Pregnancy food checker · United States

Can I eat runny eggs while pregnant?

Egg safety during pregnancy usually depends on whether the egg is fully cooked or pasteurized.

Short answer

Fully cooked eggs are the safer default. Runny or undercooked eggs may be riskier unless made with pasteurized eggs under trusted handling.

Safety note Prefer fully cooked

What matters for runny eggs

  • Undercooked eggs can carry salmonella.
  • Pasteurized eggs reduce risk.
  • Sauces and desserts can also contain raw egg.

Guidance sources: FDA [1], FDA [2]

What to check first

  • Are the yolk and white fully set?
  • Were pasteurized eggs used?
  • Is there raw egg in sauce, mousse or dressing?

Guidance sources: FDA [1], FDA [2]

Safer next steps

  • Order eggs hard-cooked.
  • Use pasteurized eggs for homemade recipes.
  • Skip raw egg sauces when unsure.

Guidance sources: FDA [1], FDA [2]

What Can I Eat can and cannot confirm

Can I Eat can use the food name, visible label text and details you provide to highlight relevant questions. A photo cannot confirm internal cooking temperature, storage time, hidden ingredients, pasteurization that is not shown, or restaurant handling. Check the complete label and ask the person who prepared the food when those details matter.

When to contact a clinician

Contact your prenatal clinician if you ate a food discussed here and feel unwell, have been told you have a higher-risk pregnancy, or need advice for your individual circumstances. Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

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Related pregnancy food questions

Can I eat tuna while pregnant?Can I eat shrimp while pregnant?Can I eat hot dogs while pregnant?

Sources and editorial context

Can I Eat editors source-check these pages against public guidance from U.S. health authorities, keep conditional answers conditional, and identify details that still need to be checked for a specific food. This editorial process is not an individual clinician review or endorsement, and the content is general information rather than individualized medical advice.

Published by Can I Eat for readers in United States. Sources last checked 2026-08-15.

FDAFood Safety for Pregnant Women, Their Unborn Babies, and Children Under FiveFDASafe Eats: Food Safety for Moms-to-Be

Can I Eat provides general food safety information and dietary risk reminders only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or a replacement for your clinician.