Can i eat shrimp during pregnancy

Shrimp is safe to eat because it falls into the category of low-mercury seafood, which also includes salmon , pollack, sardines and catfish. Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Tips for Eating Right During Pregnancy? Getting Pregnant. Mercury is likely to accumulate in larger fish that live for a long time. High-mercury fish include:. Find a full list of seafood to avoid during pregnancy here.

It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to these fish. However, if someone had a serving, and then found out she was pregnant, it would not be a reason to panic, since one serving is not likely to be dangerous," says Schaffir. Schaffir says high levels of mercury can increase the risk of the following conditions for the fetus:. Shrimp is one of the safest options for seafood to eat during pregnancy, and the nutrients in shrimp are beneficial to both the mother and baby.

Just make sure that the shrimp is fully cooked, so you don't get sick. And while there are other low mercury seafood options that are safe to consume during pregnancy, you should try to avoid eating high mercury fish entirely.

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Facebook-f Twitter Instagram. Pregnancy Tools. Pregnancy Journeys. It's up to you. Cooked shrimp is a nutritious protein to consume during pregnancy. It is rich in vitamin B2 and B12 which are important for overall health while pregnant. It also contains DHA, an omega-3 fat that is important to both the pregnant parent's health as well as the health of the baby.

Every pregnancy is different. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider about your circumstances if you have any questions about eating shrimp while pregnant. Not only is shrimp safe for baby but it's nutrient-rich too. Shrimp is a source of iron which helps pregnant individuals produce the extra blood needed to supply oxygen for the developing baby. Shrimp also provides calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium, and choline which are all beneficial for both parent and baby.

Cooked shrimp has numerous health benefits. Not only are they low in mercury, along with freshwater trout, salmon , and sardines, but they are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid DHA , which can support your baby's brain development.

According to Goldberg, protein needs increase significantly during pregnancy and, because of this some parents might seek to increase their protein intake. Not only can you continue to eat a food you already enjoy but you can also meet this increased need for protein during pregnancy.

For people who do not already eat shrimp, it can be simple to prepare and fast to cook. Shrimp is also a great source of iodine which Goldberg says plays a key role in thyroid hormones for both parent and baby.

Iodine is essential for maternal and fetal thyroid hormone production. These hormones regulate the development of the fetal brain and nervous system and, since iodine requirements increase substantially during pregnancy to ensure adequate supply to the fetus, shrimp is a great way to ensure these needs are met. Shrimp offers many nutritional benefits, including that it provides selenium which is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. For pregnant shrimp-lovers, this is an obvious plus.

During pregnancy, food safety is especially important. Cooked shrimp is considered a safe, low mercury protein but be sure to buy quality shrimp from a reputable source. When purchasing fresh shrimp, be sure the shrimp is clear with a pearl-like color and little or no odor. There are a few additional precautions to consider when adding shrimp to the menu.

Keep baby and parent safe with the following guidelines.