Are eggs safe to eat when pregnant?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question, “Are eggs safe to eat when pregnant?”. We will discuss the potential risks and health benefits of eating when pregnant.

Are eggs safe to eat when pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to eat eggs when pregnant. Be sure to eat only cooked or pasteurized eggs. 

Pasteurization and heating both remove potentially hazardous microbes in food. In most cases, our bodies can handle these microbes without causing harm. However, because pregnant women have a weakened immune system, eating unpasteurized or raw eggs could hurt you or your baby.

Why should you eat only cooked and pasteurized eggs when pregnant?

Disease-causing organisms such as Salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning, can be found in raw or undercooked eggs. Pregnant women are especially prone to foodborne illness because their immune systems are temporarily weak during pregnancy.

You’ll probably have a high fever, nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration if you get sick with Salmonella. These signs could be bad enough to trigger premature birth or maybe even a miscarriage.

Salmonella bacteria are destroyed by pasteurization and cooking. As a result, it’s important to eat only pasteurized or completely cooked eggs when pregnant to ensure that any bacteria is destroyed.

What egg dishes should you avoid when pregnant?

You should avoid any dish that has raw or undercooked eggs. Such as:

  • Egg-based dishes that are uncooked or undercooked. Because it’s difficult to tell whether pasteurized eggs are used in restaurants, any dishes with undercooked or raw eggs should be avoided. Because it’s difficult to tell whether pasteurized eggs are used in restaurants, any dishes with undercooked or raw eggs should be avoided.
  • Unless you’re certain that the meal has been cooked safely,  avoid deli foods containing eggs, such as egg salad and deviled eggs.  It’s safer to make these items at home because you’ll know the eggs were boiled and handled safely.
  • Homemade egg dressings and sauces, such as mayonnaise, Caesar salad dressing, béarnaise sauce, hollandaise sauce,  and, should also be avoided if they contain raw or runny eggs.
  • Also, avoid eggnog and other drinks made with partially cooked eggs

Is it safe to eat hard-boiled eggs when pregnant?

Yes, if hard-boiled eggs are adequately cooked, handled, and kept properly, they are safe.

To make sure that hard-boiled eggs are safe to eat, follow these steps:

  • Eggs must be boiled until the whites and yolks are hard to kill bacteria. Ensure the yolks and whites are firm before serving. In most cases, this entails cooking the eggs for a minimum of 12 minutes.
  • You can refrigerate the eggs (either peeled or with the shell) for up to a week after cooking and use them within a week.
  • Hard-boiled eggs should not be left out for over 2 hours 
  • Refrigerated hard-boiled eggs should be reheated to 165°F before eating.

What are the benefits of eating eggs when pregnant?

  • Eggs are primarily made up of fat and protein, with very few carbs. Eating a diet high in fat and protein will help you keep your blood sugar in check, lowering your risk for diabetes during pregnancy.
  • Vitamin D is abundant in certain varieties of eggs. The yolk contains the highest concentration of vitamin D. Free-range, pastured, and organically bred hens produce extra vitamin D than regular eggs. 
  • Eggs also include nutrients that aid in the growth and development of your baby. They’re high in vitamins B12 and choline, both of which are important for brain development.
  • Eggs are a good source of protein as well. When you eat protein, your body converts it to amino acids. Proteins are made up of amino acids. Proteins are present in hair, skin, bones, and muscles, and it is required for normal cell function. It’s another necessary nutrient for a baby’s development and growth.

How to safely eat eggs when pregnant?

Here are some ways you can ensure that the eggs you eat are completely healthy for you and your baby.

  • Heat scrambled eggs till they are firm to the touch. Make sure that they are not moist or slimy.
  • Cook fried eggs in a covered pan for 4 minutes or 2–3 minutes on each side. Check the firmness of the yolks and whites.
  • Dishes with eggs should be handled and stored safely, and leftovers should be eaten as quickly as possible.
  • Cook any egg-based dish to 160°F before serving, and reheat any already cooked dish to the same temperature just before serving. Make sure the meal is steaming if you don’t own a thermometer to check the temperature.
  • If you’re making uncooked eggs or dishes with raw eggs, only use pasteurized eggs.

Other FAQs about Eggs that you may be interested in.

Are duck eggs safe to eat?

How To Preserve Eggs Without Refrigeration?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question, “Are eggs safe to eat when pregnant?”. We also discussed the potential risks and health benefits of eating when pregnant.

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/eggs-in-pregnancy#cooking-tips
https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/diet-and-fitness/is-it-safe-to-eat-eggs-when-im-pregnant_10415304

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