According to research, pregnant women can eat up to 12 ounces of fully cooked shellfish or fish, including shrimp, per week. This equals about two or three meals per week. Pregnant women can choose to have it in any fully cooked form (avoid raw), such as sauteed, baked or grilled.
What are the health benefits of eating shrimp?
During pregnancy, women should eat a healthy diet to make sure they meet the nutritional guidelines for growing a healthy baby.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, eating seafood, such as shrimp, offers several nutritious elements that benefit pregnant women and the baby in their womb.
The various nutritional benefits of shrimp include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids. According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood could potentially lower the chances of preterm birth when ingested during pregnancy. Omega-3s are believed to be crucial for the brain and eye development of babies.
- Protein. Protein demands increase significantly during pregnancy. Shrimp is an excellent lean protein option, providing seven grams of protein per one ounce of shrimp. Being tasty and low in fat, it is one of the best seafood options to eat during pregnancy.
- Iron. Iron is necessary for increasing the healthy red blood cells in the pregnant woman and her baby. Eating iron-rich foods can help fight iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy and provide the woman with improved stamina.
- Iodine. Iodine is an essential element for the formation of thyroid hormones in the mother as well as in babies. These hormones play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system of the baby. The need for iodine increases during pregnancy and shrimp is a good way to ensure iodine intake during pregnancy.
Shrimp is a rich source of vitamins (such as vitamins B12 and D) and minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, selenium and potassium), which are especially important during pregnancy.
Is shrimp safe to eat during pregnancy?
Shrimp is safe to eat during pregnancy if it is fully cooked and not eaten raw. Eating seafood raw (uncooked), such as sushi and shrimp, is unhealthy due to the risk of foodborne illness, which can harm the baby.
Additionally, some types of seafood have been found to contain high levels of mercury, which has made people question if shrimp contains mercury in unhealthy proportions. On the contrary, shrimp usually contains low mercury levels. Pregnant women should make sure they purchase packaged shrimp from a reputed brand or store. If they want to eat locally caught fish, they should try to get information from the community health department on the mercury levels in local water bodies.
Pregnant women should ensure that the shrimp they are buying is clear with a pearl-like color and has little or no smell.
During pregnancy, you should avoid seafood that is most likely to be contaminated with high levels of mercury, which includes:
- Fresh tuna
- Swordfish
- Shark
- King mackerel
- Tilefish
- Orange roughy
If women have any concerns about eating shrimp or any other seafood during their pregnancy, they should always ask their doctor first.
QUESTION
According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Mayo Clinic. Pregnancy and Fish: What's Safe to Eat? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-and-fish/art-20044185
Top How Many Shrimp Can a Pregnant Woman Eat Related Articles
Diet and Nutrition: Fatty Fish That Are High in Omega-3s
You may know that omega-3s are good fats that you get from seafood. But not all fish are equal. The fatty ones are best. WebMD's slideshow shows you the choice picks.
What Foods Should Be Avoided During the First Trimester of Pregnancy?
The first trimester is the first 3 months of your pregnancy. Foods to avoid during the third trimester of pregnancy include raw or undercooked seafood; seafood containing mercury; raw or undercooked eggs; unpasteurized milk or other dairy products; raw sprouts and unwashed vegetables and fruits.
Healthy Living and Disease Prevention
The importance of a healthy lifestyle in disease prevention is widely understood and most people know that lifestyle changes and choices can be critical to good health. Learn about healthy behaviors that constitute healthy living.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that help decrease one's cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Omega-3s are found in salmon, sardines, walnuts, and canola oil. These fats may help reduce the risk of ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
What does research say are the best omega 3 supplements? What are the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids? Learn how Omega 3 rich foods like fish oil, salmon, walnuts, & more can boost brain power, save you from joint pain, ease depression and create a healthier you.
oxytocin
Oxytocin is a synthetic form of the natural human hormone oxytocin used to induce or improve uterine contractions during delivery and to prevent uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage) after the delivery. Common side effects of oxytocin include serious allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction), premature ventricular contractions, postpartum hemorrhage, pelvic hematoma, irregular heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmia), bleeding in the space between the brain and its membrane (subarachnoid hemorrhage), fatal afibrinogenemia, hypertensive episodes, nausea, vomiting, and rupture of the uterus. Oxytocin should not be used otherwise during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this pregnancy myths and facts quiz to separate the myths and facts about being pregnant, and learn the truth behind healthy pregnancies!
What Foods Should I Eat During My First Trimester of Pregnancy?
What to know about diet during the first trimester. Learn more about how to protect and fuel your body and baby during this exciting time.
Food and Recipes: Top Foods High in Iron
WebMD shows you which foods to choose that are high in iron -- and tasty, too!
What Are the 3 Stages of Iron Deficiency?
Iron is an important substance that our body needs in minute amounts. Daily ingestion of iron is needed for the health of red blood cells and muscle proteins, as well as the functioning of body cells. The normal body iron content in an adult is approximately 3-4 grams.