Can I eat unpasteurized milk while pregnant?

Avoid

Avoid — CDC explicitly warns against raw milk during pregnancy.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Example, OB-GYN, MD Last reviewed: January 15, 2025Editorial process

What's safe

Pasteurized milk (every major US brand is pasteurized by default)
UHT (ultra-high-temperature) shelf-stable milk
Milk in a sealed supermarket carton labeled 'pasteurized'

What to avoid

Raw milk (legal in some US states, illegal in others)
Herd-share / cow-share raw milk
Unpasteurized dairy products made from raw milk (raw-milk cheese, raw cream)

Sources & citations

Every verdict on this page is grounded in an authoritative source. If you spot outdated guidance, email [email protected].

Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy
Mayo Clinic
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy (FAQ)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Frequently asked questions

Is raw milk from a local farm safer than store milk during pregnancy?

No. The CDC states raw milk may contain Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, or tuberculosis bacteria regardless of the farm's cleanliness. Pasteurization is the only reliable kill step.

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More foods to check

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This page is informational only and is not medical advice. Always consult your OB-GYN, midwife, or registered dietitian about your specific pregnancy nutrition questions — particularly if you have gestational diabetes, food allergies, or other complications.