can I eat prawns (shrimp)?
Cooked prawns are safe to eat during pregnancy — including cold cooked prawns from the supermarket, prawn cocktail and prawn curry. They're low in mercury and a good source of protein. Only raw prawns should be avoided.
why it matters
Prawns are small, short-lived shellfish, so they don't accumulate mercury the way big fish do. The only real risk is bacteria or viruses in raw or undercooked shellfish, which thorough cooking eliminates. Pre-cooked chilled prawns sold in the UK are considered safe.
how to have it safely
Make sure prawns are cooked until pink and opaque all the way through. Pre-cooked cold prawns are fine as long as they've been kept chilled and eaten within their use-by date.
worth knowing
- Prawns count as one of the FDA's 'best choices' — 2–3 servings a week is encouraged.
- Cold pre-cooked prawns (the pink ones) are safe in the UK — they've already been fully cooked.
- Avoid raw prawns in dishes like some ceviches or raw 'drunken shrimp'.
- Prawn crackers and well-cooked prawn tempura are fine too.
common questions
Can I eat prawn cocktail while pregnant?
Yes. The prawns in prawn cocktail are pre-cooked, and shop-bought mayonnaise or Marie Rose sauce is made with pasteurised egg, so the whole dish is considered safe.
How do I know prawns are cooked properly?
They turn from grey and translucent to pink and opaque. If you're cooking raw prawns at home, keep them on the heat until there's no grey translucence left.
also in fish & seafood
Aligned with guidance from the NHS, FDA and WHO. This is general information, not personal medical advice — check with your midwife or doctor about your own situation. How we write.