Pineapple and Pregnancy: How Safe Is It For Pregnant Women?

Introduction

Pineapple and pregnancy are hotly debated. Rumours surface that eating pineapple could jumpstart contractions, ripen the cervix, and cause premature delivery. On the other hand, some people believe that eating pineapples might harm the fetus.

So, is it real? Regrettably, there’s very little proof.

Pineapples are tropical fruit from the Bromeliaceae family. The fact is, they are rich in nutrients that are beneficial for both men and women, especially the women who are expecting a baby.

Nutritional Value of Pineapples

Pineapples are packed with essential nutrients. Keep in mind, the daily consumption of pineapples will result in the regular intake of the following nutrients:

• Calories: 132
• Protein: less than 1 gram
• Fat: less than 1 gram
• Carbs: 33 grams
• Sugars: 25 grams
• Fibre: less than 1 gram
• Manganese: 55% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Copper: 19% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 15% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 100% of the DV
• Thiamine: 12% of the DV
• Folate: 11% of the DV
• Potassium: 7% of the DV
• Magnesium: 7% of the DV

Common Benefits of Pineapple:

Below are listed a few of the most common benefits of eating this fruit, which of course stand true for pregnant women as well:

• Boosts Immunity
• Rich in antioxidants that help fight diseases and protection from foetal damage
• Source of healthy carbohydrates
• Excellent for weight loss
• Lowers risk of cancer
• Fights common cold
• Strengthens gums
• Improves eyesight

Why Does Pineapple Have Such A Bad Reputation?

There is no deficiency of counsel by family members or friends suggesting that past-due mothers eat huge servings of pineapple to speed up the process, but there is no logical proof that this really helps.

But Pregnant Women Still Avoid Fruits Like Papaya and Pineapple. Why?

Pineapples consist of an enzyme called bromelain. In case bromelain sounds new to you, bromelain is extracted from the pineapple stem, however, it is present in all parts of the fruit but minimum quantity.

More About Bromelain

You’ve eaten pineapple and experienced a burning sensation – may be sores in your mouth. This is because of the bromelain content.

Bromelain is an enzyme that aids in protein digestion. Bromelain is mainly used as meat tenderizers, for medicinal purposes, and in the cosmetic industry.

There are Bromelain tablets that are available in the market but aren’t suggested during pregnancy because these tablets can separate proteins in the body and lead to heart-breaking episodes of miscarriage. Hence, expecting mothers avoid pineapples.

But truth be told, the measure of bromelain in a solitary serving of pineapple isn’t probably going to affect pregnancy. As mentioned above, bromelain is extracted from the stem because it is fairly more concentrated here than anywhere else in the fruit. Also, to get the unhealthy amounts of bromelain within yourself, you would have to eat somewhere between 8-10 pineapples in one sitting.

So, Is Pineapple Safe To Eat During Pregnancy?

Alongside drinking a lot of water, one should attempt to get a good blend of all food sources to feel their best. And pineapples have heaps of nutrients and minerals that will assist the child’s development and well-being.

All in all, yes, pineapples are safe to consume during pregnancy – when taken in moderation.

Benefits Of Pineapple For Pregnant Women:

This specific list of benefits is precisely why pineapples are a great option for expecting mothers:

Vitamin C – A glass of pineapple juice can provide 80-85 mg of vitamin C, which is sufficient daily for pregnancy. These vitamins repair and prevent cell damage.

Vitamin C also contributes to the production of collagen, a protein that promotes the growth of skin, bones, muscles, and cartilage, and above all, improves your bone strength.

Manganese – They also contain manganese, which promotes bone health and prevents the risk of osteoporosis, while also regulating the function of the nervous system.

Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 promotes the production of red blood cells, thus preventing anaemia. It also kills extra antibodies, and to top it up, reduces morning sickness.

Copper – Copper in pineapple is important when feeding your baby. It helps in the production of red blood cells, kills stress in your bowel, prevents birth defects in the baby, strengthens bowel movements, and prevents water retention.

Bromelain – Feet swells cause pain. Bromelain is known to reduce the formation of fibrous tissue in the varicose veins and reduce discomfort.

Potassium – The high potassium content prevents hypertension and high blood pressure.

Bonus Tip: Pineapples are low in sodium.

Probable Side Effects Of Pineapple:

Posters on some pregnancy chat boards and social media agencies inspire pregnant women at or beyond their due date to attempt ingesting fresh pineapple instead of store-bought canned ones. This is because the canning process reduces the bromelain content, to get things moving.

Some have tried eating an entire pineapple in one sitting, frequently get inflicted by extra side effects like – nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea, and heartburn.

If you don’t typically eat pineapple and experience any kind of hypersensitive side effects after nibbling, call an emergency healthcare provider.

Hypersensitivity signs include:

• Tingling or expanding sensation in your mouth
• Skin allergies
• Asthma
• Blockage or a runny nose

These responses, as a rule, and if at all, occur promptly after eating pineapple. You are bound to be hypersensitive to this fruit in case you’re additionally oversensitive to dust or latex.

Ways To Consume Pineapple

On the off chance that you need to use pineapple for your pregnancy diet yet you don’t know where to begin, you can add it in various manners:

• Throw fresh chunks into your morning yoghurt
• Mix frozen pineapple into a smoothie
• Put few pineapples on your barbecue
• Place huge chunks of it on kebabs with meat and veggies
• Slash pineapple into salsa
• Make pineapple popsicles
• Join it into your pan-fried food or make a Hawaiian pizza

Recipes To Try: Mangalorean Chicken and Pineapple Curry, or Pineapple Sandwiches with Wholegrain Bread.

Foods Recommended During Pregnancy:

• Wholegrains
• Beans
• Salmon
• Eggs
• Berries
• Yoghurt
• Leafy Green Vegetables
• Lean meat
• Tofu

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy:

• Raw or uncooked meat/fish
• Processed food
• Foods containing caffeine

For more information on what foods to avoid during pregnancy, please read this.

Conclusion

Compelling for certain, one 2016 study confirmed that pineapple extract precipitated uterine contractions — in uterine tissue isolated from pregnant rats.

Keep in mind that the pineapple extract was implemented at once to the uterus, instead of consumed directly. So, evidence of pineapple inflicting contractions is absolutely missing.

Another 2011 study on rats determined that pineapple juice did not affect stimulating labour. There’s no logical proof to help that pineapple is perilous during pregnancy. Above all, medical testing of anything on pregnant women is incredibly unethical, especially if there’s a danger to the infant.

Pineapple hasn’t been established to start contractions or exertions. At the same time, there’s no damage in ingesting it as long as you have a healthful mindset and you do not go overboard by eating one or more pineapples a day!

Pregnancy is a very rewarding moment in a woman’s life, and it has its dos and don’ts. Considering everything above, adding a glass or two of pineapple juice is safe and beneficial for both the mother and the child. Simply limit your daily intake, and your good to go.