Can You Eat Rare Steak When Pregnant?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
The NHS lists whole cuts of beef and lamb, such as steaks, as safe if they have been thoroughly cooked on the outside. Rare steak is a whole cut, so it can be eaten that way, but some midwives and hospital trusts still advise well done.
Why is rare steak a concern in pregnancy?
The NHS foods-to-avoid page (last reviewed June 2026) says to avoid raw or undercooked meat, but lists whole cuts of beef and lamb, such as steaks or cutlets, that have been thoroughly cooked on the outside as safe to eat. The toxoplasmosis risk sits in the middle of minced or rolled meat, where surface bacteria are mixed in, which is why minced meat, burgers, sausages and rolled joints must be cooked all the way through. If you would rather not take any risk, choose your steak well done.
You can also check the calorie content of rare steak alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Ask for the outside to be well seared on every side, with no raw or blue patches. Burgers, steak tartare, carpaccio, minced meat, sausages and rolled joints must be cooked all the way through; a steak that arrives raw on the outside should go back.
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Check Price →Rare Steak: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| While breastfeeding | Safe |
Common questions
Can I eat rare steak in the first trimester?
The same NHS advice applies at every stage of pregnancy.
Is a small amount of rare steak OK during pregnancy?
The NHS does not set a limit; the rule is about how the outside is cooked and that the meat is a whole cut, not minced.
I accidentally ate rare steak while pregnant — what should I do?
Try not to worry: the chance of infection from one meal is low. If you ate meat that was raw on the outside or minced meat that was pink, mention it to your midwife or GP, especially if you develop flu-like symptoms or swollen glands.
Is cooked rare steak safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Steak cooked well done is safe during pregnancy, with no extra conditions.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.