Table of contents:
- How did this myth originate?
- Eating pineapple while pregnant does not cause a pregnant woman to miscarry
- Are there any benefits of eating pineapple while pregnant?
- However, not all women can consume pineapple while pregnant
Throughout your pregnancy, you will hear lots of well-meaning advice and restrictions from friends, family members, even when you run into strangers. Much of the information you have received has turned out to be very helpful. However, some of them also sound dubious, for example eating pineapple while pregnant causes miscarriage - or early labor.
How did this myth originate?
Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which works to break down protein in the body. Because the newly conceived fetus consists of simple protein cells, intake of bromelain is thought to cause bleeding and miscarriage. In addition, bromelain is also thought to stimulate the cervix to soften and loosen so that it can trigger early labor.
This suspicion is not wrong. Bromelain, in tablet or capsule form, is not recommended for consumption by mothers during pregnancy. It is true that bromelain breaks down proteins in the body that can trigger premature contractions and / or abnormal bleeding, and therefore, increase the risk of miscarriage.
But wait a minute.
Eating pineapple while pregnant does not cause a pregnant woman to miscarry
The dose of bromelain in one whole fresh pineapple is not high enough to act as a drug that impacts pregnancy. In comparison, The German Commission E, reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends consuming 80-320 mg of bromelain to treat various digestive problems and muscle inflammation. Based on a Duke University Medical Center study in 2011, reported by NCBI, one serving of fresh pineapple juice purified from the stem (the main source of bromelain) only reaches 16 mg. The amount of bromelain found in fresh pineapples is too small to have a marked effect on the uterus and reproductive system. Also, most of the bromelain content is lost during the canning or juicing process.
In order for the pure bromelain content in pineapple to achieve the effect of aborting the pregnancy, a pregnant woman must eat 7-10 whole fresh pineapples at once. In conclusion, eating pineapple while pregnant in moderation (no more than 3 servings per day) every week during pregnancy, generally does not have a bad impact on the safety of your pregnancy.
Are there any benefits of eating pineapple while pregnant?
Eating pineapple during pregnancy can provide a nutritional boost for the fetus in the womb to be able to grow and develop optimally. One serving of fresh cut pineapple supports approximately 79 mg of vitamin C, a nutrient needed to supply collagen production which helps the growth of baby's skin, bones, cartilage and tendons, according to Live Science, and at the same time can support your immunity during pregnancy. Pregnant women generally need 85 mg of daily vitamin C intake.
Pineapple is a high source of fiber, which effectively relieves constipation. Constipation is a common complaint found in the early stages of pregnancy. Pineapple also provides many other nutrients, including vitamins A and B6, folate, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese.
However, not all women can consume pineapple while pregnant
Eating pineapple may not endanger the life of the fetus or put you into labor too early, but large amounts of pineapples can have uncomfortable effects on you. Be careful if you have a sensitive stomach. The acid in pineapples can cause heartburn or acid reflux. If you consume pineapple juice that is not ripe enough, the bromelain in it may have a severe laxative effect, leading to diarrhea.
Pregnant women who have gestational diabetes (or are at high risk) may need to be careful about consuming pineapples, especially in the form of juice. Fruit juices are a highly concentrated source of natural sugar from whole fruits, so they can cause blood sugar to spike if consumed in large amounts at one time. If you have gestational diabetes, you can still drink pineapple juice as a small part of your diet that is high in protein or fiber, because these two nutrients can reduce the blood sugar response.
If you don't normally eat pineapples and experience some sort of allergic reaction after snacking on pineapples, call your doctor. Symptoms include itching or swelling in your mouth, skin reactions (red, itchy, swollen), asthma, runny nose or stuffy nose. This allergic reaction usually occurs within a few minutes after the last bite of pineapple. You are more likely to develop a pineapple allergy if you also have an allergy to pollen or latex.
Eating pineapple during pregnancy does not cause miscarriage. You can enjoy fresh, canned, or pineapple juice in normal portions to still be able to reap the benefits of this fruit without having to worry about dealing with its health risks. If you are still worried about adding this fruit to your diet during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about your problem and ask for more information about what foods are safe for pregnant women to consume.