant women can enjoy the taste and benefits of clams without putting their health or their baby’s health at risk.

If you want to know exactly how much of each nutrient you need to grow the healthiest baby possible as well as how to best source those nutrients and a whole bunch of awesome recipes to do so, pick up The Perfect Pregnancy Plan today. So go ahead moms, add some clams to your diet and enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits they offer!