Health & Life

Is There Any Truth to the Claim That Eating Escargot During Pregnancy Leads to Excessive Drooling in Infants?

Is there any truth to the old wives' tale that eating snails during pregnancy will result in an excessively drooling baby? Let's explore this intriguing belief and separate fact from fiction.

Administrator

1 June, 2024

Pregnant women are often advised by elders to avoid eating snails as it is believed to cause excessive drooling or even speech issues in their unborn children. But is there any truth to this claim? Let’s find out!

1. Is it true that eating snails during pregnancy will cause the baby to drool excessively?

According to Dr. Dinh Tran Ngoc Mai from the Department of Nutrition – Dietetics at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, there is no scientific evidence linking snail consumption during pregnancy to excessive drooling in infants. This is, therefore, a misconception that pregnant women should not be concerned about.

Will eating snails during pregnancy cause the baby to drool?

2. Benefits of eating snails during pregnancy

Snails are an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a crucial role in the formation of the baby’s cardiovascular and nervous systems. Pregnant women who do not get enough calcium may experience fatigue, muscle pain, cramps, tingling in the limbs, and even seizures in severe cases.

Additionally, snail meat has a cooling and sweet property in traditional medicine. It is believed to aid in the treatment of jaundice, liver diseases, hemorrhoids, infections, and promoting overall health and blood circulation.

Benefits of eating snails during pregnancy

3. Precautions when eating snails during pregnancy

While snails are nutritious for pregnant women, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Snails live in aquatic environments and can carry parasites and worms, so it is crucial to ensure they are thoroughly cooked before consumption and avoid eating them raw or undercooked.
Purchase snails from a reliable source and prepare them at home to ensure their freshness and minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Before cooking, soak the snails in rice water with a few slices of ginger to help eliminate any impurities and parasites.
Avoid overeating snails as it may cause digestive issues. It is recommended to consume snails in moderation, limiting it to once or twice a week.

Precautions when eating snails during pregnancy

In conclusion, there is no truth to the claim that eating snails during pregnancy will cause the baby to drool excessively. However, pregnant women can still enjoy snails as long as they are well-cooked and consumed in moderation.

Source: Sức khỏe và Đời sống Newspaper

Frequently asked questions

There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. While it is true that escargot contains high levels of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for the development of strong teeth and bones in infants, there is no direct link between consuming escargot during pregnancy and excessive drooling in infants. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming any food item during pregnancy to ensure it is safe for both mother and child.

Excessive drooling in infants is usually attributed to teething. As new teeth erupt, infants may produce more saliva, which can result in excessive drooling. This is a normal and common occurrence during the teething process. Other potential causes of excessive drooling include gastrointestinal issues, such as acid reflux, or neurological conditions that affect muscle control.

Escargot is a good source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients that are important for both the pregnant woman and the developing fetus. However, as with any food item, it is crucial to practice moderation and ensure that the escargot is properly cleaned, cooked, and sourced from a reputable supplier to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

It is important to choose reputable sources for escargot to reduce the risk of consuming contaminated or undercooked snails, which can carry parasites or bacteria harmful to both mother and child. Cooking escargot thoroughly can help eliminate potential risks. Pregnant women should also be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities they may have and consult their healthcare provider if they have any concerns.