can I eat foie gras?

[cryingatthediscoteque]

Am going for dinner for MIL's 60th at Michelin star restaurant this weekend. We are having a v. expensive set menu paid for by FIL. Foie gras is on the menu, can I eat it, or should I ask for an alternative? I don't want to be seen to be making a fuss when I am being treated to such a nice meal.

Don't think so, no... but I'm sure it won't hurt

It's made from liver, and so contains high levels of vitamin A (which if eaten regularly can be harmful to the developing foetus), and it's a sort of pate, which carries a small listeria risk. However - if it's just the once, I really doubt it will do you any harm. Foie gras is a v. expensive, luxury type foodstuff so you're likely to get a teeny portion anyway.

I've eaten pate a few times in this pregnancy (early on, before I'd found out it was a no-no) and both me and the bump are fine. As with all things in pregnancy, it's up to you whether you feel comfortable shouldering the risk - although it's v. small, it's still a risk after all.

Not officially, although I know ladies who do...

I'd go for it, but I'd make sure it's on the cold side. It's worth asking if it's tinned or from a jar, as there's a (very) minor risk of the jar having a damaged seal - I'm sure it's safe but I once came across a jar that had turned - though it smelt so bad no-one would have served it up anyway! Enjoy your meal...