Can You Eat Steak 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.
Steak is safe in pregnancy only when cooked well done — no pink or blood. Rare, medium-rare and medium steak should be avoided.
Why is steak a concern in pregnancy?
The NHS advises that all meat in pregnancy should be cooked thoroughly with no trace of pink or blood, because undercooked meat can carry toxoplasmosis and bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. For steak that means well done. Rare, blue, medium-rare and medium steaks are all still pink inside and should wait until after the baby arrives.
You can also check the calorie content of steak alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
A well-done steak — cooked through, juices running clear — is completely safe.
Safe swaps
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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 steak in the first trimester?
Yes — the advice to avoid steak applies from the start of pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis caught in early pregnancy is rarer but can be more serious.
Is a small amount of steak OK during pregnancy?
There is no safe amount of undercooked meat during pregnancy — the risk comes from the parasite or bacteria being present at all, not the quantity eaten.
I accidentally ate steak while pregnant — what should I do?
Try not to worry — the actual chance of infection from one meal is low, and most people who eat undercooked meat while pregnant are fine. If you develop flu-like symptoms or swollen glands, or you'd simply like reassurance, speak to your midwife or GP; a blood test for toxoplasmosis is available if needed.
Is cooked steak safe in pregnancy?
Yes — the same meat cooked thoroughly until there is no pink and the juices run clear is safe 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.