Q&A: Can pregnant women eat shrimp?

by Marie O'Sullivan, RN

Is it OK to eat shrimp while pregnant?

The seafood controversy you are reading about is related to high mercury levels in some types of fish. The mercury can pass from mother to child and cause mercury poisoning beacuse of rapid brain development in the fetus. Shrimp, as long as it is cooked well, is not a problem. Shark, swordfish, and tuna (fresh or frozen) should not be eaten more than once a month during pregnant. Do not eat more than one 6-ounce can of tuna a week. And absolutely avoid all raw fish while pregnant.

find more about:
related categories:
All the pregnancy info you need—from the first trimester to the last.
watch more videos