Can You Eat Raw Eggs While Pregnant?
Trimester Safety
Why to avoid Raw Eggs in pregnancy
It's best to skip raw eggs during pregnancy, here's the honest why. In this form it can carry a level of contamination or natural compounds that aren't worth the risk while you're expecting.
The good news: there are plenty of satisfying swaps below, and Real Food for Pregnancy is a lovely guide if you want confident answers for the whole nine months.
Safer Alternatives
Skip Raw Eggs for now and choose a pregnancy-safe alternative instead, the section below suggests options. When in doubt, follow NHS, CDC, ACOG and FDA guidance and ask your midwife.
💛 Already eaten some Raw Eggs? Please don’t panic.
Try to breathe. An accidental one-off is rarely a cause for serious concern, and the worry itself is harder on you than it needs to be. Simply avoid Raw Eggs from here on, and speak to your midwife or GP if you feel unwell or anxious. You’re looking after your baby just by checking.
Stop second-guessing every meal, get the free cheat sheet ↓What to know about Raw Eggs in pregnancy
Here’s the practical picture for Raw Eggs. Raw and unprocessed foods can carry bacteria such as listeria, salmonella and E. coli. Washing and, where relevant, cooking reduces the risk.
Safe preparation & tips
- Wash raw produce thoroughly under running water
- Avoid raw sprouts and any raw animal products
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate
- When in doubt, cook it
💛 Handling raw foods safely
Things expecting moms commonly find helpful. Always check with your OB-GYN or midwife before adding a supplement.
Affiliate note: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, it helps keep this checker free.
Popular pregnancy food checks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat Raw Eggs while pregnant?
Raw Eggs is generally not recommended during pregnancy. See the guidance on this page for reasons and any safer alternatives.
Is Raw Eggs safe during pregnancy?
This page lists Raw Eggs as avoid based on pregnancy food-safety guidance. Follow the details above and consult your healthcare provider.
Can pregnant women eat Raw Eggs?
Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid Raw Eggs. Check this page for safer alternatives or preparation notes if shown.
Is Raw Eggs safe in the first trimester?
This page lists Raw Eggs as avoid across pregnancy, including the first trimester. See the Trimester Safety section above and ask your healthcare provider with questions.
Is Raw Eggs safe in the third trimester?
This page lists Raw Eggs as avoid across pregnancy, including the third trimester. See the Trimester Safety section above and ask your healthcare provider with questions.
Checked against FDA, CDC and ACOG guidance.
Sources for key safety claims on this page (not every statement on this page is sourced):
- CDC — Safer Food Choices for Pregnant WomenSupports: skipping raw eggs during pregnancy
Last Updated: 2026-02-16
How we review: Written by the PregnancySafeFoods editorial team and checked against NHS, CDC, ACOG and FDA guidance. Our editorial policy.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs during pregnancy.
Save for later: Bookmark this page (Ctrl+D or Cmd+D) to check back anytime.
Check another food: Search all foods or browse Food Directory.
Share with expecting moms:
Related Foods
Explore more in the same category: