Eating Duck When Pregnant – Is It Safe?

By Baani Sethi | Updated: 31/10/2025

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 a white meat bird in the poultry family. The presence of myoglobin classifies duck meat as white meat. Though people across the world relish different duck dishes, the methods of cooking duck vary from one region to another. 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 Value of Duck Meat

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

Nutrients	Quantity
Energy	337 kcal
Protein	19 g
Total Fat	28.4 g
Carbohydrates	0 g
Fibre	0 g
Sodium	59 mg
Cholesterol	84 mg
Calcium	11 mg
Iron	2.7 mg
Potassium	204 mg
Zinc	1.86 mg
Magnesium	16 mg

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 it can contain harmful bacteria and parasites, which is not good for the expectant mother’s health. It can result in unnecessary complications for the mother and may harm the fetus (3).

What about smoked duck? Well, consuming smoked duck in pregnancy is not safe and thus not recommended unless it is thoroughly cooked. Several studies have reported that smoked duck dishes are not microbiologically safe for consumption, as there is a possibility of listeriosis through smoked ducks (4). If you want to eat smoked duck while pregnant, make sure it is cooked thoroughly until no longer pink. If you have doubts, avoid it altogether.

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 (5).

1. Excellent Source of Protein

Duck is rich in high-quality protein. It includes a wide variety of amino acids that 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.

2. Immunity Booster

Duck meat is a good source of antioxidants and contains the mineral selenium. It helps prevent inflammation and protects body cells from damage, as well as improves thyroid function (6). 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 helps pregnant women strengthen their immune systems and provides antioxidant defence (7) (8).

3. Promotes a Healthy Heart

Duck meat has Omega-3 fatty acids, which help develop the baby’s nervous system, brain, and eyes (5). These fatty acids also help lower high blood pressure levels and thus reduce the potential risk of developing 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 body cells against free radicals and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and foetal growth restriction (FGR) (9).

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, and spine.

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 (10). 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 bacterium 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, and dairy products. 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

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

Pregnancy-safe Duck Recipes to Try

Here are some easy duck recipes to try during pregnancy.

1. Duck a l’Orange

This dinner duck recipe is a great meal option when you want to treat yourself!

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

First, use a zester to zest the orange.
Now, remove the peel and pith, and break the orange into segments – keep the zest and the segments aside.
Remove the duck skin with a sharp knife. Then season it with pepper.
Heat butter in a pan. Now add the duck once the butter is hot.
Now let the duck cook for 10 minutes. Now turn off the heat, flip the duck over, and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Ensure the flame is off.
Make sure the duck is cooked thoroughly, with no part left raw or undercooked. Now remove it from the pan. Set it aside and cover it to keep it warm.
The next step is to make the sauce using the same pan.
Remove the duck fat, put the red wine, chicken stock, orange juice, honey, orange parts, and the orange peel.
Bring all of it to a boil and then put it on a simmer for 2-3 minutes. Continue to stir.
Once cooked, it is ready to serve.
Carve the duck and serve it with orange sauce. Add some boiled vegetables like potatoes and carrots along.

2. Crispy Duck Pancake

Give your morning breakfast a twist with this savoury crispy duck pancake. It’s a hearty breakfast option that will keep you full for a long time.

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 teaspoons
Five Spice: 2 teaspoons
Sea Salt Flakes: 2 teaspoons
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

Preheat the microwave oven to 170°C.
Take a large roasting tin, line it with foil, and place an oiled metal rack over the top.
Now take the dressed duck and, with a fork, prick it all over. Put it in the fridge uncovered for 2 hours.
Mix five-spice Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, and salt, then make a powder.
Now rub this powder mix all over the duck, inside and out.
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.
Mix the glaze ingredients.
Once the duck is roasted, remove it from the oven. Increase the temperature to 200°C.
From the tin, pour away the collected fat. Now, place the duck back on the rack over the tin.
Generously brush the duck with the glaze and place it in the oven for 15 minutes.
Brush the glaze every 5 minutes until the duck’s skin is crispy and the duck meat is fully cooked.
Remove it from the oven, cover it, and let it rest for 15 minutes. Then shred the meat and set it aside.
Warm the pancakes and follow the pack instructions to serve rolled up with the shredded meat, with hoisin, cucumber, and spring onion inside.

3. Stir-Fried Duck With Broccoli

This healthy and nutritious stir-fried duck, topped with veggies like broccoli, is like a warm hug. Tasty and nutrient-dense, this recipe can be easily cooked. Pair it with hot rice or noodles, and you are good to go.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Total Cook Time: 30-40 Minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

4–6 skinless duck breast fillets (partially frozen for easier slicing)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ tsp sesame oil
1½ tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
3 green onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced
2 cups button mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
¾ cup vegetable or meat broth
½ tsp hoisin sauce
1 cup bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 cup snow peas, strings removed
Warm steamed rice or noodles, for serving

Method:

While still slightly frozen, slice the duck fillets thinly across the grain. Transfer to a bowl and toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour to let the flavors soak in.
Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add green onions, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for about a minute until fragrant.
Add the marinated duck slices to the wok and cook, stirring constantly, until the meat is lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same wok, stir-fry mushrooms and broccoli for around 2 minutes. Then pour in the broth and hoisin sauce along with the bell pepper strips. Bring to a gentle boil and let the sauce start to thicken.
Toss in the snow peas and cook for another minute. Return the duck to the wok and stir-fry everything together until evenly coated and glossy.
Spoon the stir-fried duck and vegetables over warm steamed rice or noodles. Drizzle with the savory sauce and serve immediately while hot.

Safety Tips to Consider 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 thoroughly and rinse kitchen utensils carefully. 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.

Alternatives to Eating Duck While Pregnant

If you are looking for healthy and protein alternatives to duck while pregnant, here are some you may consider:

Chicken – Excellent lean-meat protein source
Salmon – Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids; excellent for heart health
Tofu – Plant-based protein; low in fat
Quinoa – High protein source; gluten-free
Lentils – Plant-based protein; high in fibre and iron

FAQs

Below are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to consuming 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 (11). 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 at 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?

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.

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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