Can You Eat Burgers 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.
Burgers are safe in pregnancy only when cooked all the way through with no pink — never order a burger rare or medium while pregnant.
Why is burgers safe in pregnancy?
Minced meat carries surface bacteria all the way through the patty, so burgers must be thoroughly cooked to be safe in pregnancy — steaming hot, no pink in the middle, juices running clear. A properly cooked burger is completely fine; a pink-in-the-middle 'gourmet' burger is not.
You can also check the calorie content of burgers alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Ask for burgers well done when eating out. If it arrives pink, send it back.
As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
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.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Common questions
Can I eat burgers in the first trimester?
Yes — fully cooked burgers are safe at every stage of pregnancy.
Is a small amount of burgers OK during pregnancy?
No limit applies to properly cooked burgers; enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
I accidentally ate burgers while pregnant — what should I do?
Fully cooked burgers are safe, so no action is needed. If you suspect it was undercooked, the risk from one meal is still low — mention any flu-like symptoms to your midwife or GP.
Is cooked burgers safe in pregnancy?
Yes — fully cooked is exactly how burgers should be eaten 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.