Can You Have Shrimp When Pregnant? Safety, Portions, and Cooking Guide

Pregnancy often changes the way you think about food choices, especially seafood. Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood in the world, but many expectant mothers are concerned about whether or not it is safe to eat during pregnancy. The good news is that fully cooked shrimp is a low mercury seafood and can be safely consumed in a healthy prenatal diet.

Shrimp is a good source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, selenium and choline that are vital for the health of the mother and the development of the baby. But food safety is still important because shrimp can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites before it is cooked.

This guide covers how many shrimp are safe to eat while pregnant, how to prepare and store shrimp, shrimp safe foods and shrimp alternatives.

Quick Answer

Yes, you can eat shrimp during pregnancy if it is fully cooked and consumed as part of the recommended 8–12 ounces (227–340 g) of low-mercury seafood per week. Never eat raw or undercooked shrimp and only purchase shrimp from trusted suppliers.

Is Shrimp Safe During Pregnancy?

Shrimp is one of the safer seafood choices when pregnant as it has low levels of mercury and is rich in nutrients.

Why Shrimp Is Considered a Low-Mercury Seafood

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shrimp is a "Best Choice" seafood due to its natural low mercury content, Low mercury seafood is the best choice because mercury exposure in pregnant women can impact the development of the fetal brain and nervous system.

A diverse diet of low mercury seafood during pregnancy can help support your baby's brain development without putting him at risk.

Why Raw or Undercooked Shrimp Is Unsafe During Pregnancy

Raw shrimp may be contaminated with:

• Vibrio bacteria
• Salmonella
• Norovirus
• Parasites

According to CDC, shrimp should be cooked thoroughly before consumption. Foodborne illness during pregnancy can lead to dehydration, hospitalization, and complications.

Safe vs Unsafe Shrimp: A quick comparison

How Much Shrimp Can You Eat When Pregnant?

The 8–12 Ounces of Seafood per Week Recommendation

The FDA recommends pregnant people eat:

• 8–12 ounces (227–340 g) weekly
• 2-3 portions of low mercury seafood

Shrimp is a good fit for this recommendation.

What a 3–4-Ounce Serving Looks Like

One serving of shrimp is about:

• 3–4 ounces cooked
• The size of a person's palm

How Shrimp Size Affects the Number per Serving

A Sample Weekly Low-Mercury Seafood Plan

This diversity contributes to different nutrients.

Do the Limits Change Between Trimesters?

There are no trimester-specific guidelines at this time. Safe seafood recommendations remain the same throughout pregnancy.

Grownsy Tip: Proper nutrition is important during pregnancy and for the transition to newborn care. Grownsy Bottle Warmer and Grownsy Bottle Washer are products that can simplify feeding routines for busy parents.

How to Buy, Store, and Cook Shrimp Safely

Fresh vs Frozen Shrimp: What to Look for When Purchasing

When purchasing shrimp:

• Purchase from trusted vendors.
• Check expiration dates
• Don't use strong fishy smells
• Keep frozen shrimp in the freezer until ready to use.

When properly stored, frozen shrimp can be as healthy as fresh shrimp.

Safe Thawing and Cross-Contamination Prevention

Safe thawing methods:

• Refrigerator overnight
• Cold water method
• Cook only in the microwave if you need to cook it right away

Avoid:

• Thawing on countertops

Wash cutting boards, utensils and hands after handling raw shrimp.

Cook Shrimp to 145°F or Until Pearly White and Opaque

The FDA suggests cooking seafood to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Properly cooked shrimp:

• Turn opaque
• Turn white or pink.
• Curl into a loose "C" shape

Refrigerate Cooked Shrimp within Two Hours

According to foodsafety.gov, cooked shrimp should be refrigerated within 2 hours (or 1 hour in hot weather).

Reheat Leftover Shrimp to 165°F

Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) or until steaming hot.

How Long Cooked Shrimp Can Stay in the Refrigerator

You can keep cooked shrimp for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Can You Eat Common Shrimp Dishes While Pregnant?

Shrimp Cocktail: Safe When Fully Cooked and Properly Chilled

Shrimp cocktail is generally safe if:

• Shrimp is completely cooked
• Properly refrigerated

Fried, Grilled, Boiled, and Steamed Shrimp

Fried, grilled, boiled, and steamed shrimp are safe if they are cooked completely.

Shrimp Tempura and Cooked Shrimp Sushi

Cooked shrimp sushi is considered safe.

Examples:

• Shrimp tempura rolls
• Cooked shrimp nigiri

Raw Shrimp Sushi, Ceviche, and Undercooked Shrimp

Avoid:

• Raw sushi
• Shrimp ceviche
• Lightly cooked shrimp

Restaurant, Buffet, and Takeout Safety Checks

Ask:

• Has the shrimp been cooked all the way through?
• How many days has it been there?

Avoid lukewarm buffet seafood.

Nutritional Benefits and Potential Risks of Shrimp during Pregnancy

Protein, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Iodine, and Other Nutrients

Shrimp contains:

• Protein
• Selenium
• Vitamin B12
• Iodine
• Choline

These nutrients support:

• Brain development
• Thyroid function
• Maternal health

Omega-3 Benefits—and Why Shrimp Is Not the Richest Source

Shrimp is a source of omega-3 fats, but not as rich as:

• Salmon
• Sardines

Including several low-mercury seafood types offers broader nutritional benefits.

Understanding Cholesterol and Sodium in Shrimp Meals

While shrimp is naturally high in cholesterol, preparation is more important:

High sodium meals are:

• Fried shrimp
• Heavy sauces
• Restaurant dishes

Shellfish Allergy Symptoms and an Emergency Action Plan

You must monitor the symptoms such as:

• Hives
• Swelling
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing

For serious reactions, get urgent medical attention.

Choosing Shrimp Wisely

Wild-Caught vs Farmed Shrimp: Is One Safer during Pregnancy?

Both wild-caught and farmed shrimp can be safe during pregnancy when they come from reputable sources and are handled and cooked properly. The primary issue with shrimp during pregnancy is not the wild or farmed origin, but rather if it is fresh, stored properly, and cooked thoroughly. Selecting suppliers who have good food-safety practices can help minimize the risk of food-safety issues.

Traceability, Country of Origin and FDA Seafood Recalls

When purchasing shrimp, consider the country of origin, packaging dates, storage conditions, and the reputation of the seller. It is also wise to check FDA seafood recall notices if you have concerns about a particular product or brand. Traceable products can help determine the origin of the shrimp and if there has been a safety concern reported.

MSC, ASC, BAP, and Seafood Watch Purchasing Guides

Consumers can make better seafood choices with the help of sustainability certifications and purchasing guides. Environmental and production practices are provided by labels like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP). Seafood Watch is another useful resource for comparing seafood choices based on sustainability considerations.

Why Sustainability Labels Are Not Food-Safety Guarantees

Sustainability certification does not imply that shrimp is safe to eat if not prepared properly. These labels are mostly related to environmental, farming or sourcing considerations. Even if certified, shrimp should be refrigerated or frozen, kept away from cross contamination, and cooked thoroughly before consumption during pregnancy.

Shrimp vs Prawns: Do the Pregnancy Guidelines Differ?

Shrimp and prawns are treated as the same for pregnancy safety reasons. Both should be fully cooked and part of the recommended amount of low mercury seafood during pregnancy. The basic food-safety precautions remain the same regardless of the differences in size, species or culinary terminology.

How Shrimp Compares With Other Seafood during Pregnancy

Shrimp, Salmon, Tilapia, Cod, and Catfish

Lower mercury seafood options include shrimp, salmon, tilapia, cod and catfish. They also have varying nutritional content. For instance, salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, and shrimp is a good source of protein, vitamin B12, selenium and iodine. Eating a variety of low mercury seafood during the week can offer a wider variety of nutrients.

Canned Light Tuna vs Albacore and Bigeye Tuna

When choosing tuna, it's important to be aware that there are differences in the amount of mercury found in different species. Canned light tuna is typically lower in mercury than albacore or white tuna and is allowed in FDA guidelines. Albacore tuna is found to contain more mercury and portions should be limited as per current seafood guidelines. Due to its higher level of mercury, bigeye tuna is one of the types that should be avoided during pregnancy.

High-Mercury Seafood to Avoid

Seafood that contains high levels of mercury should be avoided by pregnant people, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, and tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico. Mercury can build up in the body and can be harmful to a developing baby's nervous system. By following FDA and EPA seafood recommendations, pregnant individuals can enjoy the benefits of seafood without the risks.

Why Eating a Variety of Low-Mercury Seafood Matters

By consuming various kinds of low mercury seafood, you can get a range of nutrients instead of just one. Depending on the species, seafood can be a source of protein, iodine, selenium, vitamin B12, choline and omega-3 fatty acids. Shrimp can be alternated with other recommended fish like salmon, cod, tilapia, etc., to help provide a balanced pregnancy diet.

What If You Accidentally Eat Raw or Unsafe Shrimp?

Do Not Panic: Document What, Where, and When You Eat

If you or your baby eats raw or undercooked shrimp by accident, it doesn't necessarily mean you will get sick. Try not to panic, but make a note of what you ate, where you ate it, and approximately when you consumed it. If symptoms occur, this information may be helpful when talking with your prenatal care provider.

Watch for Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fever, and Dehydration

Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, chills, or dehydration. Some food poisoning symptoms can occur within hours of eating, others may take days. If you can, drink fluids, and watch how you feel, don't assume you will get sick.

When to Contact Your Prenatal Care Provider

If you have any fever, vomiting, diarrhea (severe or long-lasting), abdominal symptoms, or symptoms of dehydration after eating seafood that may have been unsafe, contact your prenatal care provider. Your provider will decide if you need testing, treatment or further monitoring during your pregnancy. When in doubt, it's okay to reach out to your prenatal team for advice.

When Breathing Trouble or Facial Swelling Requires Emergency Care

If breathing is difficult, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, wheezing or any other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction occurs, immediate emergency medical attention is required. Potentially life-threatening reactions can occur with shellfish allergies, so don't wait to see if symptoms will resolve on their own.

For those who have been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector for a known allergy, use it as directed in their emergency action plan, and call for emergency medical assistance.

Pregnancy-Safe Shrimp Checklist

Check the Source, Temperature, Portion, and Storage

Before consuming shrimp during pregnancy, ensure the source of the shrimp, storage temperature, and proper cooking. Limit low mercury seafood to 8-12 ounces per week, don't eat raw or undercooked seafood, and refrigerate leftovers quickly. These are easy ways to minimize the risk of eating seafood while pregnant.

Ask Your Doctor about Allergies or Pregnancy-Related Conditions

Fully cooked, low mercury shrimp are a good option for most pregnant people, but some may have different situations. If you are allergic to shellfish, have had severe food reactions in the past, gestational hypertension or other pregnancy-related dietary issues, consult your prenatal care provider. Your health care provider can give you individual advice according to your health and nutritional requirements.

Conclusion

When cooked properly and consumed in recommended amounts of seafood, shrimp can be a healthy and safe part of a pregnancy diet. It is low in mercury, and rich in protein, iodine, selenium and vitamin B12. The main points are to use trusted suppliers, not use raw preparations, cook shrimp thoroughly, and store shrimp safely.

A diverse diet of low mercury seafood during pregnancy is good for the mother and her baby. Along with the practical parenting products and tools from Grownsy, from pregnancy to early parenthood, families can establish healthy routines with pregnancy support products, bottle warmers, bottle washers, bassinets, swings, and baby food makers.

Reference List

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) & Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Advice About Eating Fish for Those Who Are or Might Become Pregnant, Breastfeeding Mothers, and Young Children. https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women. https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Safe Food Handling. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/safe-food-handling
4. Foodsafety.gov. FoodKeeper App. https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/foodkeeper-app