Can You Eat Game Birds When Pregnant?
Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
The NHS advises avoiding game that has been shot with lead pellets during pregnancy. Farmed game, thoroughly cooked, is fine.
Why is game birds a concern in pregnancy?
Wild game birds such as pheasant and partridge are often shot with lead ammunition, and lead exposure should be avoided in pregnancy as it can harm a baby's development. The NHS advises not eating game shot with lead while pregnant. Farmed game and game confirmed shot with non-lead ammunition is fine when thoroughly cooked.
You can also check the calorie content of game birds alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Ask your butcher whether the bird was shot with lead. Farmed game is lead-free.
As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
Check Price →Pregnancy food guide
A paper reference for the fridge door — no more mid-supermarket googling.
Check Price →Digital food thermometer
Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
More pregnancy essentials
Baby-safe food thermometer
Useful for pregnancy cooking checks and later for baby food.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Common questions
Can I eat game birds in the first trimester?
Yes — fully cooked game birds is safe at every stage of pregnancy.
Is a small amount of game birds OK during pregnancy?
No limit applies to properly cooked game birds; enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
I accidentally ate game birds while pregnant — what should I do?
Fully cooked game birds is safe, so no action is needed. If you suspect it was undercooked, the risk from one meal is still low — mention any flu-like symptoms to your midwife or GP.
Is cooked game birds safe in pregnancy?
Yes — fully cooked is exactly how game birds should be eaten during pregnancy.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.