Can You Eat Runny Eggs 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 — runny eggs are safe during pregnancy if the eggs carry the British Lion mark (or 'Laid in Britain'). Non-Lion eggs should be cooked until white and yolk are solid.
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Why is runny eggs safe in pregnancy?
The NHS says raw, runny or soft-cooked hen eggs are safe during pregnancy as long as they are produced under the British Lion Code of Practice or the 'Laid in Britain' scheme — look for the lion or LIB stamp on the shell or box. These hens are vaccinated against salmonella, so the risk is very low. Eggs without these marks, including eggs from other countries and some farm-gate eggs, should be cooked until both the white and yolk are firm.
You can also check the calorie content of runny eggs alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
If your eggs are not Lion-stamped or 'Laid in Britain', cook them thoroughly — no runny yolk or white — to remove the salmonella risk. Duck, goose and quail eggs are not covered by the Lion scheme and should always be cooked through.
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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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Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
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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 runny eggs in the first trimester?
Yes — Lion-stamped runny eggs are safe at every stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of runny eggs OK during pregnancy?
There is no need to limit Lion-stamped runny eggs during pregnancy. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, choline and vitamin D.
I accidentally ate runny eggs while pregnant — what should I do?
If the eggs were Lion-stamped, there is nothing to worry about. If they weren't, the risk of salmonella from a single serving is still low — salmonella is unpleasant but very rarely harms the baby directly. Contact your GP or midwife if you develop sickness, diarrhoea or fever.
Is cooked runny eggs safe in pregnancy?
Yes — thoroughly cooked eggs (firm white and yolk) are safe in pregnancy regardless of where they come from.
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.