Yes, eggs are safe in pregnancy when they’re cooked all the way through, and they’re one of the best food sources of choline. The concern is raw or undercooked eggs, which can carry Salmonella bacteria.

The short version

  • Cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm, according to the FDA. Scrambled eggs should be firm throughout, not runny.
  • Skip raw and lightly cooked egg dishes such as homemade mayonnaise, homemade Caesar dressing, hollandaise, raw cookie dough, and uncooked eggnog.
  • Store-bought mayonnaise, dressings, and sauces are fine. Commercial products use pasteurized eggs.
  • Use pasteurized eggs when a recipe calls for raw or lightly cooked eggs.
  • Why eggs are worth it: one large egg has about 147 mg of choline, about a third of what you need in pregnancy.

Why raw eggs are a concern

Some raw eggs can be contaminated with harmful bacteria. The CDC estimates that about 1 egg in 20,000 may be contaminated, according to the FDA. That’s a small number, but there have been outbreaks of food poisoning from contaminated eggs. Pregnant women are among the groups who should take extra care, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, because food poisoning can be more serious in pregnancy.

How to cook eggs so they’re safe

The FDA’s advice for pregnant women:

  • Cook eggs until both the yolk and the white are firm.
  • Cook scrambled eggs until they’re firm throughout.
  • Cook fried eggs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or for 4 minutes in a covered pan.
  • Hard-boiled, poached (cooked until firm), and baked eggs are all fine when cooked through.
  • Cook casseroles, quiche, and other dishes made with eggs to 160°F, measured with a food thermometer, according to the CDC.

A runny or soft yolk is the main thing to give up. For recipes that call for raw or lightly cooked eggs, the FDA says to use pasteurized eggs, covered below.

Foods that may contain raw or lightly cooked egg

These come from the FDA’s guidance for pregnant women. Check the second column before you taste or order.

Food What to know
Homemade mayonnaise, aioli, Caesar dressing, hollandaise, and béarnaise Avoid unless they’re made with pasteurized eggs
Store-bought mayonnaise, dressings, and sauces Safe, because commercial products contain pasteurized eggs
Raw cookie dough, cake batter, and fillings made with raw eggs Don’t taste them. Baked goods that are cooked through are fine
Cookie dough ice cream from the store Safe, because the dough is pasteurized
Homemade ice cream, mousse, meringue, and tiramisu Avoid unless you use pasteurized eggs
Eggnog that isn’t thoroughly cooked Avoid. Homemade eggnog is safe if you cook the egg and milk base to 160°F

Pasteurized eggs

Pasteurization heats eggs enough to destroy Salmonella. You can buy pasteurized eggs in the shell or as liquid egg products in many grocery stores, and the FDA says to use them in any recipe that calls for raw or lightly cooked eggs. The CDC also suggests buying and using pasteurized eggs. The USDA notes that liquid egg products are pasteurized but are best used in a dish that’s then cooked to 160°F. Check the carton to confirm the eggs are pasteurized, and keep eggs in the refrigerator.

Handling

Wash your hands, utensils, and counters after they touch raw egg, and don’t leave egg dishes sitting out.

Why eggs are worth eating

One hard-boiled large egg has these nutrients, with amounts from the NIH:

Nutrient In 1 large egg Share of the daily need in pregnancy
Choline 147 mg About 33% of 450 mg
Iodine 31 mcg About 14% of 220 mcg
Folate 22 mcg About 4% of 600 mcg DFE
Iron About 1 mg About 4% of 27 mg

Eggs are among the easiest ways to get choline, which most pregnant women don’t get enough of. See Choline in Pregnancy and Iodine in Pregnancy.

What to do now

  • Cook eggs until the whites and yolks are firm, and use a food thermometer for casseroles and quiche (160°F).
  • Ask about pasteurized eggs before you eat homemade dressings, desserts, or sauces.
  • Don’t taste raw dough or batter.
  • Buy pasteurized eggs if you like recipes with raw or lightly cooked eggs.

Related reading

Sources

Updated November 2026. This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your health care provider.