Fortunately,shrimpis still on the menu.
However, raw and partially cooked shrimp are not safe during pregnancy.
This article will provide guidelines for eating shrimp while pregnant and list which types to avoid.
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This article is for all pregnant people regardless of which gender they identify with.
These organisms can lead to serious illness in pregnant people and their babies.
Shrimp is safe for most pregnant and breastfeeding people because it is low in mercury.
Mercury is a toxic metal that can cross theplacenta.
This means that when a pregnant person consumes food with high levels of mercury, it reaches the fetus.
Consuming mercury-containing foods during pregnancy may affect your baby’s neurocognitive development.
Does Shrimp Sourcing Matter?
When shopping for shrimp, you may notice there are farm-raised and wild-caught options.
Wild-caught shrimp is sourced from a natural habitat like the ocean.
Farm-raised shrimp is sourced from a large tank or human-made pond.
Most shrimp available in the United States is farmed in and imported from other countries.
Shrimp is rich inomega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids,iron,iodine, andcholine.
These nutrients are linked with brain development in a fetus.
Eating shrimp while pregnant may contribute to your babys cognitive development and heart health.
In addition to brain development, the essential mineraliodine contributes to thyroid health.
Shrimp containsselenium, a mineral naturally found in water.
Consuming selenium-rich foods during pregnancy may lower the risk ofmiscarriageandpremature birth.
This includes raw seafood such as:
Do not consume any refrigerated seafood.
Look for labels like nova-style, lox, kippered, smoked, or jerky.
Summary
Shrimp are low in mercury and are safe for most pregnant people to eat.
To prevent listeria, avoid shrimp that has not been thoroughly cooked.
Avoid all raw seafood preparations, including sushi, sashimi, and ceviche, during pregnancy.
When pregnant or breastfeeding, do not consume any seafood that has high mercury levels.
This includes shark, swordfish, and tilefish.
Ask your healthcare provider any questions you have.
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