Can You Eat Shrimp While Pregnant?  Is Shrimp off the Table During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy brings lots of concern for yourself and your baby.  Suddenly, you start to become careful about the food you eat. It might be a slice of steak at dinner or a dish full of oysters with different ingredients and toppings.  

But what about shrimp? Can you eat shrimp while pregnant? 

If this question bothers you, you have come to the right place. This article provides all the right recommendations about seafood and what you must eat during pregnancy.  

If you are curious whether shrimp is a good option now, then your answer is in this article. Keep reading.  

Can You Eat Shrimp While Pregnant?

Eating shrimp is the same as eating oysters and most other seafood. The FDA recommends pregnant mothers not to eat seafood because of the massive level of mercury present in many of them.  

But not always. During all three trimesters, shrimps provide moms with enough omega-3 fatty acid, a protein that is necessary for iron for fetal development. Plus, it’s low-mercury seafood, making it a safer option than many other seafoods.  

So, if your doctor recommends avoiding most other seafood, they won’t do the same for this one.  

Benefits of Eating Shrimp During Pregnancy

Although the FDA prevents pregnant moms from eating seafood, they suggest certain fishes contain several nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids. The National Institute of Health suggests that shellfish and other seafood contain mercury at different levels.  

Shrimp are good for the health of pregnant women because of their different vitamins and nutrients. Plus, it is no hidden truth that seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. 

Many researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids in most seafood help reduce the risk of preterm birth if consumed during pregnancy. It is also effective against cases like perinatal death, neonatal care admission, etc.  

Also, mothers who eat food rich in omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to give birth to babies with low weights during birth. The whole purpose of eating food like shrimp is to ensure enough Omega-3 fatty acids. It’s crucial for brain and eye development during pregnancy.  

Seafoods like shrimp or oysters are rich in vitamin B-12, protein, and many other prenatal vitamins. So, if you are eating them for all these prenatal nutrition during pregnancy, then it is beneficial and healthy.  

It is also a great source of iodine, choline, iron, and omega-6 fatty acids.  

Plus, shrimps and oysters are rich in iron and can help prevent anemia and iron deficiency. Seafoods also keep your energy level high during pregnancy.   

Moms who suffer from protein deficiency during pregnancy can eat shrimp as a dietary source of healthy protein. 

Shrimps Aren’t Limited Because You’re Pregnant

Many women would want to avoid shrimp because of their notion about seafood being off-limits during pregnancy. Yes, you must avoid some seafood during pregnancy. However, not all of them have a high mercury level.  

In fact, the FDA suggests that some seafood, like shrimp, are good for lactating or pregnant women. So, if you think shrimp is off the list like oysters, they aren’t. 

The precaution you must maintain isn’t against shrimp or any similar seafood. Your precautions must be against mercury and its level in any seafood. If you are wondering which seafood to stay away from, then here’s a list to steer clear of– 

• Swordfish 

• King mackerel 

• Shark 

• Tilefish 

• Fresh tuna 

• Orange roughy 

Safety Precautions When Eating Shrimp During Pregnancy

Although it might be safe to eat shrimp during pregnancy, you must maintain a few precautions. Here are some things you must consider if you are eating shrimp during pregnancy –  

Follow a Recommended Amount

Yes, shrimp is good for your health. But it’s best to keep your intake down to a limited amount. Most seafood contains some mercury, which is bad for the health of your little one.  

Even though shrimp contains a relatively lesser amount of mercury, it’s best to maintain your limit. Typically, your doctor should recommend eating 8 to 12 ounces of shrimp per week. It’s best not to cross that limit.  

Ensure to Cook Shrimp Properly Before Eating

Before eating, ensure the shrimp you are having is properly cooked. Different raw foods often carry different bacteria like listeria, salmonella, and Toxoplasma. These bacteria can cause food poisoning or other kinds of health hazards. That’s why it’s best to cook shrimp properly before you serve them for eating.  

Plus, these bacteria can cause high fever, which is bad for pregnant women. Sometimes, infections from bacteria carried by food can cause preterm birth or miscarriage. Also, if you are eating shrimp, only buy the fresh ones and stay away from refrigerated shrimp.  

Seafoods & Precautions

Although some seafood is good for your health during pregnancy, it’s best to avoid some of them to avoid complications like preterm birth miscarriage.  

Specific Seafoods to Avoid During Pregnancy

If you are lactating or pregnant, it’s best to avoid these seafoods – 

• King mackerel  

• Marlin 

• Swordfish 

• Orange roughy 

• Tilefish 

• Bigeye tuna 

Raw Seafoods to Avoid During Pregnancy

According to the DGA or the Dietary Guidelines of America, it’s best to avoid seafood that you can eat raw. It’s best to cook them at a temperature of 145°F before eating. 

Raw seafood contains parasites, which are bad for pregnant women. That’s why avoiding seafood is best unless it’s cooked properly. You must avoid the following seafoods that are eaten raw – 

• Sushi 

• Raw oysters 

• Sashimi 

• Raw clams  

• Scallops 

• Ceviche 

According to Foodsafety.gov, some seafood manufactured and smoked before refrigerating isn’t also safe during pregnancy. These foods can also contain Listeria. Pregnant people must avoid eating smoked seafood.  

Avoid Smoked Seafood as well

Pregnant women should avoid smoked seafood unless it has been cooked and made into a dish. If you are eating smoked seafood, ensure it’s cooked at a minimum of 165°F. Beware the following food labels in the retail stores if you are pregnant – 

• smoked 

• jerky 

• kippered 

• nova-style 

• lox 

Summing it Up

So, is it safe to eat shrimp during pregnancy? Well, there’s no need to worry if you eat well-cooked shrimp. But don’t exceed the minimum amount you must intake to keep a healthy diet balanced.  

Sticking to at least two or three servings of this food is best. It’s best to satisfy your cravings but remember not to overdo it. Did you find your answer? Share your feedback in the comment section. Thank you for reading.

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