Not recommended
Game meat may contain traces of lead, which is neurotoxic to the fetus.
As a precaution, it is recommended not to eat game during pregnancy.
Lead comes from ammunition used in hunting. Even when well cooked, game meat may contain invisible lead fragments. ANSES recommends that pregnant women and children completely avoid large game meat (wild boar, roe deer, deer).
If you eat farmed game (not hunted), the lead-related risk is significantly lower. However, like all meat, it must be well cooked to prevent toxoplasmosis.
To learn more, read our comprehensive guide: everything you need to know about this food during pregnancy
No, hunted game meat is not recommended during pregnancy. It may contain traces of lead from ammunition, a heavy metal that is neurotoxic to the fetus even at low doses.
The main risk is lead exposure, which is neurotoxic to the fetus and can affect brain development. Hunted game can also pose a risk of toxoplasmosis if the meat is undercooked.
No, wild boar is large game hunted with lead-containing ammunition. ANSES recommends that pregnant women completely avoid consuming large game during pregnancy.
An occasional serving of game does not present a major risk. Lead accumulates in the body with repeated exposure. Simply avoid eating it again for the rest of your pregnancy.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Get tips and advice to support you through your pregnancy!
The information on this site is reviewed by our scientific committee to reflect the latest scientific research and official recommendations. The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable to your particular situation. This website does not provide medical advice and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional.
Some content published on this site uses open data from the Open Food Facts. Graphic credits: Unsplash, the noon project, icons8.
Copyright © 2021-2026 Mamivia
