diff --git a/code/modules/client/preferences_savefile.dm b/code/modules/client/preferences_savefile.dm
index 5b3379d85b..fbd81d0f9c 100644
--- a/code/modules/client/preferences_savefile.dm
+++ b/code/modules/client/preferences_savefile.dm
@@ -1190,7 +1190,8 @@ SAVEFILE UPDATING/VERSIONING - 'Simplified', or rather, more coder-friendly ~Car
 	//SPLURT EDIT BEGIN - gregnancy
 	S["virile"] >> virility
 	S["fertile"] >> fertility
-	S["egg_shell"] >> egg_shell
+	if(S["egg_shell"])
+		S["egg_shell"] >> egg_shell
 	S["pregnancy_inflation"] >> pregnancy_inflation
 	//SPLURT EDIT END