When you’re pregnant, you get to hear lots of advice and opinions from friends, families, and even strangers. Some may seem helpful, and some may cause unwanted stress in your mind. One among them is that eating pineapple can cause miscarriage. This thought is still a mystery for women and makes them believe that this fruit is dangerous to the fetus.
Probably, every pregnant woman has come across this opinion. So, let’s discuss whether the fruit is really dangerous to your pregnancy journey or just a myth.
Get to read this article; you’ll be explained about whether consuming pineapple during pregnancy is safe or not.
Can Eating Pineapple Actually Cause Miscarriage?
The answer is simply no; there is no proven evidence to tell if eating pineapple can cause miscarriage. In general, pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that makes your cervix soft. But the amount of bromelain is not sufficient in this fruit to cause miscarriage.
To be frank, pineapple is a safe and healthy fruit, rich in vitamins and minerals. It is completely safe to consume during pregnancy.
Importantly, the amount of bromelain content in a fruit is quite less than the supplement. Their effects on the pregnancy are more likely to be different.
Nutritional Benefits of Pineapple During Pregnancy
Pineapple is a nutritious fruit that you can add to your pregnancy diet. It contains rich vitamins and minerals that keep you and your baby healthy.
Vitamins and Minerals in Pineapple
Here are the lists of vitamins and minerals enriched in a pineapple fruit:
Vitamin C: Pineapple is a powerful antioxidant and contains a rich source of vitamin C. It helps improve iron absorption, the immune system, skin health, and fetal growth.
Manganese: Pineapple is an excellent source of manganese, which plays a vital role in supporting blood clotting, energy metabolism, and bone health. In addition, they have antioxidant properties, which help growth and metabolism.
Copper: Copper is a primary thing involved in red blood cells and iron absorption. They also aid in developing the fetus’s heart, blood vessels, and skeletal systems.
B Vitamins: B vitamins are quite essential for pregnant women. Pineapple includes various healthy vitamins such as folate (B9), thiamin (B1), and pyridoxine (B6).
Benefits of Bromelain in Pineapple
Bromelain in pineapple is a healthy enzyme that can positively influence your health. They include:
Reduce Inflammation: It is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce inflammation in your body caused by a variety of conditions such as arthritis, muscle soreness, and tendinitis.
Promotes Wound Healing: Bromelain has the power of wound healing, which typically reduces bruising and swelling after injury or surgery. It causes reduced pain and irritation.
Improves Digestion: Bromelain can break down the protein content, which is paramount for digestion. It helps people with digestive problems such as constipation, indigestion, and bloating.
What is Bromelain, and How Does it Affect Pregnancy?
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes, present in the stem and flesh of pineapple. The amount of bromelain content is very low, which causes no impact to you and your developing fetus. In general, bromelain tablets are strictly not recommended for pregnant women, which break down the protein and lead to abnormal bleeding.
As stated above, they improve your health in different aspects, such as. However, some people may be subjected to certain side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. It is advisable to consult your dietician or healthcare provider before taking bromelain content. Though it is a good source of vitamins and minerals, the health condition of individuals is different.
Safe Amounts of Pineapple to Eat During Pregnancy
One or two cups of pineapple is safe to consume during pregnancy. It is an excellent source of nutrients essential for the health of both mother and baby. They include folate, vitamin C, and other nutrients.
Potential Side Effects of Eating Too Much Pineapple
Pineapple as a part of a balanced diet. Consuming too much pineapple causes some potential side effects, such as:
Digestive Problems: Pineapple contains high fiber content, while eating too much can lead to digestive problems like diarrhea, stomach upset, heartburn, vomiting, and nausea.
Mouth Irritation: Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple fruit, causes mouth and tongue irritation. It will be very sensitive to pregnant women, and they feel a burning sensation.
Elevates Blood Sugar: Pineapple includes a natural sugar content, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels, especially for a pregnant woman with a diabetes problem.
Acidic Effects: The acidity of pineapple can worsen pregnancy symptoms and cause more heartburn or acid reflux in susceptible individuals.
Precautions When Eating Pineapple in Early Pregnancy
There are no specific precautions to consider when eating pineapple during pregnancy. The important thing is you should limit the consumption and consult with your healthcare provider about taking bromelain content.
Closing Thoughts
There is no compulsion to stop eating pineapple fruit; being in a limit provides sufficient vitamins and minerals to your body. It contains bromelain, a type of enzyme that shouldn’t be overconsumed. If you are following any pregnancy diet, you can consult your healthcare provider before including new items.
FAQs
Yes, it is completely safe to eat pineapple during pregnancy, even in the first trimester. However, you should be aware of the limitations; otherwis,e it may cause some side effects. Consuming an average amount of bromelain can benefit your body in numerous ways.
No, there is no relation between pineapple and late labor. There is no evidence found that eating raw pineapple or drinking its juice can cause labor. It is a good source of vitamins and nutrients that support you and your fetus’s health in many ways.
One or two cups of pineapple is the maximum limit to consume during pregnancy. Though it is an excellent source of vitamins, an increased amount of bromelain can cause various side effects on your health.
These are the major causes you will experience while having an excess amount of pineapple during pregnancy:
- Heartburn and acid reflux
- Diarrhea
- Uterine contractions
- Allergic reaction
Yes, you should stay away from certain foods to reduce the risk of miscarriage:
- Undercooked or raw meat
- Raw seafood
- Alcohol
- Drumstick leaves
- Fish variety high in mercury
- Ajinomoto
- Unpasteurized dairy
