Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp Paste?

Shrimp paste, also known as belacan, terasi, kapi, or trassi, is a popular ingredient used in Southeast Asian cuisines. It is made from fermented ground shrimp mixed with salt The fermentation process helps enhance the umami flavor of the shrimp

Many pregnant women wonder if it’s safe to consume shrimp paste during pregnancy. Here is a detailed look at the benefits, risks, and precautions regarding eating shrimp paste when pregnant.

Is Shrimp Paste Safe During Pregnancy?

Shrimp paste made at home from fully cooked shrimp is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy However, commercially prepared shrimp paste may contain higher levels of sodium as a preservative.

The main concern with eating shrimp paste in pregnancy is the risk of foodborne illnesses if the shrimp paste becomes contaminated with bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella. Listeria infection (listeriosis) during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy complications like miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor.

To avoid foodborne illnesses, pregnant women should take precautions when consuming shrimp paste:

Only eat homemade shrimp paste where you can monitor the cleanliness and cooking. Avoid store-bought and restaurant shrimp paste.
When making shrimp paste at home, ensure the shrimp is thoroughly cooked at the right temperature to kill off harmful bacteria.
Don’t let the shrimp sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours before cooking. Refrigerate promptly.
Use the shrimp paste within 3-4 days and keep refrigerated. Discard if any mold appears.

As long as basic food safety guidelines are followed, eating moderate amounts of homemade shrimp paste prepared from cooked shrimp should be fine during pregnancy. Limit intake to a couple of times per week.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp Paste

Here are some of the key nutrients found in shrimp paste:

Protein

Shrimp are an excellent source of high-quality protein needed for fetal development during pregnancy. The protein in shrimp paste can help meet your daily protein requirements.

Iron

Iron is essential for increased blood production and preventing iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy. Shrimp contain a good amount of heme iron that is more easily absorbed by your body compared to non-heme iron from plant sources.

Omega-3s

Shrimp provide omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA that are vital for your baby’s brain and eye development. Consuming adequate omega-3s from seafood like shrimp may lower the chances of preterm delivery.

Vitamin B12

Shrimp paste contains vitamin B12 which is key for energy production and red blood cell formation in your growing baby. Low maternal levels of B12 during pregnancy have been linked with growth problems in infants.

Selenium

This important mineral supports your immune system and thyroid function during pregnancy. Shrimp are a rich source of selenium.

Zinc

Zinc assists with cell growth and modulation of the immune system. It also aids DNA and protein synthesis in your growing baby.

So in addition to providing a delicious umami flavor, shrimp paste can supply many beneficial nutrients to support pregnancy health.

Safety Precautions for Eating Shrimp Paste

Along with the risk of food poisoning if contaminated, here are some other precautions to keep in mind:

Limit intake to 2-3 servings per week as excessive mercury exposure from seafood may affect your baby’s brain development.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked shrimp paste. Only consume shrimp paste that has been thoroughly cooked.
Check the sodium content per serving, especially for commercially made pastes. Avoid excessive sodium intake during pregnancy.
If you have seafood allergies, refrain from shrimp paste altogether to prevent potential reactions.
Don’t eat shrimp paste if you have gestational diabetes or blood pressure issues. Shrimp paste is high in sodium.
Make sure to monitor best-by dates and proper storage instructions on the packaging. Don’t eat expired shrimp paste.

As long as you take basic food safety precautions and pay attention to nutritional labels, moderate amounts of shrimp paste made from fully-cooked shrimp can be included as part of a healthy pregnancy diet. For extra assurance, check with your doctor about your specific diet concerns.

Tips for Safely Eating Shrimp Paste During Pregnancy

Here are some tips to help minimize risks when eating shrimp paste while pregnant:

Opt for homemade shrimp paste where you control the ingredients and cooking method.
When buying shrimp, choose fresh, raw, shell-on shrimp. Avoid pre-peeled.
Wash hands, prep area, utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw shrimp.
Cook the shrimp thoroughly until opaque and flaky. Use a food thermometer to confirm it reaches 145°F internally.
Make the paste within 1-2 days of cooking the shrimp for safety and maximum flavor.
Keep the shrimp paste refrigerated at 40°F or less and use within 3-4 days. Discard if moldy.
Heat up the shrimp paste thoroughly when using it in recipes to reduce bacteria risk. Don’t eat it raw.
Avoid buying shrimp paste in bulk. Buy smaller amounts and use up quicker.
When eating out, inquire how the shrimp paste was prepared. Avoid if raw or questionable.

With proper handling and hygiene, pregnant women can still enjoy the signature flavor of shrimp paste. Just be vigilant about food safety. Also, limit weekly intake and check sodium content if store-bought.

Healthy Recipes With Shrimp Paste for Pregnancy

Here are some tasty and nutritious recipe ideas for pregnant women wanting to incorporate shrimp paste into their diet:

Shrimp Paste Chicken Wings – Marinate baked chicken wings in shrimp paste, garlic, ginger and lemongrass for a flavorful appetizer.
Shrimp Paste Veggie Fried Rice – Stir fry rice with shrimp paste, eggs, mixed vegetables and tofu. Quick and protein-packed meal.
Shrimp Paste Noodle Soup – Flavor a noodle soup with shrimp paste, mushrooms, bok choy, basil and rice noodles. Comforting and light dinner.
Shrimp Paste Condiment – Mix shrimp paste with lime juice, garlic, chili and palm sugar for a tangy dipping sauce for spring rolls or grilled meats.
Shrimp & Pineapple Red Curry – Simmer shrimp and pineapple in coconut milk red curry flavored with shrimp paste. Serve over brown rice.

The umami richness of shrimp paste can elevate so many simple meals. Take care to handle raw shrimp properly and cook the shrimp thoroughly before making any shrimp paste recipes. This allows pregnant women to enjoy shrimp paste safely.

The Takeaway on Eating Shrimp Paste During Pregnancy

Shrimp paste made under hygienic conditions from thoroughly cooked shrimp may be safe for consumption during pregnancy in moderation. However, pregnant women should take precautions to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses when handling raw shrimp and prepare the shrimp paste properly at home. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns. With some care taken during preparation and storage, shrimp paste can be an appetizing way for moms-to-be to enjoy the nutritional benefits of shrimp during pregnancy. Just be mindful of food safety.

True or False: Pregnant women should avoid eating fish and seafood due to mercury concerns

FAQ

Is it safe to eat shrimp paste?

Kapi is traditional Thai shrimp paste and is usually used as a seasoning. Traditional fermented foods are considered safe due to their long-standing consumption history, despite not having been evaluated for hygiene and microbiologically safety.

Can you eat paste when pregnant?

Thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruit. Avoid foods such as pate, cold cooked chicken and deli meats such as ham and salami unless reheated to high temperature e.g., on a pizza.

Can I eat shrimp while pregnant?

Yes. “As long as the shrimp is fully cooked and not raw, it’s safe to eat in pregnancy,” says Dr. Holthaus. It’s fairly unusual to encounter raw shrimp in a restaurant, but you may find it in ceviche (a Peruvian dish made with raw seafood marinated in lemon or lime juice) and some sushi.

Can pregnant women eat shrimp scampi?

As long as they are fully cooked, shrimp are a healthy seafood choice for most pregnant women. In fact, it’s recommended by the FDA and EPA that women eat a variety of seafood that totals at least 8 to 12 oz. per week.

Can you eat shrimp during pregnancy?

Shrimp is safe to eat during pregnancy. However, it should be well cooked to at least 145ºF (about 62.78ºC) to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Doctors may recommend that people avoid eating some fish and seafood during pregnancy to protect themselves and the fetus from mercury exposure and food poisoning.

Are fish & shellfish safe during pregnancy?

The FDA highlights some key nutrients in fish and shellfish, such as shrimp, that support the development of a child’s brain during pregnancy, breastfeeding or chestfeeding, and early childhood. These nutrients include: Omega-3 fatty acids may improve pregnancy outcomes in some people.

Can I eat fish and seafood during pregnancy?

Doctors may recommend that people avoid eating some fish and seafood during pregnancy to protect themselves and the fetus from mercury exposure and food poisoning. However, eating some types of fish and seafood, such as shrimp, during pregnancy can be beneficial.

Can pregnant people eat shrimp cooked in a casserole?

Pregnant people can also eat shrimp cooked in a casserole heated to 165 degrees F. However, avoiding other types of refrigerated seafood is essential unless it’s in a cooked dish. Shrimp is safe for most pregnant and breastfeeding people because it is low in mercury. Mercury is a toxic metal that can cross the placenta.