Can I Eat Raw Meat During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Raw or undercooked meat can harbor Toxoplasma, Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli, all of which can cause serious illness during pregnancy.
🔥 Risk Level: High — Raw meat is not safe to eat during pregnancy due to the risk of foodborne infections.
✅ Safe Practices: Cook all meat to a safe internal temperature, avoid rare or raw dishes like steak tartare or carpaccio, and handle meat safely.
While rare steaks and raw delicacies like carpaccio or tartare might be culinary favorites, raw meat is off-limits during pregnancy. The risk of foodborne illness is significantly higher, and the consequences can be severe for both you and your developing baby.
Here’s what you need to know about the risks of raw meat during pregnancy—and how to enjoy meat safely instead.
Why Raw Meat Is Unsafe During Pregnancy
Raw or undercooked meat can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria and parasites, including:
Toxoplasma gondii – a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis, which may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects
Listeria monocytogenes – which can grow even in refrigerated foods and cause listeriosis
Salmonella and E. coli – which may cause severe dehydration, high fever, or pregnancy complications
Pregnant individuals are more vulnerable to foodborne illness due to changes in the immune system. Infections like toxoplasmosis and listeriosis can cross the placenta and harm the baby.
FDA – Listeria & Pregnancy
Types of Raw or Undercooked Meat to Avoid
During pregnancy, avoid any dishes containing raw or undercooked meat, such as:
Steak tartare
Carpaccio (thin slices of raw beef)
Rare burgers or steaks
Raw sausages or pâté
Uncooked cured meats (e.g., prosciutto, unless heated)
Undercooked lamb, pork, or poultry
Even if meat looks “just pink” or partially cooked, it may still pose a risk.
How to Eat Meat Safely During Pregnancy
To enjoy meat without worry:
✅ Cook to safe internal temperatures:
Beef, pork, veal, lamb (steaks, roasts, chops): 145°F (63°C)
Ground meats (beef, pork, veal, lamb): 160°F (71°C)
Poultry (whole or ground): 165°F (74°C)
🧼 Safe meat-handling practices:
Wash hands and utensils thoroughly
Store raw meat at or below 40°F (4°C) and cook before expiration
Reheat leftovers to at least 165°F (74°C)
Safe & Satisfying Alternatives
If you're craving the texture or flavor of raw meat dishes, try:
Fully cooked steak sliced thinly over salad
Well-done meatballs or burger patties
Cooked charcuterie boards with grilled meats or pasteurized cheeses
Plant-based tartare using beets, lentils, or cooked mushrooms
These satisfy cravings without putting you or your baby at risk.
Conclusion: Avoid Raw Meat While Pregnant
Raw or undercooked meat is not safe during pregnancy due to the risk of dangerous infections that can harm both you and your baby. Stick with fully cooked, temperature-verified meat dishes, and be cautious with any foods containing meat that hasn’t been cooked through.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding your health, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html
