Can a 16-week pregnant patient with no past medical history (PMH) consume medium rare steak or does it need to be well-done?

Pregnant Women Should Avoid Medium Rare Steak Due to Toxoplasmosis Risk

Pregnant women should avoid consuming medium rare steak and should only eat meat that is cooked thoroughly (well-done) to reduce the risk of foodborne infections that can cause miscarriage or harm to the fetus. 1

Risks of Undercooked Meat During Pregnancy

• Undercooked meats pose a significant risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection, which is associated with miscarriage and can be transmitted to the fetus 1
• Listeria monocytogenes is another pathogen of concern that can be present in undercooked meats and has a predilection for the maternal-fetal unit, potentially causing serious disease or death in the fetus 2
• The pregnancy-induced decrease in cell-mediated immune function makes pregnant women more susceptible to these intracellular pathogens 2

Safe Cooking Recommendations

• Meat should be cooked until well-done to effectively inactivate food-borne pathogens 3
• This recommendation applies regardless of trimester - the patient being at 16 weeks gestation does not change the recommendation 1
• When dining at restaurants where the pregnant woman does not have direct control over food preparation, she should consume only meat that is cooked until well-done 1

Other Food Safety Considerations During Pregnancy

• In addition to avoiding undercooked meats, pregnant women should also avoid:

  • Raw or unpasteurized dairy products 1
  • Soft French-style cheeses 1
  • Unheated deli meats 1
  • Raw or undercooked seafood, including oysters and clams 1

• Proper food handling practices are essential during pregnancy:

  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly 4
  • Store and handle food properly 3
  • Consume fresh foods promptly 4

Common Misconceptions

• Many pregnant women have poor knowledge of food safety guidelines during pregnancy, with studies showing that 83% incorrectly identify at least one unsafe food as safe to consume 5
• While some may believe that medium-rare steak is safe if obtained from reputable establishments, the guidelines clearly recommend avoiding undercooked meats during pregnancy regardless of source 1
• The risks of foodborne illness outweigh any potential nutritional benefits of consuming medium-rare versus well-done meat during pregnancy 1

Nutritional Considerations

• A balanced diet during pregnancy is still important for maternal and fetal health 6
• While ensuring food safety through proper cooking, pregnant women should still aim to consume adequate protein from properly cooked meat and other sources 6
• If concerned about nutrient loss from thoroughly cooking meat, pregnant women can compensate through other nutrient-dense foods in their diet 4