Can I eat runny eggs while pregnant?
Runny eggs are undercooked, and food safety guidance for pregnancy generally advises against raw or undercooked eggs. Eggs cooked until the yolk and white are firm are the usual recommendation.
Key points
- Runny or soft yolks are considered undercooked eggs.
- Eggs are generally advised to be cooked until the white and yolk are firm.
- Ask your doctor or midwife about foods you are unsure of.
Why runny eggs are a concern
Raw and undercooked eggs can carry Salmonella, a germ that causes food poisoning. Pregnancy can make the body more sensitive to some foodborne illnesses, so food safety guidance gives extra attention to this during pregnancy.
The main concern is the risk of infection, not a problem with the egg itself. Salmonella can be present in eggs even when they look clean and healthy.
What is generally OK vs. not advised
- Generally not advised: eggs with runny or soft yolks, sunny-side-up or over-easy eggs, raw cookie dough or batter with raw egg, homemade mayonnaise, Caesar dressing, hollandaise, or eggnog made with raw egg.
- Generally considered OK: eggs cooked until both the yolk and white are firm, baked goods made with eggs, and pasteurized egg products, which are treated to kill germs.
Labels on store-bought foods can show whether they are pasteurized. Many providers suggest asking about any food that you are not sure how it was made.
Practical tips
- Many people choose hard-cooked or fully firm scrambled eggs during pregnancy.
- Pasteurized eggs are often sold in cartons and can be used in recipes that call for raw egg.
- When eating out, it can help to ask whether dishes with eggs are fully cooked.
- Good handwashing and cleaning surfaces after handling raw eggs are commonly recommended.
If you already ate a runny egg
Many people eat a runny egg without any problems, and most healthy adults who get Salmonella recover on their own. Still, it is a good idea to call your provider to talk through what you ate. Food poisoning symptoms can sometimes take a few days to appear, so keep an eye on how you feel over the next few days.
When to contact your provider
Contact your provider right away if you have fever, severe stomach cramps, ongoing vomiting, or diarrhea after eating raw or undercooked eggs. Seek urgent care if symptoms are severe.
Questions people ask
Are runny eggs safe during pregnancy?
Runny eggs are generally not advised during pregnancy because they are undercooked and may carry Salmonella. Eggs cooked until the yolk and white are firm are the usual recommendation. Ask your doctor or midwife if you have questions.
Can I eat a runny egg while pregnant?
Food safety guidance generally advises against eating undercooked eggs during pregnancy. Many providers suggest choosing fully cooked eggs instead. If you already ate one, a call to your provider can help you decide what to watch for.
Is a soft-boiled egg OK during pregnancy?
Soft-boiled eggs with a runny yolk are considered undercooked, so they are generally not advised. Hard-boiled eggs, with both the yolk and white firm, are the usual choice. Ask your provider if you are unsure.
Are pasteurized eggs safer in pregnancy?
Pasteurized eggs are treated to kill germs, which is why they are often suggested for recipes that use raw egg. Look for pasteurized labels on cartons. Ask your provider which egg products they recommend.
More questions people ask
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Sources
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