Crab
Fish & Seafood
Crab is a flavorful shellfish that provides calcium, protein, zinc, and B vitamins. When fully cooked and sourced well, it can be a nutritious addition to a pregnancy diet in moderation.
Why it's good in pregnancy
Protein and calcium from crab support your baby's tissue and bone development, while zinc contributes to healthy cell growth and immune function. B vitamins also help with your energy metabolism during pregnancy.
Key nutrients
Serving ideas
Safety
Crab should always be cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, and it's best to choose crab from well-sourced, reputable suppliers. As with other seafood, keep portions moderate and vary your seafood choices to help manage exposure to environmental contaminants. Avoid any crab dishes made with raw or undercooked meat, and check that any pre-made crab products, like some imitation crab, are properly prepared and stored.
Cook thoroughly; choose well-sourced.Cook crab thoroughly until the meat is opaque and firm, discarding any that smells off or has an unusual texture. Buy from reputable sources and keep it refrigerated or on ice until you're ready to cook it, using fresh crab within a day or two of purchase. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat until steaming hot before eating again. Avoid crab dishes served raw or undercooked, and choose well-sourced, properly handled seafood.