Is It Safe To Eat Calamari During Pregnancy?

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is it safe to eat calamari during pregnancy

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You’ll do anything for your baby. Your care for them begins even when the little one is inside your womb, and so you make sure to sleep right, walk right, read right and eat right. Even if you have to avoid something or eat something against your own liking, you won’t mind because a wholesome diet is what you aim at. So, does calamari figure in the wholesome diet or should it be avoided? MomJunction answers your question.

Is It Safe To Eat Calamari During Pregnancy?

Consuming about five ounces of calamari every week is considered safe during pregnancy and is beneficial for your developing baby.

Calamari is the Italian name for ‘squid’, which is high in nutritional value. It is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (1), proteins and other essential nutrients; and is low in sodium and saturated fat content. What about the mercury levels, though?

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Calamari And Mercury

Almost all the seafood contain some traces of mercury. Since mercury can have adverse effects on the nervous system of your developing baby (2), you need to stay away from the seafood such as tilefish, swordfish, marlin and king mackerel that contain a high level of mercury.

However, Calamari is one of the safest seafood to be consumed during pregnancy as it is low in mercury content and high in nutrition. However, have it in limited quantities – not more than five ounces a week – to make the most of its goodness.

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Nutritional Values And Benefits Of Calamari

Here is the entire list of nutrients you can find in three ounces of cooked calamari serving, and how they will benefit you (3):

[ Read: Seafood During Pregnancy ]

NutrientsAmount % in the recommended daily allowance (RDA)Benefits
Copper1.8mg90%
  • Helps in the production of hemoglobin
  • Keeps blood vessels, bones, and nervous system healthy
Selenium44mcg63%
  • Regulates thyroid hormone
  • Prevents oxidative stress
Protein15g30%
  • Helps in repairing and building tissues in your baby
  • Develops immunity
Phosphorus213mg21%
  • Helps build strong bones and teeth in your baby
  • Helps form genetic material, enzymes, and cell membranes
  • Helps release energy during metabolism
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.389mg23%
  • Helps in metabolism
Vitamin B121.05mcg18%
  • Helps in the formation of red blood cells and genetic material in your baby
  • Formation of the central nervous system
  • Regulates fat and protein metabolism
Zinc1.48mg10%
  • Helps in the production of enzymes and insulin in the baby
Vitamin C3.6mg6%
  • Helps build immunity in your body
Iron0.86mg5%
  • Helps in the formation of red blood cells in your baby
  • Increases your hemoglobin level
  • Helps increase blood flow through the uterine walls

Nutritional food need not always be insipid. You can make it interesting to eat so that you reap its benefits while relishing the taste.

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How To Consume Calamari WhilePregnant?

Here are some guidelines you must follow while consuming calamari when pregnant to obtain the best from this nutritious seafood:

  • Avoid eating deep fried calamari. Deep frying reduces its nutritional value as well as adds unhealthy saturated fats, which contribute to excessive weight gain.
  • Eat steamed or sautéed calamari so that the nutrients are intact, and it is easy on your digestive system.
  • Make calamari at home with fresh vegetables and all the ingredients that can make the dish tasty for you.
  • Sauté calamari in green salads to make a delightful snack.
  • Thoroughly clean the calamari and cook it well.
  • Check the expiry date, freshness of the product, and hygiene of the store before you purchase calamari.

If you are allergic to calamari, then stay away from it during pregnancy. Before you start taking the seafood, make sure to talk to your doctor as he can tell you if you need it in your diet during pregnancy.

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[ Read: Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy ]

Calamari is safe to consume during pregnancy when eaten in moderation. Buy from a hygienic place, and cook it thoroughly. Make the dish at home to avoid any bacteria or related side-effects. Look up for some delicious calamari recipes and make it a part of your pregnancy diet.

Have you tried calamari in your pregnancy diet? Do share your experiences in the comments section.

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shreeja pillai

Postgraduate in Chemistry and content writer. She has worked as a research analyst with a leading multinational pharmaceutical company and also holds a diploma in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs. Her interest in the field of medical research has developed her passion for writing research-based articles. She is a writer for MomJunction and aims at providing informative articles based on health and wellness. Apart from writing, she takes a great interest in music and traveling.
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