Is it Safe to Eat Medium-Well Steak While Pregnant? Cooking Steak for Two

Eating medium-well steak while pregnant is generally considered safe, as long as the meat is properly handled and cooked. Here are some guidelines for enjoying steak during pregnancy.

Guidelines for Safe Meat Consumption During Pregnancy

• Choose fresh, high-quality cuts of beef from reputable sources. Avoid pre-packaged or deli meats.
• Cook beef to at least 145°F internal temperature, until it is grayish-brown inside with no pink. This achieves a medium-well doneness.
• Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. Temperature is more accurate than cooking time.
• Avoid eating any raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, or eggs during pregnancy.
• Reheat leftover steak to 165°F before eating. Do not eat steak that has been sitting at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
• Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked meats. Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
• Refrigerate or freeze beef within 2 hours of purchasing. Follow safe refrigerator storage times.
• Thaw frozen steak safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave. Do not thaw at room temperature.

How to Safely Prepare and Enjoy Medium-Well Steak During Pregnancy

• Choose a thick, juicy cut of steak at least 1 inch thick, such as ribeye, strip, tenderloin, or top sirloin.
• Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, herbs, garlic, etc. Allow to come to room temperature before cooking.
• Preheat a heavy pan or grill to high heat. Brush pan with oil to prevent sticking.
• Cook the steak 2-5 minutes per side, until it reaches 145°F internal temperature for medium-well. Use tongs instead of a fork to avoid piercing the meat.
• Let the steak rest 5-10 minutes after cooking so the juices can redistribute. This makes the meat more tender and flavorful.
• Pair the steak with roasted vegetables, a baked potato, or salad for a balanced meal. Top with compound butter or chimichurri sauce.

How Much Steak Should a Pregnant Woman Eat?

• Stick to 4-6 oz portions of cooked steak, 2-3 times per week during pregnancy. This provides protein, iron, and other nutrients.
• Avoid eating more than 6 oz of steak in one sitting, as too much may be hard to digest. Spread portions throughout the week.
• Choose lean cuts of steak and trim off any visible fat before cooking to cut down on saturated fat intake.
• Substitute other healthy protein sources like beans, lentils, poultry, fish, and eggs on days you don’t eat red meat.

The Risks of Undercooked Meat During Pregnancy

Eating raw or undercooked meat increases the risk of foodborne illnesses during pregnancy, which can harm the mother and baby.

• Toxoplasmosis: Common in raw/rare meat. Can cause birth defects. Cook meat to safe temperature.
• Salmonella: Found in poultry, eggs, beef. Causes fever, diarrhea. Don’t eat raw eggs.
• E. coli: From contaminated ground beef. Cook burgers to 160°F.
• Listeria: From deli meats, soft cheeses. Avoid these foods during pregnancy.

Thorough cooking kills these pathogens. The minimal risk of medium-well steak is much lower than eating undercooked meat.

Medium-Well Steak and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

• Medium-well steak (145°F) eliminates risk of harmful bacteria while retaining moisture and flavor. It provides important iron and protein for mother and baby.
• Pregnant women should always use a food thermometer to verify steak reaches a safe 145°F internal temperature. Visual appearance alone is not reliable.
• Let steak rest 5 minutes after cooking – this allows juices to redistribute so steak stays moist and tender when cutting. Dry steak loses nutrients.
• Certain individuals may need to avoid medium-well steak during pregnancy, like those with compromised immunity or other medical conditions. Check with your doctor.
• It’s fine to enjoy steak while pregnant as long as it is cooked to the proper temperature. Undercooked steak significantly raises the risk of foodborne illness.

Factors That Affect the Safety of Medium-Well Steak During Pregnancy

• Steak thickness: Minimum 1 inch thick to allow cooking to 145°F without overcooking exterior.
• Cooking method: Grilling, broiling, pan frying work best. Slow cooking may not heat thoroughly.
• Cut of steak: Tender cuts like ribeye and tenderloin stay moist at medium-well. Avoid lean cuts which toughen.
• Doneness: Medium-well (145°F) is safest. If you prefer medium or medium-rare, consult your doctor first.
• Resting: Letting steak rest seals in juices. Skipping this step causes dryness and nutrient loss.
• Sanitation: Clean prep area and utensils prevent cross-contamination of bacteria onto the cooked steak.

Can I Have Medium Rare Steak at 22 Weeks Pregnant?

While many women crave a nice medium rare steak during pregnancy, it is not recommended. At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby’s nervous system and organs are still developing, so it is crucial to avoid the risks of consuming undercooked meat.

Cooking steak to only medium rare means some areas may be under 145°F, raising the chances of food poisoning. This could result in severe vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, hospitalization and premature labor. It is best to wait until after pregnancy to enjoy your steak at lower donenesses again. For now, stick to medium-well for maximum safety.

Is It OK to Stop Eating Meat When Pregnant?

It’s generally fine to be vegetarian or mostly plant-based while pregnant as long as you supplement key nutrients found in meat:

• Protein: Eat beans, lentils, nuts, eggs, dairy.
• Iron: Spinach, potatoes, fortified cereals, supplements if directed by doctor.
• Vitamin B12: Fortified foods, supplements.
• Zinc: Whole grains, nuts, dairy.
• Omega-3s: Walnuts, flax, chia, supplements.

Avoid drastic limitations in your diet while pregnant, as this risks malnutrition. Check with your doctor about any special nutritional needs. With proper supplementation, it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy without meat.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying medium-well steak in moderation can be a safe, healthy part of your pregnancy diet. Proper handling, cooking, and sanitation are key to reducing any risks. Always use a food thermometer to ensure you reach the minimum safe internal temperature of 145°F. This eliminates bacteria while retaining moisture and flavor.

Pair your steak with plenty of vegetables, grains, and plant foods for balanced nutrition. Checking with your doctor about your specific cravings and nutrition needs is also recommended. With some basic safety precautions, you can continue to savor steak during your pregnancy.