Can Pregnant Women Eat Lobster?

Can pregnant women eat lobster? Yes, you can!

Just make sure it’s sourced from a place you trust – and that it’s cooked through – before eating.

There’s always a lot of hype about what pregnant women can and can’t eat.

And we know that navigating all of those rules and (often unwelcome) advice can be pretty tricky.

But we’re here to help you out.

So, is it safe to eat lobster while pregnant?

In this article: 📝

What seafood should be avoided during pregnancy?

In all the chat about the foods pregnant women should avoid, the problem of seafood tends to come out on top.

Lots of mamas-to-be will avoid it completely (and if that works for you, then great!).

But the truth is that you don’t have to go that far.

Instead, there is a lot of seafood you can eat while pregnant that is actually positively good for you and your baby.

And that includes lobster.

Generally, there are two potential issues with seafood:

• Some of it contains lots of mercury. And in large quantities, that’s not good for you or baby. The bigger the fish, the bigger the concentration of mercury.
  
• If undercooked, it can contain nasty bacteria – particularly when not very fresh. Since your immune system is somewhat compromised during pregnancy anyway, it’s best to cook everything thoroughly to avoid becoming sick.

So, when talking seafood, in the “avoid while pregnant” pile are:

• Raw fish – and that includes lobster.
  
• Fish high in mercury – like marlin, shark, tile, or swordfish.

What seafood can a pregnant woman eat?

It’s all about moderation and making sure your seafood is thoroughly cooked all the way through.

The good news is that lobster and other seafood can provide important nutrients for both you and your growing baby.

So go ahead and indulge in some lobster!

But some kinds of seafood that you should probably limit are:

• Oily fish. Doctors say to keep salmon, mackerel, or trout to two portions a week.
  
• Tuna. No more than 140 grams a week of tuna is recommended. Find out more about eating tuna when pregnant here.

Meanwhile, seafood you can enjoy to your heart’s content are:

• Cooked shellfish – that includes lobster.
  
• Any other cooked, smoked, or frozen fish not mentioned above.

Can you have lobster when pregnant?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to lobster while pregnant ‒ as long as you’re not allergic.

It is reasonably low in mercury – though not as low as other kinds of seafood like scallops, shrimp, and oysters.

Just make sure it’s cooked properly and enjoyed in moderation, like any other seafood.

And remember, lobster is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for your baby’s brain development.

So go ahead and treat yourself to some delicious lobster!

Can pregnant women eat lobster tail?

Yep, you can eat the tail, the claws, and any other lobster meat.

But you should avoid the tomalley, a soft green substance you might find in the lobster’s body, as it can contain toxins.

That being said, if you’re pregnant, eating lobster should be done with caution.

If you’re cooking it yourself, cook it through.

But if you’re in a restaurant you’ve never tried or don’t fully trust, maybe lobster is not the dish to pick.

How often can you eat lobster while pregnant?

You can eat lobster as often as you want when pregnant.

In fact, the CDC encourages pregnant women to eat seafood – simply because it is really good for you.

As long as you go for low-mercury options, seafood is a great source of protein, and an excellent source of omega-3 fats, vitamins like vitamin B12 and D, and iron – which is especially important for pregnant women.

Can I eat Red Lobster while pregnant?

Yep, you can!

The usual seafood rules apply when you’re ordering at Red Lobster – choose low mercury seafood, and make sure it is well cooked.

And if you want to order the lobster at Red Lobster, go for it!

So, can you eat lobster while pregnant?

Yes, you can.

It should even be encouraged!

But if you would prefer to avoid it completely, that’s fine too!

So if you’re feeling decadent, why not treat yourself to a (thoroughly cooked) lobster tail?