Can I eat shrimp during pregnancy???

Question

I was considering going to Olive Garden today and can't figure out what I can and can't eat... Is shrimp okay???

I was looking at the Chicken & Shrimp carbonara, but don't know if I can have shrimp.

Then I was looking at a stuffed chicken marsala... but don't know the cheeses its stuffed with.

Who knew it would be this hard to pick something to eat???

Answer 1

Lol I know, isn't it? Yes, you can have shrimp. Just limit your consumption to once a week because of the possible traces of mercury.

Answer 2

Check out webmd.com's information on pregnancy.  Also, read the Mayo Clinic's Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy (very good read).  Ultimately, there's been debate on whether or not shrimp or fish is okay to eat during pregnancy.  The final conclusion:

The FDA suggests pregnant women not eat more than 12 ounces (two average-size servings) of fish per week. Allowable fish include canned light tuna, shrimp, salmon, pollack, or catfish. For albacore tuna (also known as "white" tuna), which has higher mercury content than canned light tuna, consumption should be limited to 6 ounces per week.

Fish to avoid include swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish, which contain high levels of mercury.

Hope this helps!