During pregnancy, the pregnant woman is keen to pay attention to nutrition, eat healthy foods, and avoid harmful foods, the most prominent of which are some types of fish and seafood that contain a high percentage of mercury. If you are wondering whether shrimp is safe during pregnancy and what are the most prominent Benefits of shrimp for pregnant women Continue reading this article to find out the answer.

Is shrimp safe for pregnant women?

Yes.. You can eat shrimp during pregnancy, as it is considered a healthy, safe and beneficial food for pregnant women, because it contains a high percentage of protein and is considered to have a distinctive taste and taste. It also contains a high and beneficial nutritional value and does not contain high levels of fat compared to some other types of fish.

Most of the warnings about eating fish during pregnancy are related to the fact that some species contain mercury, which can pass through the placenta and cause birth defects in the fetus. However, shrimp contains a very low percentage of mercury, which makes it safe when eaten in moderation and in a small amount of no more than 8 to 12 grams. An ounce per week, divided into more than one meal.

It is essential to prepare shrimp at home to make sure it is cleaned, heads removed and cooked thoroughly as eating raw foods during pregnancy can lead to poisoning and infection.

Benefits of shrimp for pregnant women

Shrimp has a high nutritional value because it contains protein in high proportions. It also contains many vitamins and minerals necessary to support the health of the mother and fetus, which makes it beneficial as follows:

Weight maintenance

Shrimp is considered one of the healthy food options during pregnancy because it contains low levels of fat, which helps prevent weight gain, in addition to its role in supporting heart health and regulating cholesterol.

Supporting fetal growth

Shrimp contains high levels of protein, which is necessary for the proper development of the fetus, and is also rich in amino acids that support the development of the fetus.

Prevents anemia

For every 100 gm of shrimp eaten, the body gets 1.8 grams of iron, which is an important dietary mineral for the growth and development of the fetus. It also prevents exposure to the risk of anemia during pregnancy and thus reduces the risk of premature birth. It also helps to reach sufficient blood to the fetus.

Supports the development of the nervous system of the fetus

Shrimp is a good source of omega-3, which helps the development of the nervous system and eyes and prevents neural tube defects in the fetus, as some studies indicate that pregnant women who consume safe seafood give birth to babies with distinct and good cognitive skills.

Strengthen the bones

One of the most important benefits of shrimp for a pregnant woman is that it contributes to strengthening the mother’s bones and supporting the growth of fetal bones because it contains calcium, vitamins and other essential minerals that work to maintain bones, balance fluids and regulate the secretion of enzymes in the body.

Where 100 grams of shrimp contains 100 mg of calcium, 40 micrograms of selenium, 300 mg of phosphorus, and amounts of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and B vitamins.

How to cook and eat shrimp?

The process of cooking shrimp is important to avoid the chances of infection or poisoning. You can cook it as follows:

• Use cold running water to clean the shrimp.
• Peel the shrimp and remove the black thread on the back of the shrimp.
• Boil the shrimp.
• You can also eat it grilled or fried according to your desire.

After knowing the highlights Benefits of shrimp for pregnant women It is necessary to choose safe types of seafood that contain low levels of mercury and eat them in moderate quantities to avoid the risk of infection or poisoning, with our wishes for continued health and happiness for you and your child.