Pineapple and Pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy diet is key to having a healthy pregnancy. However, there are many food myths going on about what a pregnant woman should eat or avoid. This can cause a lot of confusion, especially, for first-time mothers. Many times, pregnant women avoid eating various foods because they are afraid of harming their babies. 

Pineapples are one of the foods that have been demonized as harmful during pregnancy but is there any truth to the claims? 

Key Takeaways

• A healthy diet is important for all pregnant women
• Pineapples are a sweet and healthy snack that many love.
• Pineapples are packed with Vitamin C and fiber.
• There is no clear study that proves pineapple’s negative effects on a pregnant woman and fetus. 

Nutritional Value of Pineapples 

Pineapples are a delightfully delicious fruit full of nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Calcium, Folate, Manganese, Iron, and fiber. All these nutrients boost immunity. 

The pineapple also contains an anti-inflammatory nutrient called bromelain, which according to a 2021 study has pain-relieving properties, and helps lessen the effects of blood clots, cancer, and edema. 

Does Pineapple Cause Miscarriages?

Many pregnant women have believed the myth that the bromelain in pineapples causes uterine contractions, which can cause a miscarriage. However, there have been no studies that have shown this to be true. 

Does Pineapple Induce Labor?

Based on the research done, there’s no correlation between eating pineapples and early labor. Though bromelain can soften the cervix, the research is too insufficient for experts to say eating pineapple is effective at naturally inducing labor. In some rodent studies, uterine contractions were seen after eating pineapples.  Nevertheless, human studies are currently pretty limited. 

Is Pineapple Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, eating a pineapple is safe during pregnancy. A study done in 2011 looked at the correlation between eating pineapples and early labor or miscarriage and found that there’s no direct correlation between the two. Over the years, other scientific studies have proved the same. This means that pineapples are generally safe to eat unless you already exhibit an allergy to them. 

Over the years, pineapple has been promoted as an aide of  IVF therapy, but there is no peer-reviewed evidence to support these claims, and eating pineapple will not increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.

If you are unsure about what to eat during your fertility treatments, the compassionate healthcare professionals at Ivy Fertility will provide you with all the information you need and guide you on how to maintain a nutritious and healthy diet during your IVF journey.

Pineapple Health Benefits

The pineapple has several health benefits including:

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Pineapples have been used for centuries for their anti-inflammatory properties. They contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps reduce inflammation and can aid in relieving pain and discomfort linked to swollen joints. Swollen joints are a common condition in pregnancy and can be alleviated with the help of pineapple.

Improve Digestive Health

Pineapples are full of fiber, which helps promote digestion and prevents constipation, a common complaint among expectant mothers. The bromelain found in pineapples is key in breaking down proteins and promoting the gut’s overall health.

Offers Hydration

Pineapples are very juicy offering hydration. Pregnant mothers must hydrate during pregnancy and pineapple can be an addition to your fluid intake regimen, especially for women who hate the taste of water when pregnant. Pineapple can help maintain optimum hydration levels and promote overall well-being, owing to its excellent water content.

Vitamin B6

Pineapples are rich in vitamin B6, which is an important nutrient for fetal brain development and function. 

Vitamin C Boost

Pineapples are packed with vitamin C and 1 cup of pineapple has all the vitamin C you will need in a day. Vitamin C supports the immune system, helps in collagen production, and promotes healthy skin. It also enhances iron absorption, helping to prevent anemia during pregnancy. 

Precautions when eating pineapple in pregnancy

Pineapples can be incorporated into your diet in many ways:

• As an add-on to your breakfast smoothie.
• As a topping with some Greek yogurt. 
• As an addition to your salad or salsa
• It can be grilled with cinnamon
• It can be added to your favorite pizza.

As enjoyable and nutritious as they are, pineapples should be avoided if you already have a known allergy to them. If you develop a rash, start to itch, or struggle to breathe after eating them, stop immediately and consult with your doctor.

Pineapples should always be eaten fresh. Avoid pineapples that have stayed for a long time. Ensure you or anyone handling the fruit has clean hands. Moreover, though canned pineapples are the safer option, they tend to be much sweeter and have more added sugar, which may not be beneficial to you or the baby. 

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy and IVF

Even as you enjoy pineapples, there are some foods that you should avoid when pregnant.  

• Raw or undercooked meat: Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs can carry harmful pathogens like salmonella, campylobacter, and E. coli that will have a negative effect on the pregnant mother and baby. 
• Seafood: Seafood can be high in mercury, which can negatively affect the baby’s brain and nervous system development, causing congenital malformations, hearing and vision problems, as well as developmental delays. Seafoods that can contain high levels of mercury include marlin, swordfish, tilefish, tuna, king mackerel, orange roughy, and shark. 
• Raw dairy: Raw dairy from milk and cheese can contain harmful bacteria like Listeria, E.coli, and brucella that can cause illnesses harmful to mother and baby. Always go for pasteurized options. 
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables: Though fruits and vegetables are vital to a well-balanced diet, when unwashed they can carry bacteria on their surface.  

Final Thoughts

Eating pineapple during pregnancy is safe. The fruit will not cause a miscarriage or send you into labor. You can safely enjoy the fruit but if you’re still worried about eating it, speak with your doctor about your concerns and ask for more information on pregnancy-safe foods. The key is to have a healthy nutrient-dense diet during pregnancy.