Can I eat rare steak while pregnant?
It's best to avoid rare steak while pregnant due to potential health risks for you and your baby.
Emily · mom-to-be
Grounded in ACOG, FDA & NHS guidance
Oh, mama, I know a juicy steak can be so tempting, but health guidelines strongly recommend against eating rare or undercooked meat during pregnancy. This is because raw or pink meat can carry parasites like *Toxoplasma gondii* and bacteria like *Listeria*, which can lead to infections such as toxoplasmosis and listeriosis. These infections can be quite serious for your little one, potentially causing complications like miscarriage, stillbirth, or developmental issues.
To keep both you and your baby safe, it's advised to cook all meats thoroughly until there's no pink in the middle and the juices run clear. The USDA suggests cooking whole cuts of beef to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (62.78°C) with a 3-minute rest time, which means aiming for at least a medium doneness. Your immune system changes during pregnancy, making you more vulnerable to these kinds of foodborne illnesses, so it's extra important to be cautious.
Always check with your OB if you have any concerns!
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This is guidance, held gently — not medical advice.
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