GUIDE
Hot Dogs During Pregnancy
WITH CAUTION — safe only if heated to steaming hot (165°F) before eating.
Hot dogs are pre-cooked but can harbor listeria during storage. Reheat until steaming to eliminate the risk.
Be prepared from day one
The Short Answer
You can eat hot dogs during pregnancy, but you need to heat them until they're steaming hot (165°F) first. Hot dogs are pre-cooked during manufacturing, but Listeria monocytogenes can contaminate them afterward during packaging and storage. Since listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures, eating a cold hot dog straight from the package carries a risk.
The fix is simple: grill, boil, or microwave your hot dog until it's steaming hot throughout. This kills any listeria that may be present. If you're at a cookout or ballpark where hot dogs come off a grill or out of hot water, they're already safe.
For a complete overview, see our complete food safety guide.
Safe Ways to Eat Hot Dogs
- Grilled hot dogs — the high heat kills bacteria thoroughly
- Boiled hot dogs — boiling until steaming achieves safe temperature
- Microwaved hot dogs — heat until steaming hot throughout, about 60-90 seconds
- Hot dogs at ballparks and cookouts — typically served hot off the grill
- Corn dogs — deep-fried, reaching safe internal temperatures
The key is making sure the hot dog is steaming hot throughout before eating.
What to Avoid
- Cold hot dogs straight from the package — may harbor listeria
- Lukewarm hot dogs that aren't steaming — not heated enough to kill bacteria
- Hot dogs that have been sitting at room temperature for over 2 hours — bacteria multiply rapidly
These guidelines are based on ACOG and FDA recommendations.
Why This Matters During Pregnancy
Hot dogs fall into the same risk category as deli meats — they're pre-cooked but then stored at refrigerator temperatures where Listeria monocytogenes can grow. Listeria is unique among foodborne bacteria because it thrives in cold environments where other bacteria slow down or stop growing.
The risk is the same as with any ready-to-eat meat product. Pregnant people are approximately 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than the general population due to immune system changes during pregnancy. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor, and serious infection in newborns.
To be clear: the risk per serving is statistically small. Millions of pregnant people eat hot dogs with no issues. But because the consequences can be severe and the prevention is easy (just heat the hot dog), it's a sensible precaution to take. For more on safe protein choices, see our pregnancy meal plan guide.
For more on listeria risk during pregnancy, see our listeria and pregnancy guide.
Tips for Safe Eating
Grilling is the most common way to cook hot dogs — and the most effective at eliminating bacteria. Grill until the outside has grill marks and the inside is steaming. Boiling works too — bring water to a rolling boil and cook for about 5 minutes.
If microwaving, place the hot dog on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 60-90 seconds. Cut it in half to make sure it's steaming hot throughout, not just on the ends.
Regarding toppings: mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, and sauerkraut are all safe during pregnancy. Store-bought chili for chili dogs is also fine — it's been commercially cooked and processed.
Once your hot dog is hot, eat it promptly. Don't let it sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature outside is above 90°F).
For more on safe meat choices during pregnancy, see our best foods for pregnancy guide. For other processed meats, check our deli meat guide.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
