Pineapple and Pregnancy

All pregnant women are advised to maintain a healthy diet. However, finding the right foods to eat can be daunting because most foods have a pregnancy myth around them. Knowing whether these myths are true or false can make a simple process complicated. 

One such food that has received a lot of backlash is pineapple and many pregnant women avoid eating various foods because they are afraid it will harm them or the baby. Let’s take a look if there are any truths 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 not only delicious but are packed with nutrients. From just one cup of pineapples, you can get Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Copper, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Iron. They are also rich in antioxidants called flavonoids and phenolic acids which protect cells from the free radicals that tend to lead to chronic disease. 

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. 

Pineapple Health Benefits

The pineapple’s rich nutrients provide several benefits to a pregnant woman. 

Improve Digestive Health

Fiber is important for pregnant women because it helps with digestion, weight gain, and blood sugar control, as well as preventing constipation and pre-eclampsia. Pineapples are full of fiber and the bromelain found in pineapples is key in breaking down proteins and promoting the gut’s overall health.

Promotes Bone Health 

Bone health is important during pregnancy. This is mainly because bone density temporarily decreases during pregnancy. Even though it usually returns to normal after giving birth, pregnancy can affect it greatly since during pregnancy, calcium is transferred from the mother to the fetus. Additionally, in the last months of pregnancy, the pregnant mother may lose bone mass as the fetus rapidly mineralizes the calcium. 

This means that to maintain bone health during pregnancy, you have to eat enough calcium, which can be found in pineapples. Pineapples have a good amount of calcium and manganese (13 milligrams per 100 grams of pineapple). 

Not only that, but Vitamin C-rich foods like pineapples stimulate bone cell production, by producing collagen, which is a key component of bones.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Pineapples have been used for centuries for their anti-inflammatory properties. The same bromelain that promotes gut health also helps reduce inflammation and can aid in relieving pain and discomfort.

Bromelain stimulates a healthy immune system to release inflammation-fighting immune system compounds and can also reduce the transforming growth factor beta, a compound associated with inflammation.

Prevents Pregnancy Complications

Some studies have shown that magnesium deficiency during pregnancy may pose a health risk for both the mother and the newborn, and this can extend into adulthood for the baby. Pineapple also contains magnesium, which can help prevent these complications as well as prevent leg cramps, preterm labor, and preeclampsia.

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.

Supports Fetal Development

Pineapples contain folate, which is essential for fetal development and helps prevent birth defects.

Experts advise that a pregnant lady should consume at least 600 mcg of folate per day to keep the baby's health on track, and a single cup of pineapple contains 30 mcg of folate.

Do Pineapples 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. 

Do Pineapples Induce Labor?

No, there’s no research that shows a direct 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.

Precautions When Eating Pineapple in Pregnancy

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.  

Final Thoughts

Eating pineapple during pregnancy is safe. They can be incorporated into your diet in many ways, including as an add-on to your breakfast smoothie, as an addition to your salad or salsa, or with some yogurt. Pineapples don’t cause a miscarriage or send you into labor and you can safely enjoy the fruit.

However, 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.