Can I eat shrimp while pregnant?

Key points

• Cooked shrimp is low in mercury and is a common seafood choice in pregnancy.
• Avoid raw or undercooked shrimp, including some raw shrimp dishes like ceviche.
• Many guidelines suggest about 2 to 3 servings of low-mercury seafood per week.

Why it matters

Seafood can be a useful source of protein and nutrients during pregnancy. The FDA lists shrimp among the seafood choices that are lower in mercury, which is a metal that can harm a developing baby’s nervous system.

Food safety matters just as much as mercury. Pregnancy can make you more likely to get serious illness from some germs in food.

What is OK and what is not

• Generally OK: Shrimp that is fully cooked until it is opaque and firm all the way through. Examples include boiled, steamed, grilled, sauteed, or fried shrimp.
• Generally advised against: Raw or undercooked shrimp, such as some sushi, sashimi-style dishes, ceviche, or raw shrimp cocktail.
• Ask your provider: Shrimp from a deli case, leftovers, or meals from restaurants where you are unsure how it was cooked or stored.

Practical tips

• Many groups suggest about 2 to 3 servings (8 to 12 ounces total) of low-mercury fish or shellfish each week.
• Cook shrimp until it turns pink and opaque and the flesh is firm. Use a food thermometer if you can, since the FDA advises cooking seafood to 145 degrees F.
• Keep cooked shrimp chilled and eat leftovers within a few days.
• If you are unsure about a specific restaurant dish, ask whether the shrimp is fully cooked.

If you already ate shrimp that was raw or undercooked

Many people eat raw or undercooked seafood in pregnancy without problems, but it still carries a risk of foodborne illness. Contact your provider if you have symptoms like fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach cramps in the days after eating it. Do not wait to ask about this, even if you feel fine.

When to contact your provider

Contact your provider right away if you have fever, chills, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating raw or undercooked seafood. Also call if you have bleeding, severe belly pain, or any worry about your baby’s health.

Questions people ask

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