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Can I Eat Raw Eggs When Pregnant?

Raw eggs are one of the food safety questions that comes up a lot in pregnancy, and with good reason — the answer depends on where the eggs come from. The short answer: avoid raw or undercooked eggs unless they carry the British Lion mark. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

Quick Answer

Raw eggs in pregnancy: Avoid raw eggs unless they have the British Lion mark. Eggs with this stamp have been produced to a code of practice that includes vaccination against salmonella, making them safe to eat runny or raw during pregnancy.

Is It Safe to Eat Raw Eggs in Pregnancy?

The main risk with raw eggs during pregnancy is **salmonella**, a type of food poisoning caused by bacteria that can sometimes be found in raw or undercooked eggs. While salmonella is unlikely to harm your baby directly, it can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever — all of which can be distressing and dehydrating during pregnancy. In some cases, serious food poisoning can trigger complications, which is why it's worth being careful.

British Lion marked eggs are different. Hens producing these eggs have been vaccinated against salmonella, and the farms and packing processes are independently inspected. The NHS confirms that eggs produced under the British Lion Code of Practice are safe to eat lightly cooked or even raw during pregnancy. If you're in the UK and your eggs have the Lion mark (a small red lion stamped on the shell), you can safely eat them soft-boiled, poached with a runny yolk, or in homemade mayonnaise.

Eggs without the Lion mark — including imported eggs, eggs from non-Lion farms, and eggs bought loose — should be cooked until both the white and the yolk are fully set during pregnancy.

Duck, goose, and quail eggs do not fall under the British Lion scheme. These should always be cooked thoroughly during pregnancy, regardless of where they come from.

NHS Guidance on Raw Eggs

The NHS advises that pregnant women can safely eat raw or lightly cooked eggs if the eggs have the British Lion mark. For all other eggs, cooking until solid throughout is recommended to reduce the risk of salmonella food poisoning. This guidance applies throughout pregnancy — the same rules are in place in the first trimester, the second, and the third.

You should also be mindful of dishes that may contain raw egg as an ingredient. These can include:

  • Homemade mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce (unless made with Lion eggs)
  • Homemade mousse or tiramisu
  • Some salad dressings
  • Raw cake or cookie batter

Many shop-bought versions of these products are made with pasteurised egg and are generally safe — check the label or ask if you're unsure.

How to Eat Eggs Safely During Pregnancy

Eggs are a nutritious and versatile food during pregnancy, providing protein, vitamins, and minerals including choline (important for fetal brain development). Here's how to enjoy them safely:
  • If your eggs have the British Lion mark: enjoy them however you like — soft-boiled, poached, scrambled, fried, or in sauces
  • If your eggs don't have the Lion mark: cook until the yolk is fully set — a fully hard-boiled egg, for example
  • Check dishes when eating out: if you're not sure whether a dish contains raw or undercooked egg, it's fine to ask

Frequently Asked Questions

### What if I accidentally ate raw eggs while pregnant?

Don't panic. The risk of infection from a single exposure is low, and most people don't develop salmonella from every encounter with affected eggs. Watch for symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps in the following day or two. If you feel unwell, contact your GP or call 111 for advice.

Is the guidance on raw eggs the same throughout pregnancy?

Yes. The same rules apply in the first, second, and third trimesters. British Lion eggs are safe raw or runny throughout. Non-Lion eggs should be fully cooked throughout pregnancy.

Are shop-bought mayonnaise and sauces safe in pregnancy?

Generally yes — most commercially produced mayonnaise and similar products are made with pasteurised egg, which is safe during pregnancy. Check the label to confirm, and if you're unsure about a product, opt for something labelled as pasteurised.

Always speak to your midwife or GP if you have specific concerns about your diet during pregnancy.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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