Pineapple and Pregnancy

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.
• No clear study proves pineapple’s negative effects on a pregnant woman and fetus. 

What’s in a Pineapple?

A pineapple is an extremely delicious fruit to have. But it’s not just sweet, it contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to both mother and baby. A pineapple is packed with:

• Vitamin C to strengthen the immune system
• Vitamin B6 ​​ for dealing with anemia and morning sickness.
• Vitamin B1 for a healthy nervous system and heart
• Magnesium for development, sleep, and hydration
• Calcium for the development of a baby's bones and teeth
• Folate to prevent birth defects and supports healthy cell growth and function
• Manganese for healthy bones
• Iron to prevent anemia and fatigue
• Fiber to help with digestion, and blood glucose control, and prevent constipation
• Copper for proper growth and the health of your hair and eyes

The different nutrients in pineapples can boost one’s immunity. For example, 1 cup of pineapple has all the vitamin C you will need in a day.

Pineapples have another substance called bromelain found in the pineapple’s stem. According to a 2021 study, bromelain has pain-relieving properties and helps lessen the effects of blood clots, cancer, and edema. 

Common Myths About Pineapple in Pregnancy

Several myths surround pineapples. First, many believe that the bromelain in pineapples causes uterine contractions that can result in a miscarriage. However, no study links contractions to eating pineapples.  Closely related to this is that pineapples induce labor by softening your cervix. Again, there’s no study that proves this correlation. 

On the positive side, pineapples have been said to promote implantation during IVF. Many believe that bromelain can increase the success of an IVF round. There’s also no study that supports this claim. 

Is Pineapple Safe During Pregnancy?

A study done in 2011 looked at the correlation between eating pineapples and early labor or miscarriage and found no direct correlation between the two. Several other scientific studies have proven the same, making pineapples generally safe to eat. The only time you should avoid pineapples is if you're already allergic to them. 

Though pineapple has been touted as an aid in invitro fertilization, no peer-reviewed studies support these claims. When going through IVF, the goal is to maintain a healthy diet with nutritious foods. If you are unsure about what to eat during your fertility treatments, the compassionate healthcare professionals at Ivy Fertility will guide you on how to maintain a nutritious and healthy diet during your IVF journey. 

Precautions when eating pineapple in pregnancy

Pineapples are a sweet addition to your diet as smoothies, as a topping in your salad or salsa, grill it with cinnamon, or even add it to your favorite pizza. The only time you should avoid it is if it comes with an allergic reaction such as a rash, itching, or struggle to breathe. 

Avoid eating pineapples that have stayed for a long time and ensure the fruit is handled in a clean environment. 

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy and IVF

Now that you can enjoy your pineapple guilt-free, it’s important to note that some foods must be avoided during pregnancy.

• Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs: During pregnancy, it’s advised to avoid runny eggs or undercooked meat. This is because undercooked foods can carry harmful pathogens like salmonella, campylobacter, and E. coli that have a negative effect on the pregnant mother and baby. 
• Refined sugar: To have a healthy pregnancy you have to eat healthy foods. This means avoiding foods and drinks rich in high sugar. A  2021 study revealed that sugary foods and drinks high in refined carbohydrates can harm fertility. However, this doesn't mean you cannot indulge in your favorite foods once in a while. 
• Trans Fats and Highly Processed Foods: Similar to refined sugar, highly processed foods should be avoided. In some cases, some pregnant people find that fast food is what they crave during pregnancy. While they can be enjoyed once in a while, they shouldn’t be the main diet. 
• Seafood high in mercury: Seafood is high in nutrients like amino acids, protein, good cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and minerals. Nevertheless, seafood can also contain potentially harmful levels of mercury. Mercury exposure can negatively affect the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system and cause congenital malformations, hearing and vision problems, as well as developmental delays. 
• Raw Dairy: Raw dairy in milk and cheese can also be dangerous for pregnant people because they contain harmful bacteria like Listeria, E. coli, and brucella. These bacteria can result in illnesses that will be harmful to the mother and baby. During pregnancy, always go for pasteurized options. 
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables: While it goes without saying, fruits and vegetables must be washed before consumption. Unwashed fruits and veggies can carry bacteria on their surface. 
• Caffeine, Alcohol, and Tobacco: Most pregnant people already know to avoid alcohol and tobacco entirely, but some want to consume them minimally. Nevertheless, alcohol and tobacco can negatively impact your pregnancy or the success of fertility treatments. In fact, as little as two drinks a day can decrease the success rate of IVF treatments. 

Additionally, excessive caffeine consumption can also harm a pregnancy. While some doctors go for complete caffeine abstinence, others are more lenient and suggest staying below two cups of coffee. 

Final Thoughts

Enjoying a pineapple snack when pregnant will unlikely cause miscarriage or early labor. If you’re still worried about adding it to your diet, consult your doctor about your concerns and ask for more information on pregnancy-safe foods because a nutrient-dense diet during pregnancy is an added advantage to the pregnant mother and baby.