Can You Eat Blue Steak When Pregnant?
Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
No — the NHS advises avoiding blue steak during pregnancy because undercooked meat carries a risk of toxoplasmosis.
Why is blue steak a concern in pregnancy?
Blue Steak has not been cooked all the way through. Raw and undercooked meat can carry the toxoplasmosis parasite, which is rare but can cause serious problems for an unborn baby, as well as bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. The NHS advises cooking all meat thoroughly during pregnancy so there is no trace of pink or blood.
You can also check the calorie content of blue steak alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
The same cut cooked well done — piping hot with no pink — is safe to eat during pregnancy.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
Check Price →Pregnancy food guide
A paper reference for the fridge door — no more mid-supermarket googling.
Check Price →Digital food thermometer
Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
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Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
More pregnancy essentials
Baby-safe food thermometer
Useful for pregnancy cooking checks and later for baby food.
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Common questions
Can I eat blue steak in the first trimester?
Yes — the advice to avoid blue steak applies from the start of pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis caught in early pregnancy is rarer but can be more serious.
Is a small amount of blue steak OK during pregnancy?
There is no safe amount of undercooked meat during pregnancy — the risk comes from the parasite or bacteria being present at all, not the quantity eaten.
I accidentally ate blue steak while pregnant — what should I do?
Try not to worry — the actual chance of infection from one meal is low, and most people who eat undercooked meat while pregnant are fine. If you develop flu-like symptoms or swollen glands, or you'd simply like reassurance, speak to your midwife or GP; a blood test for toxoplasmosis is available if needed.
Is cooked blue steak safe in pregnancy?
Yes — the same meat cooked thoroughly until there is no pink and the juices run clear is safe during pregnancy.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.