Yes, you can safely eat prawns during pregnancy. However, ensure that they are fully cooked and consumed in moderation to avoid any adverse effects.
You are right to worry about seafood consumption during pregnancy. Seafood often has high mercury content, posing a risk to your developing fetus. 1 However, unlike certain fish species that are high in mercury, prawns (also called shrimps) contain low levels of this harmful metal, thereby proving to be an excellent source of nutrition for both the mother and baby. 2
As per the FDA, prawns come under the ‘Best Choices’ category for pregnant women due to their low mercury content.3 Shellfish like prawns contain very low levels of mercury compared to other seafood. 2,3
Prawns are power-packed with nutrients beneficial during pregnancy:
- Protein - Around 80% of the edible part of a prawn consists of protein. Eating prawns during pregnancy helps in fetal development. 4,5
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These nutrients support your baby’s eye and brain development.6
- Iron & Minerals: Prawns are rich in iron - 0.5mg per 100g. Consuming prawns in pregnancy reduces the risk of anaemia. They are also rich in iodine, zinc and selenium. 7
Safe Consumption Guidelines
The FDA recommends that a pregnant woman can consume up to 8-12 ounces of low-mercury seafood per week, including prawns.8 It is also advised never to eat raw prawns. Cook them thoroughly to avoid food-borne illnesses.
It is advised to always cook the prawns thoroughly and ensure they are pink and opaque, and never grey or translucent. Do not eat raw prawns to avoid food-borne illnesses.
Choose quality sources that ensure responsibly farmed prawns or wild-caught ones. If eating locally caught shellfish, it is best to check with the community health department for mercury advisories in local waters.
