You’re out for a special dinner. A nice piece of steak with a side of shrimp, but will you be able to eat it? Can pregnant women eat shrimp?
Shrimp is a popular seafood option with many dishes, from stir-fries to salads. But can pregnant women eat shrimp? How about raw shrimp, boiled shrimp, or a shrimp cocktail? Due to their small size, some people wonder if cooking the shrimp for a long time will reduce any harmful substances found in them. With so many questions about eating shrimp during pregnancy, this article takes a look at whether or not pregnant women can eat shrimp, how much is safe to eat, and how to cook it.You’re out for a special dinner and eyeing the surf and turf.
You know you need to order the steak well done, but what about the shrimp? Can you even eat it?
Why pregnant women should eat shrimp
If you’re pregnant and trying to decide which seafood to include in your diet, you may be wondering if it’s okay to eat shrimp. The answer is yes, provided you consume them in moderation. Mercury content varies among different types of seafood , but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends eating no more than 12 ounces of seafood that doesn’t originate from the United States (such as shrimp and crab) per week, which works out to about three meals and 6 ounces of fish; this accounts for the average amount found in non-canned seafood (about 75 percent) that also comes from sea water with mercury levels.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women eat 8 to 12 ounces of seafood per week. It is the low level of mercury in shrimp that makes them a good choice for this weekly seafood intake.
- The CDC advises against eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because of their high level of mercury. Mercury can be harmful to an unborn baby’s brain, particularly during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
- In most cases, fish and shellfish are a healthy choice. They are low in fat but high in protein, vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and B-vitamins. Seafood is also an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which play a critical role in brain development.
- Eating seafood 2 or 3 times per week can boost your baby’s brainpower by about 4 points, according to a study published in the scientific journal JAMA Pediatrics in 2013.
Shrimp nutrition facts
Shrimp are part of the crustacean species, which also includes lobsters, crabs, and crayfish. Shrimp is a great food to include in your diet. It is low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Its high protein count makes it a perfect addition to anyone’s diet plan. There are many shrimp nutrition facts including: shrimp being low fat and calories; it’s an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like selenium; and it contains omega-3 fatty acids.
How much shrimp is safe to eat while pregnant?
We’ve all heard the warnings: no sushi, no soft cheeses, no fish at all while pregnant. But there are so many delicious and healthy options that it can be hard to know if eating shrimp is safe in pregnancy. In fact, seafood has some of the highest levels of protein that you can eat during pregnancy, which makes it a great alternative to meat when you start feeling queasy. Shrimp is also versatile, making it easy to include in a variety of meals without getting bored with your food choices. But it’s important to be aware of how much shrimp is safe to eat during pregnancy and what potential risks exist for you and your baby.
- Shrimp is a type of seafood, which the FDA recommends pregnant women eat two to three servings of per week. But like other seafood, shrimp can contain heavy metals like mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which might harm your baby.
- However, a 2016 study found that eating more than 12 ounces of fish or seafood each week during pregnancy — including shrimp — didn’t increase autism risk.
- Shrimp shouldn’t be consumed raw because it might be contaminated with bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Traces of salmonella have been found in raw and undercooked shrimp, but thorough cooking kills the bacteria.
What about the mercury in shrimps and other seafood for pregnancy?
Pregnant mothers are sometimes hesitant to eat shrimps because of the mercury they contain. According to the American Pregnancy Association, women who are pregnant or may get pregnant should be cautious of fish that contains high levels of mercury because the exposure can harm a growing fetus. However, such fish are not the only seafood you should avoid during pregnancy
- For years, doctors have warned pregnant women to avoid fish with high levels of mercury, like swordfish and tuna.
- But they’ve also encouraged them to eat seafood — especially shrimp and other shellfish — because it’s a good source of lean protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.
- So what’s the deal? Is shrimp safe for pregnant women?
- Shrimp contain low levels of mercury; they also are low in fat content and high in protein, making them a healthy choice for pregnant mothers. Research suggests eating between 8 and 12 ounces of shellfish or fish per week, which is two or three meals.
- That includes shrimp. Shrimp is among the most popular seafood choices in the U.S., but it can be expensive if you buy it from a restaurant or if you’re purchasing wild-caught shrimp. One way to save money is to buy farm-raised shrimp when possible.
Shrimp are a great protein source for expecting mothers, but be careful of safety precautions.
Shrimp are a great protein source for pregnant women, but be careful of safety precautions. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant soon, you may be wondering if it’s safe for you to eat shrimp. Quite simply, the answer is yes, but there are safety precautions you should be aware of first.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp? Result
In short, if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon, it is safe to consume shrimp. You just need to make sure that the last time you ate shrimp during the pregnancy is no more than thirty days before your baby’s birth. If this is your first pregnancy and you have never eaten shrimp before, eating them up to ten weeks into a healthy pregnancy should be just fine.
