Can You Eat Unpasteurised Milk 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.
No — the NHS advises avoiding unpasteurised milk during pregnancy because unpasteurised products can contain harmful bacteria such as listeria and E. coli.
Why is unpasteurised milk a concern in pregnancy?
Unpasteurised Milk has not been pasteurised, so any bacteria present — including listeria, salmonella, campylobacter and E. coli — survive into the finished product. These infections are more serious during pregnancy, and listeria in particular can harm the baby. The NHS advises sticking to pasteurised versions while pregnant.
You can also check the calorie content of unpasteurised milk alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
The pasteurised equivalent is completely safe. If only unpasteurised milk is available, the NHS says boiling it first makes it safe.
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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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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 unpasteurised milk in the first trimester?
Yes — the advice to avoid unpasteurised milk applies throughout pregnancy.
Is a small amount of unpasteurised milk OK during pregnancy?
The NHS advises avoiding unpasteurised milk entirely during pregnancy rather than limiting it.
I accidentally ate unpasteurised milk while pregnant — what should I do?
The risk from a single serving is low. Watch for stomach upset or flu-like symptoms over the following days and weeks, and contact your midwife or GP if you feel unwell.
Is cooked unpasteurised milk safe in pregnancy?
Yes — boiling or thoroughly heating unpasteurised milk kills the bacteria of concern, making it safe.
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.