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Can I eat steak while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

Evidence checked by Doola Research Team Source reviewed May 2026 · Based on FDA, Mayo Clinic, FoodSafety.gov published guidance

What Guidelines Say

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Consuming undercooked steak during pregnancy poses risks; ensure it's cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Source basis: FDA, Mayo Clinic, FoodSafety.gov

Read more details

According to the FDA and ACOG, steak is a nutrient-dense source of iron and protein but requires specific preparation to ensure safety during pregnancy. The primary concern with undercooked steak is Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis, potentially leading to serious fetal complications including vision or hearing loss. Other risks include E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Guidelines specify that whole cuts of beef must reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C), measured with a food thermometer, followed by a mandatory three-minute rest period. This rest time allows the temperature to remain constant or rise slightly, ensuring the destruction of pathogens. While well-done steak is considered safe, any preparation involving pink or red centers (rare or medium-rare) is classified as high-risk and generally advised against by health authorities to protect maternal and fetal health.

Avoid

Rare or Medium-Rare Steak

Caution

Cook steak to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).

Safe Options

Well-Done Steak

Expert Pick

Fully Cooked Ground Beef

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Updated: Sources: Food Safety for Moms-to-Be At-a-Glance | FDA +4

Can you eat steak while pregnant?

Cooking temperature is the main pregnancy safety detail. Fully cooked meat is safer than rare, undercooked, or poorly stored meat. Doola's evidence summary: Consuming undercooked steak during pregnancy poses risks; ensure it's cooked to a safe internal temperature. Avoid: Rare or Medium-Rare Steak Use caution: Cook steak to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Safer option: Well-Done Steak Quick checks: Cook steak to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Use a food thermometer to verify internal temperatures. Allow cooked meats to rest for three minutes before consumption. Source basis: FDA, Mayo Clinic, FoodSafety.gov.

Safer Choices

Well-Done Steak

  • Cook steak to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a three-minute rest period.
  • Cooking to an internal temperature of 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest ensures parasites and bacteria are eliminated.

Fully Cooked Ground Beef

  • Ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Pasteurized Meat Products

  • Opt for meat products labeled as pasteurized.

Fully cooked beef stews

  • Slow-cooked beef dishes typically exceed safety temperatures throughout the meat, making them a reliable option.

Medium-well preparations

  • Reaching the 145°F threshold with a thermometer provides a safety margin while maintaining some texture.

Pre-frozen and thoroughly cooked steak

  • Freezing meat for several days at 0°F before cooking can reduce the risk of certain parasites, though thorough cooking remains necessary.

Risks & Limits

Rare or Medium-Rare Steak

  • Undercooked meats may harbor harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
  • These preparations do not reach the 145°F internal temperature required to kill Toxoplasma gondii.

Raw Meat Dishes

  • Avoid dishes like steak tartare, which contain raw meat and pose a high risk of bacterial contamination.

Unpasteurized Meat Products

  • Unpasteurized meats can contain harmful bacteria; opt for pasteurized versions instead.

Steak tartare and Carpaccio

  • Raw or nearly raw beef carries a high risk of foodborne illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella.

Unchecked restaurant steaks

  • Steaks ordered without specifying 'well-done' may be served undercooked, posing a risk of infection.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA, Mayo Clinic, FoodSafety.gov published guidance

  • 1
    Cook steak to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
  • 2
    Use a food thermometer to verify internal temperatures.
  • 3
    Allow cooked meats to rest for three minutes before consumption.
  • 4
    Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats.
  • 5
    Choose pasteurized meat products when available.
  • 6
    Practice proper hand hygiene before and after handling raw meat.
  • 7
    Clean all cooking surfaces and utensils after contact with raw meat.

Common Questions About steak While Pregnant

Can I eat steak while pregnant?
Consuming undercooked steak during pregnancy poses risks; ensure it's cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Is it safe to eat steak during the first trimester of pregnancy?
Yes, consuming steak is safe during the first trimester, provided it is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) and allowed to rest for three minutes to eliminate harmful bacteria.
How often can I eat steak while pregnant?
There are no specific guidelines limiting the frequency of steak consumption during pregnancy. However, it's important to ensure that all meat is thoroughly cooked and to maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources.
What are the risks of eating undercooked steak during pregnancy?
Eating undercooked steak can expose you to bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Toxoplasma gondii, which can lead to serious health issues such as miscarriage, preterm labor, and neonatal infections.
Are there safer alternatives to steak during pregnancy?
Yes, alternatives include well-cooked poultry, fish with low mercury levels, and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils, all of which should be prepared to safe internal temperatures.
How can I ensure my steak is cooked safely when dining out?
When ordering steak at a restaurant, request that it be cooked to at least 145°F (63°C) and confirm with the server that the kitchen uses a food thermometer to verify internal temperatures.

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References & Guidelines

Evidence checked by Doola Research Team and source reviewed against public health guidance. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your pregnancy.