Is it safe to eat shrimp during pregnancy - Get advice from the experts

Yes, as a general rule you can, but it primarily depends on how the shrimp are handled and prepared. When you are pregnant, the most important considerations are to avoid food poisoning and to follow official advice on fish and seafood. Below you will find practical rules of thumb so you can eat shrimp with peace of mind.

In Danish dietary guidelines, fish and seafood are often recommended as part of a varied diet because they can provide important nutrients. Shrimp can therefore be included if they are safe to eat.

What typically makes the difference is not "shrimp themselves," but the risk of bacteria from raw, inadequately prepared, or improperly stored products. If you are in doubt whether a product has been kept cold for an extended period, or if the cold chain may have been broken, it is better to choose a thoroughly heated option.

Choose shrimp that are cooked and stored correctly in the refrigerator, and eat them within the shelf life after opening.

Cooked shrimp are the most "straightforward" solution during pregnancy because heat treatment reduces the risk of pathogenic bacteria. You will often encounter shrimp sold as "cooked and peeled" or shrimp in brine.

When you eat them cold (e.g., on open sandwiches), hygiene and storage become extra important:

• Keep the shrimp cold all the way home and directly into the refrigerator.
• Do not leave them on the kitchen counter for a long time.
• Use clean utensils and avoid "double-dipping" in the same dressing or salad.

Use cooked shrimp in a dish where they are heated through, such as in pasta, soup, or a stir-fry.

Here, the shrimp itself is not necessarily the problem, but the entire dish: sushi can contain raw fish, and there can be a greater focus on hygiene and proper cooling. Some sushi varieties use prepared shrimp (often called ebi), which are typically cooked themselves.

My practical advice is:

• Choose sushi with thoroughly cooked ingredients if you eat sushi during pregnancy.
• Only eat from establishments with high food safety standards and good cooling.
• If you are unsure whether the shrimp or other ingredients are cooked, ask or choose something else.

When pregnant, it's a good idea to be more consistent with kitchen hygiene, because the consequences of a foodborne infection can be more severe.

Focus especially on:

• Buy shrimp last when shopping, and ideally use a cooler bag.
• Store shrimp at refrigerator temperature and follow the instructions on the package after opening.
• Discard shrimp that smell unusual or have changed in consistency.

Does it look fresh, does it smell normal, and has it been cold the whole time? If not, don't eat it.

Quantities and limitations typically concern fish species more (due to, for example, mercury in some predatory fish) than shrimp specifically. Therefore, it's smart to refer to the latest official recommendations on fish during pregnancy.

To avoid following outdated information from the internet, always check the current advice from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration on "fish for pregnant women," including which species you should limit or avoid. If you have special circumstances (e.g., a weakened immune system or previous food poisoning), you can also discuss it with your midwife or doctor.

If you are also finding that your body is changing rapidly, good, non-wired supportive underwear can make everyday life more comfortable. One option is a Gel-Support® Maternity and Nursing Bra, which is made as an alternative to underwire. If you need relief around your belly and lower back, a support belt can also be relevant, for example, the Maternity Support Belt.