I have pineapple cravings, is it the right choice to eat? Are you thinking the same? Then, you’re at the right place. Yeah, pregnancy is a journey filled with abundant doubts and lots of myths. One among them is “can pineapple cause miscarriage in early pregnancy” a widely debated concern. But, if it is baseless, then why do people consider it will result in abortion? This blog gives you a detailed view of everything you need to know about consuming pineapple in gestation.
Is pineapple safe during pregnancy?
Yes, of course. You can intake pineapple during the gestation period as it is an excellent source of vitamin C, which plays a vital role in boosting immunity and iron absorption. Other than these nutritional values, pineapples contain folate, which is important for developing a baby’s spine.
How many pineapples can I have during pregnancy?
It’s recommended to eat pineapple in small portions. A slice or two a day is considered safe and provides benefits without causing any issues related to acidity or digestive irritation. It’s because some women can experience allergic reactions due to bromelain content in this tropical fruit.
Okay, everything is great. But, why are pineapples highly associated with miscarriages? Without any scientific evidence, how can everyone claim this tropical fruit can cause abortion and spoil your pregnancy? Well, there is an important factor for associating miscarriages with pregnancy.
What makes people think pineapple can cause miscarriages?
The core of the pineapples contains bromelain, which is a supplement provided for inducing labour and miscarriages in women during pregnancy. So, this is the one prominent reason for associating abortion with pregnancy. However, the amount of bromelain in the single serving couldn’t cause miscarriage and impact your fertility.
This is where the amount of pineapple should come to your concern. Moderate amounts of pineapple daily, weekly, or according to the doctor’s suggestion could be a healthy addition to the pregnant lady’s diet.
Another important reason for linking it with miscarriage is servings of pineapple help to prevent or avoid pregnancy and also effectively treat late menstruation. So, when you crave pineapples make sure to eat in moderate amounts and keep yourself healthy.
Along with moderation, pregnant women should follow these precautions while consuming pineapples. Make sure you follow them properly to cut off the risk of acidity and heartburn.
Precautions to be taken while eating pineapples during gestation
Consuming pineapples in moderation is the very first advice you need to follow during pregnancy. This tropical fruit is highly acidic and more fibre content can lead to several digestive problems like gas, heartburn, and diarrhea.
The second most essential thing is pregnant women should consume fresh pineapples and their extracts, instead of choosing canned pineapples and flavoured drinks with added sugars and preservatives. This ensures the wellness of babies and mothers throughout the pregnancy journey.
Then, be aware of your body conditions. Yeah, some women may be allergic to pineapples, it causes itching in and around their throat, mouth, and ears. Skin rashes and hives are also possible because of excessive consumption of pineapples.
Benefits of having pineapple during pregnancy
Women can add this tropical fruit to their diet in different ways. It can be pineapple smoothies, fruit salads, grilled pineapples, and yoghurt topping. Consuming them in moderation can bring you these benefits during the gestation period. They are:
- Digestive issues are more common in the gestation period, gas, bloating, and constipation also occur. Small servings of pineapple can promote good digestive health and support the immune system well.
- Pineapples are rich in water, which helps in maintaining optimum water levels in your body. So, add a small serving of pineapples to your daily diet and contribute to your baby’s health.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of pineapples help you relieve pain and discomfort in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is also a natural sweetener that can satisfy your pregnancy sweet cravings and enhance your mood.
- The bromelain in pineapple may effectively work on coughs and sinusitis mucus, thus, it is considered as therapeutic in nature.
What are the other fruits to avoid during pregnancy?
Due to bromelain content and its efficiency in regulating periods, pineapple is considered to be added in moderation. Similarly, there are some important fruits available to be consumed in moderation or completely avoid them. Here are the two fruits to be excluded from your diet during pregnancy.
Unripe Papayas
Latex is present in papaya, containing papain enzymes that can enhance the chances of miscarriages and induce premature contractions. So, make sure to cut off unripe papaya from your diet and save your little one.
Some recommendations also say that pregnant ladies can include moderate amounts of ripe papaya. However, consuming papayas in a small amount and following the doctor’s instructions while eating papayas will be a healthy addition.
Grapes
Grapes are not recommended to add to the diet of pregnant women during the final trimester. This bunch can generate heat in the body, which is not good for both the fetus and the mother. Avoiding too many grapes during pregnancy keeps you away from several complications.
A doctor’s consultation is mandatory to decide whether you can have these varieties of fruits or not, so be sure to visit the hospitals on time and enhance your health during the gestation.
Last few words
Pineapple can be a healthy addition to your pregnancy diet if consumed in moderation. While myths about its risks persist has no substantial evidence associating pineapple with miscarriage or labour induction. However, always listen to your body and consult your doctor if you have any concerns. A well-balanced diet and informed choices will support a healthy pregnancy and ensure the best for you and your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
No, the chances of allergic reactions to the pineapple are very low and uncommon, because no evidence says that components in pineapples can affect babies in the womb. However, allergic reactions due to pineapples could also take place in individuals with latex allergies and will not be that severe.
Some people believe that eating pineapples during the last trimester of pregnancy can induce labour. However, no evidence supports this claim and is unlikely to hurt your bodily functions during pregnancy.
Once again pineapples don’t have any proofs to support that pineapple is dangerous during pregnancy. Still, some people consider that consuming pineapples during early pregnancy can cause miscarriage and is a myth.
Yes, there is a chance to prevent pregnancy. This is why because pineapples and papayas are included to treat late menstruation and is believed pineapples have the potential to be abortive.
Yes, it can affect women’s reproductive health positively. Study shows that even a small amount of pineapples can improve fertility. In addition, you can also include pineapples in your diet for a successful conception. Therefore, this tropical fruit is great for boosting fertility and implantation rates.
