Verified by Kimberly Langdon M.D.
Kimberly Langdon is an obstetrician/gynecologist with 19 years of clinical experience and graduated from The Ohio State University, College of Medicine.
New and responsible moms-to-be are always looking for ways to ensure they’re doing everything right for their baby. So, many pregnant women are cautious about what they eat.
From avoiding soft cheeses to saying goodbye to sushi, there are a lot of foods that are typically off-limits for pregnant women.
One typical question we get is – can you eat crab rangoon while pregnant?
Can you eat crab rangoon while pregnant?
Yes, pregnant women can eat crab rangoon.
Crab Rangoon is a famous appetizer at Chinese restaurants, containing a mixture of crab meat, cream cheese, and green onions fried in wonton wrappers. It might not be the healthiest choice, but it is safe for pregnant women to eat in moderation.
Crab is recommended by the FDA as a safe seafood choice for pregnant women, as long as it is cooked properly. It means that crab rangoon, which is typically fried, is a safe option for expectant mothers.
Can you eat raw imitation crab while pregnant?
While you can eat cooked crab while pregnant, eating raw imitation crab meat is not recommended as it may contain bacteria such as Listeria or Salmonella, which can harm you and your baby, resulting in food poisoning.
Symptoms of food poisoning include fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, which can dehydrate you and your baby. If you experience these while pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
To be safe, ask your server how the crab rangoon is prepared if you’re at a restaurant. At home, heat the crab rangoon until it is steaming hot before eating.
Practice Food Safety and Moderation
As with any food during pregnancy, moderation is key. While crab rangoon is considered safe to eat, it is high in calories and fat. So enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It is crucial not only for pregnant women but for everyone to practice proper food safety when preparing or eating crab rangoon. Here are the things you can do:
Choose fresh crab meat that is refrigerated or frozen. Avoid those that are sold at room temperature.
If you’re using frozen crab meat, do not thaw it at room temperature, as the bacteria might multiply. Instead place it under cold, running water instead.
Cook the crab meat thoroughly. Crab meat should be heated until it is steaming hot throughout.
Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked crab meat separate. Use separate chopping boards, knives, and other utensils when handling them.
Wash your hands before and after handling crab meat.
Listen to your body and eat only what sounds good to you. Some pregnant women find that fried foods make them nauseous, so if that’s the case, skip the crab rangoon altogether.
Conclusion
Crab rangoon is safe for pregnant women to eat if cooked properly. Pregnant women should also practice moderation and food safety when handling and eating crab meat. In case of doubt, consult your doctor.
Thanks for reading! Do you have any questions or suggestions? Feel free to contact us.
Source:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322137#seafood-to-eat-and-avoid-during-pregnancy
https://www.momjunction.com/articles/imitation-crab-during-pregnancy_00361576/
https://web.uri.edu/foodsafety/seafood-safety-what-consumers-need-to-know/#:~:text=Never%20defrost%20seafood%20at%20room,defrost%20in%20about%20an%20hour.
