Can You Eat Chicken Liver 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 says to avoid chicken liver during pregnancy because it contains high levels of vitamin A (retinol), which can harm your baby.
Why is chicken liver a concern in pregnancy?
Chicken Liver contains large amounts of vitamin A in its retinol form. Too much retinol during pregnancy can cause birth defects, which is why the NHS advises avoiding liver and all liver products throughout pregnancy, as well as any supplements containing retinol (including fish liver oils).
You can also check the calorie content of chicken liver alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
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Baby-safe food thermometer
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Common questions
Can I eat chicken liver in the first trimester?
Yes — avoiding chicken liver matters most in the first trimester, when your baby's organs are forming, but the NHS advice is to avoid it for the whole pregnancy.
Is a small amount of chicken liver OK during pregnancy?
The NHS advises avoiding chicken liver completely during pregnancy rather than limiting it, because retinol accumulates in the body.
I accidentally ate chicken liver while pregnant — what should I do?
A one-off portion is very unlikely to have caused harm — the concern is regular consumption. Avoid it going forward and mention it to your midwife at your next appointment if you're worried.
Is cooked chicken liver safe in pregnancy?
Cooking does not reduce the vitamin A content, so chicken liver should be avoided during pregnancy however it is prepared.
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.