Can You Eat Rice 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.
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.
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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 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?
There is no safety limit on rice during pregnancy — enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
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 during pregnancy whether cooked or raw (where it's normally eaten raw).
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.