You can eat calamari when pregnant, but there are some important guidelines to follow:
- Calamari is low in mercury (about 0.024 parts per million), which makes it a safe seafood choice during pregnancy. It is included in the FDA's list of best seafood choices for pregnant women due to its low mercury level.
- You can safely consume 2 to 3 servings of calamari per week, with a serving size being about 4 ounces.
- It is crucial that calamari is fully cooked before eating. Cooking methods can include frying, sautéing, baking, or grilling.
- Avoid raw or undercooked calamari, such as in sushi or seared squid, because raw seafood can contain harmful bacteria that might cause food poisoning, which is risky during pregnancy.
- Proper cooking means reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C) to ensure safety.
- Calamari also provides beneficial nutrients during pregnancy such as omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin E, copper, B12, zinc, selenium, and iron, which support fetal development and maternal health.
So, enjoying well-cooked calamari in moderation is safe and even beneficial when you're pregnant.
