Can You Eat Shrimp While Pregnant?
Enjoy Shrimp in moderation during pregnancy — see serving guidance below.
Trimester Safety
Why Shrimp is safe in pregnancy
Go ahead and eat shrimp while you're expecting; it's on the safe list. Foods like shrimp are a valuable source of protein and key nutrients when cooked properly, which is exactly what supports your baby's growth.
Pair it with a daily prenatal vitamin and a mix of whole foods, and you're giving your baby a strong nutritional foundation.
How to Make It Safer
Enjoying shrimp safely is simple: cook shrimp thoroughly and check it reaches a safe internal temperature with a food thermometer, keeping it well chilled beforehand. Follow trusted guidance (NHS, CDC, ACOG, FDA), and check with your midwife if anything is ever unclear. A daily prenatal vitamin rounds out the nutrition whatever you choose.
💛 One less thing to worry about.
Shrimp is safe, so enjoy it without the guilt. But we know the mental load of double-checking every single food is real. Keep our free cheat sheet on your fridge so you can eat with confidence instead of anxiety.
Grab the free fridge cheat sheet ↓What to know about Shrimp in pregnancy
Here’s the practical picture for Shrimp. Shrimp is a pregnancy-friendly seafood: very low in mercury and high in protein. The only requirement is that it's fully cooked, raw shrimp is the thing to avoid.
Safe preparation & tips
- Cook shrimp until pink, opaque and firm (63°C / 145°F)
- Shrimp cocktail is fine as the shrimp is cooked
- Avoid raw shrimp in sushi, sashimi or ceviche
- Counts toward your 8–12 oz weekly low-mercury seafood allowance
Popular with moms eating seafood
Things expecting moms commonly find helpful. Always check with your OB-GYN or midwife before adding a supplement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat Shrimp while pregnant?
Shrimp is generally acceptable during pregnancy within FDA/EPA weekly fish serving limits when fully cooked.
Is Shrimp safe during pregnancy?
Shrimp is a portion-limited choice — follow the weekly serving guidance on this page.
Can pregnant women eat Shrimp?
Yes, in moderation within FDA/EPA Best/Good Choice serving limits and when fully cooked.
Is Shrimp safe in the first trimester?
Same weekly serving limits apply in the first trimester.
Is Shrimp safe in the third trimester?
Same weekly serving limits apply in the third trimester.
Checked against FDA, CDC and ACOG guidance.
Sources: FDA
Last Updated: 2026-02-16
How we review: Written by the PregnancySafeFoods editorial team and checked against NHS, CDC, ACOG and FDA guidance. Our editorial policy.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs during pregnancy.
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