Eating shrimp during pregnancy
Every pregnant woman wants to
eat well during pregnancy, and the question often comes up, "What is safe
to eat during pregnancy?" Most women have a range of foods they enjoy and
look forward to continuing to eat during pregnancy. Sushi, oysters, and other seafood
dishes top the list of questionable foods, whether they're acceptable or not.
Boiled, fried or in cocktails, shrimp during pregnancy is a common desire.
Because studies show that high
amounts of mercury can have harmful effects on your baby, many women are
hesitant to eat seafood during pregnancy. While it's good to follow a diet,
there are a number of types of seafood that are safe to eat, including shrimp.
Shrimp contain low levels of mercury; they are also low in fat and high in
protein, making them a healthy choice for pregnant women.
It is important to cook shrimp
well and avoid raw shrimp such as sushi or sashimi. It is also useful to know
the region where the shrimp come from.
Depending on where the shrimp were caught, mercury levels may be higher or lower than expected. Your local health department may have information on mercury levels in local waters if you want to eat local shellfish. It is important to remember that shrimp must be fully cooked. So enjoy!