What should pregnant women do if they eat soft-shelled turtle?

Turtle soup, also known as tortoise soup, is a very tonic food. Many people think that turtle soup is very nutritious and give it to pregnant women. In fact, it is not recommended for pregnant women to eat turtles, including seafood, in the early stages of pregnancy. It is best not to eat cold foods, as eating soft-shelled turtles can cause adverse reactions that may cause fetal maldevelopment or even premature birth. This article introduces the effects and functions of soft-shelled turtle and the people who should avoid it. Let’s take a look.

Note: It is not recommended for people with poor gastrointestinal function, abnormal liver function, or long-term insomnia. It is best not to eat soft-shelled turtles during pregnancy. Although there is controversy in the medical community as to whether eating crabs and soft-shelled turtles can cause miscarriage, to be on the safe side, pregnant women are advised not to eat them in the early stages of pregnancy.

1. Can pregnant women eat soft-shelled turtles?

Although soft-shelled turtle has the effect of nourishing yin and benefiting the kidney, it is salty and cold in nature, and has a strong effect of clearing blood vessels and dispersing blood stasis, which may bring the risk of miscarriage. In particular, the risk of miscarriage brought by turtle shell is stronger than that brought by turtle meat. Pregnant women with chronic nephritis, cirrhosis, and hepatitis may induce hepatic coma if they eat soft-shelled turtle, so pregnant women should be careful when eating soft-shelled turtle. In the early stages of pregnancy, because the fetus is not yet stable, it is recommended that pregnant mothers do not eat soft-shelled turtles, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. For safety reasons, mothers should also be cautious during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and try not to eat.

2. Who should not eat soft-shelled turtle?

People who have been ill for a long time, have yin deficiency and fear of cold, indigestion, and loss of appetite should eat it with caution; people with spleen deficiency, heavy dampness, and diarrhea during pregnancy and postpartum should also not eat it, because eating soft-shelled turtle can easily cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort; people with allergies should not eat soft-shelled turtle. Some people have allergic reactions after eating soft-shelled turtles, with itchy symptoms such as rashes on the skin, and spasms of the gastrointestinal smooth muscles, resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc.

3. The efficacy and function of soft-shelled turtle

Soft-shelled turtle is regarded as a top-grade tonic and is often used as a medicine inducer in traditional Chinese medicine. This is because its nutritional value cannot be underestimated and can enhance physical fitness. The benefits of soft-shelled turtle include: nourishing the body, nourishing the kidneys and liver.

4. Can pregnant women eat soft-shelled turtles?

Eat with caution. Soft-shelled turtle has the function of clearing meridians and promoting lactation, but it is a cold food and should not be eaten too much. In addition, soft-shelled turtle meat is difficult to digest and should not be eaten by people suffering from postpartum constipation.

5. Can infants and young children eat soft-shelled turtles?

Eat with caution. Soft-shelled turtles are high in protein and fat, and contain animal gelatin. The baby's digestive system is not yet fully developed, and eating them may cause indigestion.

6. Tips for purchasing soft-shelled turtles

Be sure to buy them alive. The entire turtle has a complete and shiny appearance, looks strong and has quick reactions. Test method: You can turn it over with your hands, with the belly facing up. If it can turn over quickly by itself, it is of high quality. Otherwise, it is of inferior quality and should not be eaten.