Can I Eat Beef in Pregnancy? Complete Guide
Beef can be a valuable part of a healthy pregnancy diet — it is rich in iron and protein, both of which your body needs more of when you are expecting. The key is making sure it is cooked thoroughly, because undercooked meat carries a risk of infections that can affect pregnancy.
Is beef safe in pregnancy?
Yes, provided it is cooked properly. The NHS advises that all meat should be cooked thoroughly during pregnancy, with no pink or blood, and steaming hot all the way through. Well-cooked beef is a good source of:
- Iron, which helps prevent anaemia and supports your growing blood volume
- Protein, needed for your baby's development
- Vitamin B12 and zinc
What to avoid
- Rare or medium-rare steak — pink in the middle means it may not be safe
- Raw beef dishes such as carpaccio, steak tartare or beef sushi
- Undercooked burgers and mince — minced beef must be cooked right through, as bacteria can be mixed throughout rather than just on the surface
Undercooked beef can carry toxoplasmosis, E. coli and other bacteria that are more likely to cause problems in pregnancy.
Tips for cooking beef safely
- Cook steaks and joints until there is no pink meat and the juices run clear
- Make sure burgers and mince are cooked right through
- Wash hands, boards and utensils after handling raw meat
- Keep raw beef separate from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination
Cured or cold beef products, such as some deli meats, have their own guidance — if in doubt, heating them until steaming hot reduces the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat rare steak when pregnant?
It is best avoided. The NHS recommends all meat is cooked thoroughly in pregnancy, so steak should be well done — no pink inside and steaming hot throughout. Rare or medium-rare steak may carry toxoplasmosis and other bacteria.
Can I eat beef burgers when pregnant?
Yes, as long as the burger is cooked all the way through with no pink meat. Because mince has bacteria mixed throughout rather than just on the surface, burgers must be cooked more carefully than a whole cut of steak.
Is beef good for you in pregnancy?
Well-cooked beef is a useful source of iron, protein and vitamin B12, which are all important in pregnancy. Iron in particular helps guard against anaemia, so including thoroughly cooked lean beef can be a helpful part of a balanced diet.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your midwife or GP.
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