Can I eat eggs during pregnancy?
Safe Yes, when well cooked
Yes. Eggs are safe and nutritious in pregnancy. Cook them until the white and yolk are firm, unless you're in the UK and eating British Lion-stamped eggs, which are considered safe runny. Avoid raw egg in homemade mayonnaise, mousse and some desserts.
Is eggs safe in pregnancy?
Raw or undercooked eggs can carry salmonella, which causes food poisoning. Salmonella is unlikely to harm your baby directly, but it can make you very unwell. In the UK, eggs stamped with the British Lion mark come from vaccinated hens and are considered safe runny. Elsewhere, including the Gulf, South Asia and the US, the safest advice is to cook eggs fully.
Benefits
- High-quality protein
- Choline, important for your baby's brain development
- Vitamin D, B12 and iodine
Risks to know about
- Raw or runny eggs may carry salmonella
- Homemade mayonnaise, aioli, mousse and tiramisu may contain raw egg
How to eat it safely
- Boil, fry or scramble until both white and yolk are firm
- Choose shop-bought mayonnaise, which is made with pasteurised egg
- Store eggs in the fridge and discard cracked ones
- Wash hands after handling raw eggs
Questions about eggs in pregnancy
Can I eat a half-boiled egg in pregnancy?
Only if it's a British Lion egg in the UK. Elsewhere, cook eggs until the yolk is firm.
How many eggs can I eat a day in pregnancy?
For most healthy women, one or two eggs a day is fine as part of a balanced diet.
Is egg bhurji or omelette safe?
Yes, as long as it's cooked until there's no runny egg left.
General information, not medical advice. If you have a condition such as gestational diabetes or an allergy, ask your doctor or midwife what's right for you.