Hey there, fellow mamas-to-be! As a food safety enthusiast and someone who’s passionate about prenatal nutrition, I know how confusing pregnancy food rules can be. Today, let’s tackle a question I get asked ALL the time – can you eat shrimp ceviche during pregnancy?
Quick Answer: No, you shouldn’t eat traditional raw shrimp ceviche while pregnant. BUT (yes, there’s good news!), you can enjoy a modified version made with properly cooked shrimp.
Why Traditional Shrimp Ceviche is a No-Go During Pregnancy
Look, I get it – ceviche is absolutely delicious! But here’s the thing: traditional ceviche is made with raw seafood that’s only “cooked” in citrus juice. Despite what you might’ve heard, that lime or lemon juice doesn’t actually cook the seafood enough to make it safe for pregnancy.
Here’s why we need to be extra careful:
- During pregnancy, our immune system is slightly suppressed
- Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than non-pregnant folks
- Raw seafood can harbor nasty bacteria and parasites that could harm both mom and baby
The Scary Stuff: Risks of Eating Raw Shrimp Ceviche
When you’re growing a tiny human, those food safety risks become way more serious. Here are the main dangers of raw shrimp ceviche:
-
Listeria infection risks
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth
- May cause serious problems for newborns
-
Vibrio bacteria concerns
- Causes upset stomach
- Leads to diarrhea
- Can make you seriously ill
-
Salmonella risks:
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
The Good News: How to Enjoy Safe Shrimp Ceviche While Pregnant
Don’t worry you don’t have to give up ceviche completely! Here’s my pregnancy-safe version
Safe Shrimp Ceviche Recipe Tips:
-
Choose the right shrimp:
- Buy fresh from reliable sources
- Pick low-mercury options
- Make sure it’s properly refrigerated
-
Cook it right:
- Heat shrimp to 145°F internal temperature
- Look for pink color and opaque flesh
- Let it cool before marinating
-
Safe preparation:
- Clean all surfaces thoroughly
- Use separate cutting boards
- Wash hands frequently
- Keep everything sanitized
Other Safe Seafood Options During Pregnancy
While we’re on the topic, let’s talk about safe seafood choices! You can totally eat up to 12 ounces (2 servings) per week of these cooked options:
- Shrimp
- Salmon
- Tilapia
- Cod
- Canned tuna
- Pollock
My Final Thoughts
Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the yummy stuff! Just make smart choices and modify recipes when needed. With my pregnancy-safe ceviche version, you can still enjoy those fresh, tangy flavors without worrying about food safety.
Remember: When in doubt, cook it out! It’s better to be safe than sorry when you’re eating for two.
Quick Safety Checklist:
- ✅ Always use fully cooked shrimp
- ✅ Keep everything clean and sanitized
- ✅ Store properly in the fridge
- ✅ Check seafood freshness
- ❌ Skip the raw seafood versions
- ❌ Don’t trust the “lime juice cooking” myth
Remember: While this article is based on current research and guidelines, always check with your healthcare provider about your specific situation. Every pregnancy is unique!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Is It Safe To Eat Ceviche When Pregnant?
Ceviche is traditionally made from raw fish or shellfish marinated in citrus juice and seasonings. While some ceviche is made with cooked fish or shellfish, it’s most commonly made from raw seafood. For this reason, expecting mothers are usually advised to avoid eating ceviche.
Raw shellfish can carry bacteria and parasites that are harmful to both mom and baby during pregnancy. And, to answer the most common question I receive: lime juice does not “cook” the seafood. If you want to eat ceviche during pregnancy, choose an option with cooked shrimp or seafood!
Can I Eat Ceviche While Pregnant?
You’re not alone if you’ve wondered about eating ceviche during pregnancy. Many pregnant people have asked this question before. There’s a lot of confusion and myths about eating ceviche during pregnancy, not to be confused with shrimp cocktail. I’m often asked if the citrus marinade “cooks” ceviche.
In this blog, we’ll be looking at this oh-so-popular and delicious dish. Understanding what’s in it, how it’s made, and learning about the safe ways to eat ceviche during pregnancy can help you make the best choice for you.
Known for its fresh and tangy flavors, ceviche is a popular seafood dish often enjoyed as an appetizer. It’s typically made by marinating raw fish or shellfish in citrus juices. Lemon juice or lime juice is often used as the marinade. Common types of fish and seafood used include shrimp, tilapia, snapper, and halibut.
The raw seafood is cut into small pieces and mixed with the citrus juice. As it marinates, the acid from the juice helps “cure” the fish. Other ingredients like red onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and chili peppers are added for flavor. Ceviche is served chilled and often with tortilla chips.
This food has several iterations – like the popular Mexican ceviche and the Peruvian ceviche, which is less saucy but has intense flavors.
What seafood is safe when pregnant? | Parents
FAQ
Is shrimp ceviche ok when pregnant?
Most foods are safe to eat while pregnant, but ceviche isn’t one of them.May 1, 2025