Hey mamas-to-be! I know pregnancy can be confusing when it comes to food choices, especially seafood. As someone who’s researched extensively about pregnancy nutrition, I’m here to break down everything you need to know about eating scallops and shrimp while expecting.
Quick Answer: Yes, you can eat scallops and shrimp during pregnancy! But (there’s always a but, right?) you need to make sure they’re properly cooked and follow some important guidelines.
The Benefits of Eating Seafood During Pregnancy
Let me tell you why seafood is actually pretty awesome for pregnant women:
- Rich in protein for baby’s growth
- Packed with omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA) for brain development
- Great source of:
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
- Essential minerals
Safety Guidelines for Eating Scallops and Shrimp
Cooking Temperature & Methods
The #1 rule: Cook them thoroughly! Here’s what you need to know:
- Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C)
- Shrimp should be pink and opaque
- Scallops should lose their translucent appearance
- No raw or undercooked seafood (sorry, sushi lovers!)
Recommended Portions
According to FDA and EPA guidelines
- 8-12 ounces (2-3 servings) per week of low-mercury seafood
- That’s about:
- 2 medium-sized servings of shrimp
- OR 2-3 servings of scallops
- OR a mix of both!
Storage and Preparation Tips
Buying Fresh Seafood
Look for
- Fresh, mild smell
- Firm texture
- No strong fishy odors
- Clear eyes (for whole fish)
- Buy from reputable sources
Storage Guidelines
- Keep in refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below
- Use within 1-2 days of purchase
- If frozen:
- Store at 0°F (-18°C)
- Use within 3-6 months
What to Avoid
Stay away from:
- Raw shellfish
- Cold smoked seafood
- Pre-cooked shrimp or scallops served cold
- Seafood from questionable sources
- Reheated seafood that’s not piping hot
My Favorite Safe Pregnancy Seafood Recipes
1. Perfectly Seared Scallops
- Pat dry thoroughly
- Season with salt and pepper
- Sear 2-3 minutes each side until fully opaque
- Internal temp should reach 145°F
2. Garlic Shrimp Stir-fry
- Cook shrimp until pink
- Add loads of veggies
- Serve with brown rice
- Great for pregnancy nutrients!
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q: Can I eat frozen shrimp and scallops?
A: Yep! Just make sure to thaw properly in the fridge and cook thoroughly.
Q: What about shrimp cocktail?
A: Only if freshly cooked and still hot. Avoid pre-made, cold versions.
Q: I accidentally ate undercooked shrimp! What should I do?
A: Don’t panic! Monitor for symptoms like nausea or fever. Contact your healthcare provider if concerned.
Listen to Your Body
Remember, every pregnancy is different. While these guidelines are generally safe, always:
- Trust your instincts
- Listen to your body
- Consult your healthcare provider
- Pay attention to any food aversions
Final Thoughts
Eating seafood during pregnancy doesn’t have to be scary! Just remember:
- Cook thoroughly
- Stick to recommended portions
- Buy from trusted sources
- When in doubt, ask your doc
Disclaimer: While I’ve done my research, always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs during pregnancy.
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
What you can eat
- pasteurised milk, yoghurt, cream and ice cream
- pasteurised or unpasteurised hard cheeses, such as cheddar, gruyere and parmesan
- pasteurised semi-hard cheeses, such as edam
- pasteurised soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, cream cheese, paneer, ricotta, halloumi, goats cheese without a white coating on the outside (rind) and processed cheese spreads
- soft or blue cheese (pasteurised or unpasteurised) that has been cooked until steaming hot
- any other foods made from unpasteurised milk, such as soft ripened goats cheese
- pasteurised or unpasteurised mould-ripened soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside, such as brie, camembert and chèvre (unless cooked until steaming hot)
- pasteurised or unpasteurised soft blue cheeses, such as danish blue, gorgonzola and roquefort (unless cooked until steaming hot)
- unpasteurised cows milk, goats milk, sheeps milk or cream
Theres a small chance that unpasteurised or soft ripened dairy products may contain Listeria bacteria. This can cause an infection called listeriosis.
Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, or make your newborn baby very unwell.
Soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside have more moisture. This can make it easier for bacteria to grow.
Cooking cheese until its steaming hot kills bacteria, reducing the risk of listeriosis.
What to be careful with
- cold cured meats, such as salami, pepperoni, chorizo and prosciutto (unless cooked thoroughly)
- raw or undercooked meat
- liver and liver products
- all types of pâté, including vegetarian pâté
- game meats such as goose, partridge or pheasant
Theres a small risk of getting toxoplasmosis if you eat raw and undercooked meat, which can cause miscarriage.
Cured meats are not cooked, so they may have parasites in them that cause toxoplasmosis.
Liver and liver products have lots of vitamin A in them. This can be harmful to an unborn baby.
Game meats may contain lead shot.