Many assume that eating shrimp is dangerous for pregnant women. This assumption often makes pregnant women hesitate to eat shrimp. Then, can pregnant women eat shrimp?
Not only delicious, shrimp is useful for reducing the risk of chronic disease and improving heart health. However, eating shrimp is still considered risky for pregnant women and the fetus. However, actually, can pregnant women eat shrimp? Check out complete information about the facts of eating shrimp in pregnant women here.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp? Check the Facts Here
Pregnant women should not have to worry if they want to eat shrimp when they have cravings. In fact, shrimp is a food that is classified as harmless to pregnant women and the fetus. Shrimp can even be the right choice of nutritious food for pregnant women, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy, because it is high in protein which provides energy and repairs body tissues.
Shrimp is also high in omega-3 which is important for reducing the risk of premature birth, optimizing the development of the eyes and brain of the fetus, and preventing babies from being born with low weight. The nutritional content in shrimp that is important for pregnant women and other fetuses is iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B2 and vitamin D.
In contrast to most other seafood, the levels mercury in shrimp is low, so it is safe for consumption by pregnant women. In addition, prawns do not smell fishy, so it is recommended for consumption by pregnant women who often feel nauseous when they smell a strong fishy aroma from seafood.
Tips for Processing Shrimp that are Safe for Pregnant Women
Although it is not dangerous, it is not recommended for pregnant women to eat too much shrimp. The recommended safe limit for eating shrimp for pregnant women is 200-300 grams per week. In addition, there are things that pregnant women need to pay attention to before eating shrimp, namely:
- Choose clean and fresh shrimp. Don’t choose shrimp that are black in color, smell bad, and are slimy.
- Before processing shrimp, make sure your hands have been washed.
- Shrimps are washed thoroughly with running water.
- Make sure the shrimp parts, such as the shell, tail, legs, head, and intestinal tract are removed.
- Shrimp cooked until done.
- Make sure your hands and cooking utensils are washed clean to avoid bacterial contamination.
If consumed within safe limits and processed properly, eating shrimp can provide various benefits for pregnant women and the fetus. However, pregnant women also need to balance it with a healthy lifestyle, for example a balanced nutritious diet, regular exercise or physical activity, adequate and quality sleep, reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, and not smoking.
Keep in mind, pregnancy will affect the immune system of pregnant women. This has the risk of triggering certain allergies which before pregnancy did not trigger allergies or exacerbate allergies for pregnant women who have allergies. Therefore, pregnant women must be careful when eating shrimp or other foods if they have allergies. If pregnant women are still unsure or want to find out more information about the safety of eating shrimp during pregnancy, consult a doctor to be given advice and assistance according to the condition of the pregnant woman.
