Is Shrimp safe during pregnancy?
Best Choice (lower mercury) — enjoy shrimp (cooked) cooked, 2–3 servings a week in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
What the sources say
FDA/EPA list shrimp (cooked) as a "Best Choice" (lower mercury) for people who are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding: 2–3 servings a week from this list (8–12 oz total; 1 serving = 4 oz before cooking). Cook until the flesh is firm, pearly and opaque (or until shells open for clams, oysters and mussels; discard any that don't open). Raw or partially cooked shellfish is not recommended in pregnancy. FDA advises against partially cooked shrimp; NHS advises heating cold pre-cooked shrimp until steaming hot. CDC gives breastfeeding parents the same fish advice.
Also listed as
prawns, cooked shrimp, grilled shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp scampi, popcorn shrimp, boiled shrimp
Sources
- FDA: Advice about Eating Fish
- CDC: Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
- CDC: Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding
- FDA: People at Risk of Foodborne Illness
- NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.