Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp? Yes, But With Some Stipulations

James Johnson

It's Safe To Eat Shrimp While Pregnant
Photo by eskstock on Deposit Photos

There are many foods that pregnant women need to avoid. Soft-serve ice cream, deli meats, and sushi are among the most known because of the risk they pose due to listeria and other foodborne illnesses. Also included are many types of seafood that are high in mercury, such as swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling, and southern bluefin tuna.

But what about shrimp? As a staple for many seafood-based diets, many pregnant women have asked if this seafood is safe to eat when pregnant.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp
Photo Credit: FDA

Generally speaking, pregnant women can not only eat shrimp, but it’s also a healthy choice that benefits fetal development. The graphic above from the Food and Drug Administration showcases what seafood women should eat while pregnant and which they should avoid altogether.

Pregnant women often have concerns about mercury levels found in certain seafood. Fortunately, shrimp is low in mercury and can be included in a balanced pregnancy-based diet, which is why the FDA lists it as one of the “best choices” for a pregnancy-based diet that includes seafood.

Safety Considerations and Guidelines For Eating Shrimp While Pregnant

Pregnancy and Seafood - Shrimp
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Pregnant women can safely consume shrimp by being mindful of mercury levels and ensuring proper preparation and cooking. Following these guidelines can help prevent potential health risks.

Mercury Levels and Shrimp

Shrimp is an excellent choice for pregnant women due to its low mercury content. Unlike some other seafood, shrimp contains minimal mercury, making it safer to consume during pregnancy. Health experts recommend eating 2-3 servings of low-mercury fish, including shrimp, per week to support fetal development.

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The FDA notes that pregnant women can safely eat 2 to 3 servings per week from its “best choice” options, with a single serving equaling 4 ounces. You can also choose a single serving per week if you’d rather have seafood from the FDA’s “Good Choices” list.

This moderate intake can provide essential nutrients without posing significant risks. It’s also a good idea to balance shrimp consumption with a variety of other low-mercury seafood to ensure a diverse intake of nutrients.

Proper Shrimpt Preparation and Cooking For Pregnant Women

Cooked shrimp is generally safe for pregnant women when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This reduces the risk of harmful bacteria, such as listeria, which can cause complications during pregnancy.

It’s also advisable to practice good kitchen hygiene by using separate cutting boards for raw seafood and other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Properly preparing shrimp makes it a safe choice for seafood lovers.

Pregnant women should always avoid raw or undercooked shrimp, which can contain parasites and bacteria.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp During Pregnancy

Shrimp
Photo by EdZbarzhyvetsky on Deposit Photos

Shrimp offers valuable nutrients for pregnant women, making it a beneficial addition to a pregnancy-based diet. The FDA lists several primary nutrients that make shrimp a great choice during pregnancy.

Shrimp’s beneficial nutrients for pregnant women and their developing fetus include:

  • choline
  • omega-3 fatty acids
  • omega-6 fatty acids
  • iron
  • iodine

Let’s break down those nutrients even more to understand why pregnant women should eat shrimp in moderation.

Protein Content and Quality

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, crucial for fetal growth and development. Each serving of shrimp provides approximately 24 to 26 grams of protein, which helps build muscle and tissue in both the mother and baby. This protein is also low in fat, making shrimp an ideal choice for maintaining a nutritious diet during pregnancy.

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The amino acid profile of shrimp is also well-balanced, contributing to the repair and growth of cells. This balance helps support the body’s increased needs without adding excessive calories.

Including shrimp in meals ensures that pregnant women receive these essential amino acids, enhancing overall nutrition during this critical time.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for fetal brain and eye development, and shrimp is a good source of these essential nutrients. Shrimp contains EPA and DHA, two important types of omega-3s. These nutrients can help support cognitive function in babies and may reduce the risk of preterm labor.

Research suggests that consuming omega-3s during pregnancy can lead to positive health outcomes for both the mother and child. Being low in mercury compared to other seafood, shrimp allows pregnant women to benefit from omega-3s without significant risks. This makes shrimp a recommended seafood option for expecting mothers.

Vitamins and Minerals

Shrimp is rich in several vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy pregnancy. It contains B vitamins such as B12, necessary for energy production and neurological function. Vitamin D, another nutrient found in shrimp, supports bone health and immune function.

Iron and zinc are also in shrimp, contributing to increased blood volume and immune system support. These minerals are essential for preventing anemia and promoting overall health during pregnancy. Including shrimp in the diet can help ensure these critical nutrients are consumed, supporting a healthy pregnancy journey.

Like any diet planning, a pregnancy-based diet is about balance, moderation, and proper food preparation. Not only can pregnant women eat shrimp, it can have enormous benefits for both mom and baby.

Just remember, when making decisions about your health, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider to ensure you balance what you want with what you need. Even the best industry recommendations can go awry based on a patient’s personal history and their body’s specific needs.

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