Can pregnant women eat frog meat?

Pregnant women are generally advised not to eat frogs to avoid potential discomfort.

Frogs are wild amphibians that may carry parasites such as sparganum and Spirometra mansoni, as well as bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria. These pathogens might not be completely eliminated even after high-temperature cooking. Infection in pregnant women may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, and could potentially affect fetal development through the placenta, increasing the risk of miscarriage and fetal malformations. Particularly wild frogs, which live in complex environments, have a higher probability of infection.

Frogs raised in agricultural fields may ingest pesticides and insecticides or accumulate heavy metals due to environmental pollution. After consumption by pregnant women, these toxins may enter the fetal body through the bloodstream, affecting the development of the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs.

The main nutritional component of frog meat is protein, but common foods such as eggs, milk, lean meat, and fish can also provide high-quality protein with greater safety. For example, deep-sea fish are rich in DHA, which supports fetal brain development, and iron in lean meat can help prevent anemia during pregnancy. Choosing these alternative ingredients can meet nutritional needs while avoiding the health risks associated with eating frogs.