Can Pregnant Women Eat Clam Chowder?

ByWinters Hours Updated:

clam chowder during pregnancy

Can clam chowder be consumed while pregnant? This is one of the numerous questions an expecting woman typically asks regarding her nutrition during pregnancy, especially if she has a strong desire for fish and shellfish.

If you’re wondering the same thing, keep reading. We have answers to any of your questions right here!

Clam Chowder: What Is It?

Clam chowder is a well-known soup that you can easily prepare at home with a few basic ingredients. Chowders come in a variety of tastes, the most common of which is clam chowder. Depending on your preferences, the soup may also contain clams, veggies, shallots, and meat.

The main distinction between the two is the type of broth: some people like a thick, creamy soup made with milk; others a red broth made with tomatoes; yet others a clear broth made with clam juice. No matter where you’re from, you think your clam chowder is the best.

Clams During Pregnancy: Is It Good To Include Them In The Diet Of A Future Mother?

clam chowder safe during pregnancy

Clams in pregnancy can provide numerous benefits to both the expectant mother and the fetus because they are a nutrient-dense food, similar to many other types of seafood and fish. Indeed, clams are high in iodine, which is found in all raw seafood and is essential for a child’s development and thyroid function.

Clams (from the real clam to the Adriatic clam) also contribute a lot of vitamins, especially those of the B group. Remember that for the growth of the fetus, knowing mina B12, in particular, is essential! There is also vitamin D (essential for skeleton formation) and vitamin A.

However, we must not forget that the content of clams performs a “filter” function in the marine system, retaining waste in the seawater that could cause problems for both the future mother and the baby. As a result, despite their undeniable nutritional properties, it is always best to consume clams, mussels, and other seafood only under certain conditions and with caution.

Clams Mercury Content: Pregnancy Risks

Mercury is frequently found in shellfish and fish, particularly tuna. You should restrict your consumption of foods rich in mercury while you are pregnant.

Clams have an average mercury level of 0.009 PPM, which is quite low (parts per million). All varieties and species of clams have this trace amounts of mercury, including:

  • Northern and Ocean Quahogs
  • Farmed Pacific Littleneck clams
  • Farmed and Wild Pacific Geoduck clams
  • Softshell clams
  • Butter clams
  • Wild Atlantic clams
  • Farmed Manila clams
  • Steamer clams

The mercury content in wild-harvested clams might change depending on where they were collected in the wild. Check your local shellfish warnings to see if there have been any complaints of contamination of any kind.

Is It Safe For Pregnant Women To Consume Clam Chowder?

clam chowder when pregnant

Clam chowder is undoubtedly one of the most well-liked ways to consume clams all around the world.

Pregnant women can have clam chowder in any style provided the other components are equally safe (which they usually are if the clam chowder is served hot). In most cases, milk and cream that are added should be pasteurized, but even if they aren’t, keeping the soup heated will usually kill any bad bacteria or harmful bacteria.

According to nutritionists, 3 ounces of clam chowder contains 23.8 milligrams of iron, making it safe to consume clam chowder while pregnant. The tomatoes in Manhattan clam chowder add vitamin C, which can help the body absorb the iron found in clams more effectively.

While clam chowder is good for pregnant women, experts recommend avoiding raw shellfish like oysters on the half shell for food safety reasons. The American Dietetic Association recommends that pregnant women eat more clam chowder and grilled seafood dishes to stay within nutritional guidelines while dining out.

The only thing to make sure of is that, if the clams are fresh rather than canned, they should have been fully cooked by being boiled in the soup or chowder for at least three minutes. This is frequently true, so you may consume the majority of the clam chowder you cook or order while expecting.

How to Eat Clam Chowder Safely?

clam chowder pregnant

1. Cook It Properly

Eating raw shellfish is not advised for expectant mothers, according to the American Dietetic Association. Clams are healthy for the body, but they must be completely and properly prepared before eating.

2. Consume It In Moderation

Eating a lot of clam chowder might lead to an increase in mercury and toxins in the body. Excessive quantities result in harmful substances building up as well. You must only consume a small amount of soup, such as one bowl, at a time.

3. Eat In Small, Frequent Meals

While you may like a cup of soup right now, taking it daily will not be beneficial. You should only consume clam chowder in moderation since it also contains unhealthy fats and cholesterol.

4. Make Sure The Clams Are Fresh

As with other meals, if the clams are already rotten, they might hurt your health. Therefore, make sure they are safe to eat. Clams must be prepared with meat that is creamy white and nutritious, and they must be fresh clams and smell-free.

5. Check Out Other Ingredients

Make sure there are no fish in the soup that you need to avoid by checking the additional ingredients. It is better to ask the waiters what they add to the soup if you are eating at a restaurant.

6. Limit The Amount Of Clams You Add To The Soup

You may replace the meat with more veggies and use less meat overall for a more realistic flavor.

Final Thoughts

Women who are expecting should strive to consume 8 to 12 ounces (or 2 to 3 servings) of reduced mercury seafood each week. This will guarantee that there is enough omega-3 fatty acid, especially DHA and EPA, for healthy fetal brain development.

When thoroughly cooked clam chowder is a low-mercury seafood meal that may be safely ingested during pregnancy. Additionally, a pregnant lady should choose a range of seafood varieties. If you have any concerns about including seafood in your diet, speak with your doctor.

Faqs:

Can I eat raw clams while pregnant?

Raw fish or shellfish can have bacteria and parasites that can make pregnant women and their unborn baby very sick and even kill them. If you are pregnant, don’t eat raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters.

Can pregnant women eat crab chowder?

Seafood is an excellent source of both proteins and healthy fats. However, you’ve probably heard that certain types of sushi and seafood should not be consumed during pregnancy. Fortunately, you can eat most kinds of seafood safely during pregnancy, including crab and lobster!

Can I have clam strips when pregnant?

Pregnant women can safely consume up to 12 ounces (about two servings) per week of a variety of cooked fish and shellfish with lower levels of mercury consumption, such as clams, oysters, and catfish, according to guidelines released jointly by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2004.

What seafood during pregnancy should be avoided?

To prevent catching dangerous germs or viruses from raw or undercooked foods like sushi, sashimi (raw sliced salmon), ceviches (raw shrimp or octopus marinated in citrus juice), raw oysters, scallops, and clams.

Why am I craving spicy food while pregnant?

When pregnant, many women have a need for spicy cuisine. It’s possible that these desires are caused by things like hormone fluctuations, vitamin deficits, and chemicals in spicy foods.

References

https://mominformed.com/can-i-eat-clam-chowder-while-pregnant/

https://birthingforlife.com/can-you-eat-clam-chowder-while-pregnant/