Can I eat prawns and shrimp during pregnancy?
Safe Yes, when thoroughly cooked
Quick answer
Yes. Prawns and shrimp are safe in pregnancy when cooked until pink and hot all the way through. They are low in mercury and high in protein. Avoid raw or undercooked prawns, such as in ceviche or some sushi.
Is prawns and shrimp safe in pregnancy?
Seafood is a healthy part of pregnancy, and prawns are among the lowest-mercury options. The risk comes from eating them raw or undercooked, when they may carry bacteria or viruses. Cooking kills these.
Benefits
- Lean protein
- Low in mercury
- Contains iodine and zinc
Risks to know about
- Raw or undercooked prawns can cause food poisoning
- Cold, pre-cooked prawns left out may carry listeria
- Shellfish allergy
How to eat it safely
- Cook until pink, opaque and steaming hot
- Eat cold pre-cooked prawns only if fresh and kept chilled
- Avoid prawns in ceviche or raw sushi
- Buy from a reputable fishmonger
Questions about prawns and shrimp in pregnancy
Can I eat prawn curry while pregnant?
Yes. Prawn curry cooked until the prawns are hot all the way through is safe.
Are king prawns safe in pregnancy?
Yes, when fully cooked.
Can I eat crab and lobster in pregnancy?
Yes, when fully cooked. They are low in mercury.
General information, not medical advice. If you have a condition such as gestational diabetes or an allergy, ask your doctor or midwife what's right for you.