You can drink some types of eggnog when you’re pregnant, but only if it’s made safely: it must be pasteurized and completely alcohol‑free. Traditional homemade or boozy eggnog is not considered safe in pregnancy.

Quick Scoop

  • Safe: Store‑bought, pasteurized, non‑alcoholic eggnog in moderation.
  • Not safe: Homemade eggnog with raw or lightly cooked eggs, or any eggnog containing alcohol (rum, brandy, whiskey, etc.).
  • Always check the label for “pasteurized” and “non‑alcoholic,” and ask your doctor if you have any medical complications like gestational diabetes.

Why some eggnog is risky

  • Raw eggs can carry Salmonella, which causes severe food poisoning and can be more dangerous in pregnancy.
  • Alcohol in traditional holiday eggnog (even “just a splash”) is not considered safe at any level during pregnancy.
  • Unpasteurized dairy can contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria.
  • Eggnog is often high in sugar and fat, which can be an issue if you’re watching weight gain or have gestational diabetes.

How to enjoy eggnog safely

  1. Choose refrigerated or shelf‑stable store‑bought eggnog that clearly says “pasteurized” and “non‑alcoholic” on the label.
  1. Skip drinks served at parties if you don’t know how they were made (they may have raw egg or alcohol added).
  2. If making it at home, use pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute, keep the mixture well‑chilled, and leave out the alcohol entirely.
  1. Drink small portions and not every day, especially if you have blood sugar concerns.

What people are saying online

  • Many pregnancy forums mention that most commercial eggnog in places like the U.S. is pasteurized and considered fine if no alcohol is added , so some pregnant users happily drink it.
  • Others avoid homemade eggnog or anything with “raw egg and booze” and look for pregnancy‑friendly mocktail or “virgin eggnog” recipes instead.

Bottom line

If you’re pregnant and craving eggnog, stick to pasteurized, alcohol‑free versions and enjoy them in moderation, and avoid homemade or spiked eggnog completely. When in doubt—or if you have extra risk factors—check with your prenatal care provider for personalized advice.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.