Can You Eat Rice When Pregnant?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
Yes — rice is safe during pregnancy. Eat it freshly cooked and hot; if keeping leftovers, cool within an hour, refrigerate, and reheat once until piping hot.
Why is rice safe in pregnancy?
Rice itself is a safe pregnancy food. The care point is leftover rice: cooked rice left at room temperature can grow Bacillus cereus, which causes food poisoning — more unpleasant when pregnant. Eat rice fresh, or cool leftovers within an hour, refrigerate, eat within 24 hours, and reheat only once until piping hot.
You can also check the calorie content of rice alongside its safety information. Dog owners should check if rice is safe for dogs before sharing, and cat owners can check whether cats can eat rice.
As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Pregnancy essentials
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 →Rice: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| Reheating | Yes — with caution |
| Left out overnight | No — definitely not (limit about 1 h) |
Common questions
Can I eat rice in the first trimester?
Yes — rice is safe at every stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of rice OK during pregnancy?
No limit applies. Rice is not on the NHS list of foods to avoid or limit in pregnancy.
I accidentally ate rice while pregnant — what should I do?
No action needed. Rice is safe during pregnancy.
Is cooked rice safe in pregnancy?
Yes. Rice is safe in pregnancy. Only the usual rules apply: cook it properly where it needs cooking, keep chilled food chilled, and eat it before the use-by date.
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.