Is Shrimp Safe During Pregnancy?
Published June 29, 2026 | By SafeMama Editorial Team | Editorial policy
The short answer: Yes — fully-cooked shrimp is on the FDA's "Best Choices" list for pregnancy. It is one of the lowest-mercury seafoods, and the FDA actively encourages 2–3 servings of low-mercury seafood per week during pregnancy for omega-3 (DHA) intake that supports fetal brain development.
Why shrimp is recommended
- Very low mercury — among the lowest of all popular seafoods
- Lean protein — about 20 g of protein per 3 oz cooked
- Omega-3 (DHA) — supports fetal brain and eye development
- Iodine — important for fetal thyroid development
- Vitamin B12 and selenium
FDA's "Best Choices" list (eat 2–3 servings/week)
The FDA puts shrimp alongside:
- Salmon (wild and farmed)
- Sardines, anchovies, herring
- Tilapia, cod, pollock, catfish
- Scallops, mussels, clams, oysters (cooked)
- Crab, lobster, crawfish
- Skipjack (canned light) tuna
The cooking rule
Shrimp must be fully cooked: opaque, pink, and at an internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C. Signs of properly cooked shrimp:
- Pink/red on the outside (the colour change happens at safe temperature)
- Opaque white throughout, not translucent
- Firm and curled into a "C" shape, not a tight "O"
Shrimp dishes — safe vs. skip
| Dish | Status |
|---|---|
| Shrimp cocktail (cold but pre-cooked) | Safe |
| Garlic butter / scampi shrimp | Safe |
| Shrimp tempura (cooked) | Safe |
| Shrimp pad thai / stir-fry | Safe |
| Cooked shrimp sushi rolls (e.g. ebi) | Safe |
| Coconut shrimp, fried shrimp | Safe (greasy, not unsafe) |
| Ceviche with raw shrimp | Skip — the citrus does not actually kill pathogens |
| Raw shrimp / shrimp sashimi | Skip |
Shellfish allergy
If you have a shellfish allergy, this guidance does not change for pregnancy — keep avoiding it. Pregnancy is not the time to "see if you've grown out of it."
Common questions
Can I eat shrimp every day?
Within the FDA's 8–12 oz of low-mercury seafood per week, daily shrimp is fine. Vary your protein sources for nutrient variety.
Is farmed shrimp safe in pregnancy?
Yes. The FDA's "Best Choices" guidance includes both wild and farmed shrimp.
What about frozen pre-cooked shrimp?
Safe. Thaw in the fridge (not at room temperature), then heat through. Cold pre-cooked shrimp from the deli counter is fine for shrimp cocktail.
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