Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp?

Introduction:

Pregnancy is a critical period in the life of every woman. Therefore, all women take utmost care about their diet during pregnancy. However, there are many myths about what a pregnant woman must eat and avoid. For example, seafood may not be considered safe during pregnancy. There are many factors involved in why this is so. The most common factor is the presence of mercury content in a few varieties of fish, which is considered harmful. This article explains in depth all the myths and facts about seafood and pregnancy.

What Are Shrimps and How Do They Differ From Prawns?

Shrimps are crustaceans from the arthropod family (animals lacking a backbone). Shrimps and prawns are different from each other. Even though both belong to the decapod family (animals with an external skeleton), they are from two different sub-species. In addition, they have differences in their body structure and habitats. Shrimps are usually smaller and are found in saltwater and freshwater. In contrast, prawns are bigger and live in freshwater.

What Are the Nutritional Properties of Shrimp?

Shrimps have numerous health benefits and even some side effects -

• Shrimps are highly nutritious because they are rich in proteins and a wide range of minerals. They contain vital nutrients such as iron and zinc for the development of the growing fetus.

• They are less calorigenic. One medium-sized shrimp contains only six to ten calories.

• Shrimps are considered an excellent source of iodine and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids promote heart health. The omega-3 fatty acid, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is essential for the brain development of the fetus.

• Shrimps are rich in selenium. Selenium is beneficial during pregnancy as it can reduce the risks and complications of pregnancy, such as miscarriage and preterm labor.

• Shrimps are high in cholesterol content and may lead to an increase in cholesterol levels in the body.

Why Is Seafood Harmful to the Body?

Seafood is rich in nutritional value, but its natural habitat, the sea, is no longer safe for fish. As a result, various industries discard their toxic waste into the sea. For example, mercury-contaminated waste is a very common sea pollutant. The fish consume these toxins, and there is a build-up of mercury in their bodies. Therefore, when an individual consumes fish, they also ingest some amounts of mercury, which is a potent health hazard.

Shellfish may also contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can be transferred to humans if consumed.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp Without Worrying About the Side-Effects?

Pregnant women are hesitant regarding seafood because of its potential risks to the developing baby. Why is this so? The mercury present in the fish can pose risks to the developing fetus. It can cause severe developmental defects in the growing baby. If the pregnant mother regularly consumes fish, there is a possibility that there will be a build-up of mercury in the bloodstream. This mercury in the bloodstream will cause damage to the developing brain and the nervous system. On the other hand, shrimps are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provide health benefits to the mother and the developing baby. It is passed on by the mother to the developing fetus and also during lactation to the baby.

Seafood is safe for pregnant women if consumed within the recommended dietary allowance. However, care must be taken while choosing the fish and its preparation to make it safe and fit for consumption.

Other non-animal sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseeds, walnuts, milk, yogurt, and eggs. Nutritional supplements that are enriched with iron, zinc, and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are also available. They are safer options and can be consumed instead of shrimp.

What Is the Recommended Quantity of Seafood Consumption for Pregnant Women?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends pregnant women consume two to three servings of fish per week. The portion size must be 50 to 70 grams for each serving. Fishes regarded as low in mercury content are only to be consumed by pregnant women.

What Are Different Safe Seafood Options for Pregnant Women?

The following are considered safe seafood options for pregnant women. They have low levels of mercury and high content of omega-3 fatty acids-

• Salmon.

• Canned light tuna fish.

• Sardines.

• Freshwater trout.

• Anchovies.

• Shrimps.

• Cod.

• Catfish.

• Herring.

• Pacific mackerel.

Which Fishes Are Contraindicated in Pregnant Women?

Fishes that must be strictly avoided because they may contain high levels of mercury and other toxic products -

1. King mackerel.

2. Swordfish.

3. Sharks.

4. Tilefish.

5. Marlin.

6. Tuna.

Although fish can be rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it is crucial for pregnant women to consume fish types that have lower mercury content. It is also recommended to take two or three servings of fish per week for safety purposes.

What Measures Need to Be Taken While Preparing Seafood to Avoid Its Side Effects?

The following guidelines are recommended to be followed by pregnant women who wish to consume shrimp -

• Care While Cooking - The shrimps have to be cleaned and washed thoroughly. They must be boiled or fried for a sufficient time until all the flesh turns pink. That is a sign of cooked shrimp. The flesh of an uncooked shrimp may appear gray, and it is unfit for consumption. A perfectly cooked shrimp will be firm in texture, turn opaque, and the flesh will be slightly pink.

• Avoid Uncooked Shrimp - Raw shrimps contain various bacteria and viruses. Cooking will reduce the microbial activity in the shrimp and make it safe to eat.

Conclusion:

Many physicians recommended the consumption of shrimp during pregnancy in moderation and provided the pregnant females followed all the guidelines. They are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for the growth and development of the fetal brain. However, pregnant women must also take care about excessive consumption of fish because that will increase the build-up of mercury in their bloodstream. Avoid fish that have been contaminated with pollutants. Always source the fish from trusted suppliers and follow all guidelines before consumption. However, if eaten in moderation, it can benefit the pregnant mother and the developing baby.