Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp?

Many women are reluctant to eat seafood while pregnant. This is due to research which shows that ingesting high mercury levels can have harmful effects on young people and infants in the womb. However, fish contain important nutrients such as omega-3 and omega-6 fats, iodine, choline, protein, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. Therefore, there are certain limits of the amount and type of seafood a pregnant woman and small child can consume according to the FDA. The answer to the question, “Can pregnant women eat shrimp?” is “Yes.” Shrimp generally have low levels of mercury and are considered safe to eat while pregnant.  If you are eating shrimp caught by a family or friend, use the EPA’s How’s My Waterway tool to learn about the safety of the water in which the shrimp were caught. 

What Are the Recommended Levels According to the FDA? 

A serving of fish is 4 ounces.  It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women have two or three servings per week from the Best Choices list, or one serving from the Good Choices list. See the graphic published by the FDA. 

Shrimp Considered One of Best Choices of Fish to Consume While Pregnant

 

Shrimp, anchovy, oysters, cod, clam, and tilapia are all considered safe. According to the FDA, it is recommended that women eat one-to-two servings per week of seafood on this list. 

Other Good Choices of Seafood While Pregnant 

According to the FDA, bluefish, carp, grouper, mahi-mahi, and yellowfin tuna, among others, are safe to eat but should be limited to one serving per week. It is important to note that bigeye tuna is on the list of fish to avoid while pregnant. Also be aware that it is not recommended to eat raw fish as it may contain parasites or bacteria according to the FDA. 

Fish to Avoid While Pregnant

Tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, marlin, king mackerel, shark, and swordfish, among others, should be avoided while pregnant. It is important to note that yellowfin tuna is all right to consume a maximum of one time per week. 

Is Eating Shrimp During Pregnancy Good for You? 

Yes, eating shrimp during pregnancy is a perfectly healthy option. Fish intake during pregnancy is recommended by the FDA because it supports your developing baby’s cognitive development, heart, and body. However, it’s important to cook fish before eating. While it’s important to be aware of the mercury levels in fish, the benefits of the nutrients in fish are considerable. If you want to eat shrimp, it is a safe and healthy option. Of course, there are instances in which shrimp may be recalled. Stay up to date on FDA food safety recalls by visiting: foodsafety.gov/recalls-and-outbreaks for a running list of food recalls.

What About Shrimp That Is Caught by Family or Friends? 

It is almost impossible to tell if water is polluted by simply looking at it. If a fish is caught in a polluted body of water, it should be avoided. First, look to see if there are signs anywhere and follow the directions on the signs. You can also use the EPA’s How’s My Waterway tool to see if the water in which the food was caught is considered safe. 

So, Can You Eat Shrimp While Pregnant? 

The contemporary scientific literature of the time says, “Yes.”  Your OBGYN is an excellent resource for receiving general nutritional guidance during your pregnancy. If you are pregnant or expecting and have not yet established care with an OBGYN, we can provide referral information and support at CORE Healthcare for Women of Central Georgia.