Can I eat boiled eggs while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

FDA and ACOG guidelines state fully cooked boiled eggs are safe and provide essential nutrients like choline during pregnancy.

Read more details

According to the FDA and ACOG, eggs are a nutrient-dense food for pregnant women, provided they are cooked until both the yolk and white are firm. The primary risk associated with eggs is Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne illness. While Salmonella is unlikely to cross the placenta, the resulting maternal dehydration, fever, and vomiting can pose indirect risks to the pregnancy. To eliminate this risk, guidelines recommend boiling eggs until the center is solid. Soft-boiled or 'jammy' eggs with runny yolks are considered unsafe due to the potential survival of bacteria. Hard-boiled eggs are a significant source of choline, which supports fetal brain development. Proper storage is equally critical; hard-boiled eggs must be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial proliferation.

Avoid

Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Caution

Cook eggs until both yolk and white are firm.

Safe Options

Freshly Boiled Eggs

Expert Pick

Pasteurized Eggs

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Updated: Jan 2026 Sources: What You Need to Know About Egg Safety | FDA +5

Safer Choices

Freshly Boiled Eggs

Boil eggs until both yolk and white are firm
Consume immediately or refrigerate promptly

Pasteurized Eggs

Use pasteurized eggs for recipes requiring raw or lightly cooked eggs
Reduces bacterial risk

Commercially Prepared Egg Products

Opt for store-bought products made with pasteurized eggs
Includes certain dressings and sauces

Hard-boiled eggs

Eggs cooked in boiling water until both the yolk and white are completely solid and opaque

Pasteurized shell eggs

Eggs heat-treated to kill bacteria while remaining raw in the shell, providing an extra layer of safety

Egg-based salads

Preparations using fully hard-boiled eggs and pasteurized mayonnaise, kept chilled at or below 40°F

Fully cooked egg dishes

Casseroles, quiches, and frittatas cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) as measured by a food thermometer

Risks & Limits

Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Avoid dishes containing raw or undercooked eggs
Risk of Salmonella infection

Pre-Packaged Hard-Boiled Eggs

Be cautious with pre-packaged hard-boiled eggs
Past recalls linked to Listeria contamination

Soft-boiled eggs

Eggs with runny or liquid yolks carry a higher risk of Salmonella survival

Raw egg products

Homemade eggnog, Caesar dressing, or hollandaise sauce made with unpasteurized raw eggs

Cracked or dirty eggs

Eggs with compromised shells are more susceptible to bacterial contamination and should be discarded

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA, Mayo Clinic published guidance

1

Cook eggs until both yolk and white are firm.
2

Use pasteurized eggs for recipes requiring raw or lightly cooked eggs.
3

Refrigerate cooked eggs promptly and consume within one week.
4

Avoid tasting raw batter or dough containing eggs.
5

Be cautious with pre-packaged hard-boiled eggs; check for recalls.
6

Wash hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw eggs.
7

Store eggs in their original carton in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.

Common Questions

Are boiled eggs safe during the first trimester?

Yes, thoroughly cooked boiled eggs are safe during all stages of pregnancy, including the first trimester. Proper cooking eliminates harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

How many boiled eggs can I safely eat per week during pregnancy?

There is no specific limit on the number of boiled eggs you can consume during pregnancy. Eggs are a good source of protein and other nutrients. However, it's important to maintain a balanced diet and consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What are the main risks of consuming undercooked eggs during pregnancy?

Undercooked eggs may contain Salmonella, a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness. In pregnant women, Salmonella infection can lead to severe complications, including miscarriage or premature delivery.

Are there safer alternatives to traditional boiled eggs?

Using pasteurized eggs is a safer alternative, especially for recipes requiring raw or lightly cooked eggs. Pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria without cooking the egg.

What is the safest way to prepare boiled eggs during pregnancy?

To safely prepare boiled eggs, place eggs in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 9-12 minutes. Ensure both yolk and white are firm before consuming. After cooking, refrigerate promptly and consume within one week.

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