Can You Eat Serrano Ham 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.
The NHS advises avoiding cold cured meats like serrano ham during pregnancy unless cooked through or frozen for 4 days first, due to the toxoplasmosis risk.
Why is serrano ham a concern in pregnancy?
Serrano Ham is cured and fermented rather than cooked, so it can contain toxoplasmosis parasites. Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is rare but can cause serious complications for the baby. The NHS advises avoiding cold cured meats in pregnancy unless they have been thoroughly cooked, or frozen for 4 days at home first (freezing kills most parasites).
You can also check the calorie content of serrano ham alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Serrano Ham is safe if cooked until piping hot (for example on a cooked pizza) or if you freeze it for 4 days before eating it.
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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
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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 serrano ham in the first trimester?
Yes — the advice applies throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of serrano ham OK during pregnancy?
The NHS advises avoiding uncooked serrano ham during pregnancy rather than limiting it, because the risk comes from the parasite being present at all.
I accidentally ate serrano ham while pregnant — what should I do?
The chance of infection from a single portion is low — many people also have existing immunity to toxoplasmosis. Watch for flu-like symptoms or swollen glands and speak to your midwife or GP if you're concerned; they can arrange a blood test for reassurance.
Is cooked serrano ham safe in pregnancy?
Yes — serrano ham cooked until piping hot (for example crisped on a pizza or in a pasta dish) is safe to eat during pregnancy.
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.