Can I eat eggs while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

FDA and ACOG guidelines state fully cooked eggs are safe and provide essential nutrients like choline for fetal development.

Read more details

Eggs are considered a nutrient-dense food during pregnancy, providing high-quality protein and choline. However, the FDA and CDC emphasize that eggs must be cooked until both the yolk and white are firm to eliminate the risk of Salmonella Enteritidis. This bacterium can cause foodborne illness leading to severe diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While Salmonella rarely crosses the placenta, the resulting maternal dehydration and distress can impact fetal well-being. Guidelines recommend an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for egg-containing dishes like quiches or casseroles. For recipes calling for raw or undercooked eggs, such as Caesar dressing or hollandaise sauce, the use of pasteurized egg products is recommended as the pasteurization process uses heat to destroy pathogens without cooking the egg itself.

Avoid

Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Caution

Cook eggs until both yolks and whites are firm.

Safe Options

Fully Cooked Eggs

Expert Pick

Pasteurized Egg Products

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Updated: Jan 2026 Sources: Dairy and Eggs +3

Safer Choices

Fully Cooked Eggs

Cook eggs until both yolks and whites are firm to eliminate harmful bacteria.

Pasteurized Egg Products

Use pasteurized eggs or egg products in recipes that require raw or lightly cooked eggs.
Liquid or shell eggs treated with heat to kill Salmonella, safe for use in lightly cooked recipes.

Store-Bought Products

Opt for commercially prepared foods like mayonnaise and salad dressings, which are typically made with pasteurized eggs.

Baked Goods

Consume baked goods that have been cooked thoroughly, ensuring any eggs used are fully cooked.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Boil eggs for at least 10 to 12 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
Cooked until the yolk is completely solid to ensure all bacteria are destroyed.

Scrambled eggs

Prepared until firm and no liquid remains, reaching the recommended safety threshold.

Well-done omelets

Cooked thoroughly on both sides until the center is no longer runny or translucent.

Risks & Limits

Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs to reduce the risk of Salmonella infection.

Homemade Foods with Raw Eggs

Avoid homemade foods that contain raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as eggnog, Caesar salad dressing, and hollandaise sauce.

Unpasteurized Egg Products

Avoid using unpasteurized egg products in recipes that require raw or lightly cooked eggs.

Raw or runny yolks

These carry a higher risk of Salmonella contamination if the eggs have not been pasteurized.

Homemade raw dough

Contains unpasteurized eggs and raw flour, both of which pose significant bacterial risks.

Unpasteurized hollandaise

Often made with raw egg yolks that do not reach the temperature required to kill pathogens.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA, FoodSafety.gov published guidance

1

Cook eggs until both yolks and whites are firm.
2

Use pasteurized eggs or egg products in recipes requiring raw or lightly cooked eggs.
3

Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs.
4

Avoid homemade foods containing raw or lightly cooked eggs.
5

Ensure casseroles and other egg-containing dishes reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6

Opt for commercially prepared foods made with pasteurized eggs.
7

Boil eggs for at least 10 to 12 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.

Common Questions

Are eggs safe to eat during the first trimester of pregnancy?

Yes, eggs can be a nutritious part of the diet during the first trimester, provided they are fully cooked to eliminate the risk of Salmonella infection.

How many eggs can be safely consumed per week during pregnancy?

There is no specific limit on egg consumption during pregnancy; however, it's important to ensure they are fully cooked and to maintain a balanced diet.

What are the main risks of consuming undercooked eggs during pregnancy?

Consuming undercooked eggs can expose pregnant individuals to Salmonella, leading to foodborne illness that may affect both the mother and the developing baby.

Are there safer alternatives to raw eggs in recipes?

Yes, using pasteurized eggs or egg products in recipes that require raw or lightly cooked eggs can reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

What is the safest way to prepare eggs during pregnancy?

The safest way is to cook eggs until both the yolks and whites are firm, ensuring any bacteria present are eliminated.

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