Can I Eat Rare steak While Pregnant?

Why

A rare steak leaves the interior undercooked, and the CDC cautions that undercooked beef can carry Toxoplasma, Salmonella, or E. coli. Toxoplasmosis is the standout worry in pregnancy because the parasite can cross to your baby and harm the developing eyes and brain, often while causing you few or no symptoms. The surface of a steak sears hot, but a rare center may not reach a bacteria-killing temperature.

How to enjoy it safely

Cook steak to at least 145F internal temperature, checked with a food thermometer, then let it rest three minutes before cutting. A medium or medium-well steak still tastes great and removes the risk. If you are dining out, ask for it cooked to temperature rather than rare.

When to ask your provider

Let your Garden OB/GYN provider know if you have eaten rare or undercooked beef and develop flu-like symptoms, since they may want to check for infection.