Eating Duck During Pregnancy – Benefits, Risks and Precautions

You have probably heard different things about eating duck during pregnancy. The stigma around it suggests that pregnant women can feel tired when they eat duck. We highly doubt it. Duck meat is savoured in several parts of the world across various cuisines. However, duck is highly nutritious for pregnant women. It offers multiple nutritional benefits, from being a high protein source to enhancing cellular metabolism. However, before we begin, we need to break the stigma around eating duck when pregnant. In this article, we will learn about eating ducks, the benefits of eating duck in pregnancy, whether or not you should eat duck meat during pregnancy’s first trimester, and some easy-to-cook recipes. 

What Is Duck Meat? 

Duck is white meat, which is part of the poultry family. The presence of myoglobin classifies duck meat as white meat. Though people from across the world relish different delicacies of duck meat, the method of cooking duck varies from one region to region. Pekin duck meat is the most common duck meat eaten in the United States of America. Pekin ducks are also known as the ‘Long Island’ ducks.

Nutritional Profile of Duck Meat

Here is the simple-to-understand nutritional value of 100g of cooked duck meat as per the USDA (1). 

Can You Eat Duck Meat When Pregnant?

You can eat duck meat when you are pregnant. Anything consumed in moderation does not have bad effects on the body. It is, however, advised to eat cooked duck that is well cooked to at least 165°F when pregnant (2). Do not eat undercooked or raw meat, as they can contain harmful bacteria for the expecting mother. It can result in unnecessary complications for the mother and have a possibility of harming the fetus.

Health Benefits of Having Duck While Pregnant 

Many expectant mothers have this question in mind, “Is duck good for pregnancy?” Yes, eating duck during pregnancy is good. The benefits that mothers can reap by eating ducks during pregnancy are listed below (3).

1. Excellent Source of Protein

Duck is rich in high-quality protein. It includes a wide variety of amino acids a pregnant lady requires and meets the daily protein intake. Protein helps boost the growth and development of the fetus and build the placenta, red blood cells, and tissues of the baby’s body. Protein generally improves the body’s immunity, skin, nails, and hair (4).

2. Immunity Booster

Duck meat is a good source of antioxidants, and it contains a mineral called selenium. It works to prevent inflammation and prevent the body cells from being damaged, as well as improve thyroid functioning (5). Prevent cell damage and prevent inflammation, thereby boosting your immune system. Hence, duct meat helps a pregnant woman fight different infections or diseases that may occur during pregnancy. It is also an excellent source of zinc, which also helps pregnant women strengthen their immune system or offers an antioxidant defence mechanism (6) (7).

3. Promotes Healthy Heart

Duck meat has Omega-3 fatty acids, which help develop the baby’s nervous system, brain, and eyes (1). These fatty acids also help lower high blood pressure levels and thus reduce the potential risk of evolving heart ailments.

4. Source of Antioxidants

Duck meat has antioxidants that effectively fight free radicals in the body. The presence of extra free radicals in the body can cause different diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart issues. Antioxidants protect the body cells against free radicals and reduce the chances of developing pregnancy complications like preterm birth and foetal growth restriction (FGR) (8).

5. Excellent Source of Vitamin B

Vitamin B, also known as Vitamin B complex, is found abundantly in duck meat. Vitamin B complex comprises eight vitamins; all these are put together to help the mother in multiple ways, including the growth of the fetus and then the baby. Some examples are increased energy levels, brain development, neural tube formation, vision, nervous system spine, etc.

6. Rich Calcium and Phosphorus

The presence of calcium and phosphorus plays an essential role in developing and strengthening the bones and teeth of the baby. Calcium also helps build the baby’s muscles, heart, and nerves. It helps to prevent preeclampsia and osteoporosis, which are common pregnancy complications faced by many pregnant women. 

7. Improves Hemoglobin Count and Avoids Anaemia

Haemoglobin is found in red blood cells within the body. These help in transmitting oxygen to the tissues in the body. Duck meat is a high source of iron content, thereby helping prevent iron deficiency and avoiding anaemia (9). An expectant mother needs a sufficient quantity of iron for the unborn baby and herself.

Risks of Eating Duck When Pregnant 

Below are the two commonly related risks of eating duck when pregnant. Read them to understand and make a conscious decision before eating duck.

1. Listeria or Listeriosis 

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of pathogenic bacteria that is found in animal meat, cheese, soil water, etc. They can survive in refrigerated foods like refrigerated pates, meat spreads, ready-to-eat meat, dairy products, etc. When a pregnant mother consumes this bacterium through food, it can easily transmit the bacteria to the baby. Symptoms of listeria include fever, muscle pain, chills, headache, etc. At times, the risks include meningitis, spontaneous abortion, and other bacterial infections.

2. Toxoplasmosis 

This is a parasite that is present in meat and soil. This can be easily detected through blood tests during early signs and stages of pregnancy. If you are immune and have antibodies, don’t worry about toxoplasmosis; however, the bacteria don’t get killed during cooking.

Pregnancy Safe Duck Recipes to Try 

Here are some easy duck recipes to try during pregnancy.

1. Duck a l’Orange

Total Cook Time: 50 Minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Duck Legs: 4
• Butter: 50 grams
• Oranges: 2 (for the sauce and garnishing)
• Orange Juice: 200 ml
• Red Wine: 200 ml
• Chicken Stock: 100 ml
• Honey: 1 tablespoon
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. First, use a zester to zest the orange.
2. Now remove the peel and pith and break the orange into different parts – keep aside the zest and the parts.
3. Remove the duck skin with a sharp knife. Then season it with pepper.
4. Take a pan and heat butter in it. Now add the duck once the butter is hot.
5. Now let the duck cook for 10 minutes. Now turn the heat off – flip the duck over, and allow it to sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Ensure the flame is off.
6. Make sure the duck is cooked properly without any part being left raw or uncooked. Now remove it from the pan. Set it aside and cover it to keep it warm.
7. The next step is to make the sauce using the same pan.
8. Remove the duck fat, put the red wine, chicken stock, orange juice, honey, orange parts, and the orange peel.
9. Bring all of it to a boil and then put on simmer for 2-3 minutes. Continue to stir.
10. Once cooked, it is ready to serve.
11. Carve the duck and serve it with orange sauce. Add some boiled vegetables like potatoes and carrots along.

2. Crispy Duck Pancake

Total Cook Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes

Serves: 5

Ingredients 

• Chinese Pancakes: 2 Packs (100gms each)
• Whole Duck: 2 Kgs dressed
• Spring Onions: 1 bunch finely shredded
• Cucumber: 1 finely shredded
• Orange (large): 1 peeled
• Hoisin Sauce: 120 Gms
• Cinnamon Powder: 1 tsp
• Ginger: 50 gms finely sliced
• Sichuan peppercorns: 2 teaspoon
• Five Spice: 2 teaspoon
• Sea Salt Flakes: 2 teaspoon
• Oil: to grease

For the Glaze:

• Hoisin Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Shaoxing Rice Wine: 1 tablespoon
• Honey: ½ tablespoon
• Five Spice: 1/4th teaspoon

Instructions 

1. Preheat the microwave oven to 170°C. 
2. Take a large roasting tin, line it with foil, and place an oiled metal rack over the top. 
3. Now take the dressed duck and, with the help of a fork, prick all over. Put it in the fridge uncovered for 2 hours. 
4. Mix five-spice Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, and salt and make powder out of it.
5. Now rub this powder mix all over the duck, inside and out. 
6. Put the orange peel and ginger into the bird’s cavity, place it on the prepared rack and roast it in the oven for two hours.
7. Mix the glaze ingredients. 
8. Once the duck is roasted, remove it from the oven. Increase the temperature to 200°C. 
9. From the tin, pour away the collected fat. Now, place the duck back on the rack over the tin.
10. Generously brush the duck with the glaze and place it in the oven for 15 minutes.
11. Brush the glaze every 5 minutes until the duck’s skin becomes crispy, and the duck meat is carefully cooked. 
12. Now remove it from the oven, cover it, and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Then shred the meat and set it aside.
13. Warm the pancakes and follow the pack instructions to serve rolled up with the shredded meat, with hoisin, cucumber, and spring onion inside.

Safety Tips to Ensure Before Having Duck Meat in Pregnancy 

It is very important to take precautions before eating duck when pregnant. Duck meat needs to be cooked thoroughly before eating, at least at 165°F. Organise the refrigerator properly, and keep the raw meat, cooked food, and ready-to-eat food separately. Leftover food needs to be warmed properly before being eaten. Ensure you do not eat raw, dried, or smoked duck meat.

Do not touch foods that are risky to consume. Ensure you wash your hands properly and rinse the kitchen utensils cautiously. Remember not to rub your eyes.

Who Is Recommended to Avoid Duck Meat During Pregnancy?

If you have a cold or fever, it’s best to avoid duck meat as it is considered to have a cooling effect on the body. Those with arthritis or gout should steer clear of duck meat because its purines can raise uric acid levels and worsen pain. Additionally, people with poor digestion or kidney problems should also avoid duck meat.

FAQs 

Below are the answers to some of the most commonly and frequently asked questions related to duck and pregnancy. Read them carefully to know what options a pregnant woman can consider and whatnot.

1. Is it safe to eat duck eggs in pregnancy? 

Yes, it’s safe to eat both the duck and the duck eggs during pregnancy. However, the duck meat and the egg need to be cooked properly. Do not consume raw meat as it can lead to constipation during pregnancy.

2. Is it okay to eat duck breasts or duck steaks during pregnancy?

Duck meat contains two types of bacteria: Campylobacter and Salmonella (10). These bacteria get killed only when they are cooked properly at a high temperature of 165°F. Hence, it is not advisable to eat pink duck. Duck breasts and duck steaks are usually cooked in rare to medium heat.

3. Can I have crispy duck (Peking duck) and duck spring rolls during pregnancy?

Yes, you can have Crispy Duck (Peking Duck) and Duck Spring Rolls During Pregnancy. Crispy duck is thoroughly cooked, and duck spring rolls are deep-fried in hot oil before serving.

4. Can I eat Duck Terrine and Duck Pate (Duck Liver Pate) when pregnant? 

The answer is simply a no. Duck pate and duck terrine have a high chance of causing listeriosis or listeria. This is an infection that enters the body through contaminated food. Listeria causes very severe infections in pregnant women.

Duck is generally safe to eat when you are pregnant, provided it is cooked properly. Consult your doctor before you begin eating duck meat when you are pregnant. Duck meat has immense minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other essential vitamins beneficial for an expectant mother. Thus, it is considered a highly nutritious food. Follow the recipes, tips, and ways suggested to eat duck meat and enjoy your pregnancy period.

References/Resources:

1. Duck, domesticated, meat and skin, cooked, roasted; USDA; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172409/nutrients

2. Food Safety for Children, Pregnant Women, Older Adults, and those with Impaired Immune Systems; Univerity of Nevada, Reno Extension; https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=4747

3. Nutritional Food Fact Sheet Series; Government of Northwest Territories; https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/nutritional-food-fact-sheet-series/duck

4. Prenatal Nutrition; Michigan Medicine; https://www.med.umich.edu/pfans/_pdf/hetm-2017/0417-prenatalnutrition.pdf; April 2017

5. Hubalewska-Dydejczyk A, Duntas L, Gilis-Januszewska A. Pregnancy, thyroid, and the potential use of selenium. Hormones (Athens).; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7033058/; March 2020

6. Wilcock. F; The Complete Pregnancy Cookbook; https://books.google.co.in/books?id=ChUUBgAAQBAJ&pg=PT48&dq=duck+safe+in+pregnancy&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CC4Q6AEwA2oVChMIy6LCsvKFxwIVpnumCh16SgWk#v=onepage&q=duck%20safe%20in%20pregnancy&f=false

7. Kumari. D, et al.; Zinc homeostasis in immunity and its association with preterm births; Scandinavian Journal of Immunology; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/sji.13142; January 2022

8. Sebastiani G, Navarro-Tapia E, Almeida-Toledano L, Serra-Delgado M, Paltrinieri AL, García-Algar Ó, Andreu-Fernández V. Effects of Antioxidant Intake on Fetal Development and Maternal/Neonatal Health during Pregnancy. Antioxidants (Basel).; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9028185/; March 2022

9. Keith. L. G, et al.; Multiple Pregnancy: Epidemiology, Gestation, and Perinatal Outcome; The Parthenon Publishing Group; https://books.google.co.in/books?id=9SGiQsVevlwC&pg=PA305&dq=duck+iron+content+in+pregnancy&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAGoVChMIjKfChfOFxwIVwSSmCh1M9AY7#v=onepage&q=duck%20iron%20content%20in%20pregnancy&f=false; 1995

10. Pelić; D. L, et al.; The epidemiological significance of duck meat as a source of Salmonella spp. a review; World’s Pultry Science Journal; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348577156_The_epidemiological_significance_of_duck_meat_as_a_source_of_Salmonella_spp_a_review; January 2021

Also Read:

Eating Fish when Pregnant
Eating Chicken during Pregnancy
Is It Safe to Eat Turkey in Pregnancy
Eating Meat while Pregnant – Is It Safe?

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