Pineapple and Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be difficult without adding the stress of choosing what to eat. During this journey, pregnant women come across different advice on what they should or shouldn’t eat. Out of fear of harming the child, many women avoid eating these foods. 

One such food is the pineapple. Over the years, there have been myths surrounding the pineapple and its effects on the pregnant mother and unborn child. But are these myths true?  

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. 

What’s in a Pineapple?

Besides being very delicious, pineapples are very healthy, and packed with nutrients that are very beneficial to an individual. Some of these include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Folate
• Manganese 
• Iron
• Fibre
• Beta carotene

As you can see the various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in pineapple can boost one’s immunity. Studies show that 1 cup of pineapple has all the vitamin C you will need in a day. Not only that, but this fruit 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. 

If you’re feeling thirsty, pineapples are juicy and offer hydration. Additionally, the fiber they offer helps with digestion and prevents bloating. 

Common Myths About Pineapple in Pregnancy

There are a few myths that surround eating pineapples while pregnant. These myths mainly focus on preventing miscarriages and early labor. 

• Myth 1: Pineapples cause miscarriages. Most people believe that the bromelain found in pineapples causes uterine contractions that can cause a miscarriage. However, no study has shown this to be true. 
• Myth 2: Pineapples induce labor. Many pregnant women believe that a pineapple softens your cervix, inducing early onset labor. 
• Myth 4: Pineapples promote implantation during IVF. Many believe that the stem of the pineapple is full of bromelain, which can increase the success of an IVF round. While this is a “positive” myth, there is still no scientific proof of it. 
• Myth 3: Pineapples cause acid reflux. Though pineapples are acidic in nature, the reflux pregnant women face when eating them can just be a by-product of the pregnancy and not directly caused by the pineapple.

All these myths have been debunked over the years through various studies. 

Is Pineapple 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. 

Is Pineapple Safe During IVF?

Though pineapple has been touted as an aid in IVF therapy, there is no peer-reviewed evidence to support these claims. The main aim during IVF therapy should be to maintain a healthy diet. 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

Pineapples can be incorporated into your diet in many ways. You can add pineapple to your breakfast smoothie, or as a topping with some Greek yorghut. You can also add it to your salad or salsa grill it with cinnamon, or add it to your favorite pizza. Creativity is limitless. 

As you enjoy the pineapple, don’t take them if you have a known allergy to them, no matter their nutritional density. Even if you’ve eaten them before, avoid them when you get a rash, start to itch, or struggle to breathe after eating them. 

Always eat them 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

Pregnant women should always strive for a well-balanced diet, and though the focus is on enjoying a pineapple with your meal, there are certain foods you should avoid when you’re pregnant.  

Raw or Undercooked Meat, Poultry, Seafood or Eggs

While you might enjoy sushi and sashimi, or prefer your steak rare or eggs extra runny, raw or undercooked meat should be avoided during pregnancy. 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. Cooking these foods fully reduces the risks associated with these types of pathogens.

Seafood High in Mercury 

Most types of seafood are high in nutrients such as amino acids, protein, good cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and minerals. While seafood can be extremely beneficial, it can also contain potentially harmful levels of mercury. 

If ingested during pregnancy, mercury exposure can negatively affect the baby’s brain and nervous system development. It can also cause 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 found in milk and cheese can be dangerous for pregnant people. They 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 

Fruits and vegetables are vital to a healthy and well-balanced diet during pregnancy. Unwashed fruits and veggies can carry bacteria on their surface and must be washed thoroughly before eating. Healthcare professionals also warn against eating raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover, or mung beans while pregnant, as they are difficult to wash properly and can contain many harmful bacteria. 

Caffeine, Alcohol, and Tobacco

Most pregnant people already know to avoid alcohol and tobacco entirely. Alcohol and tobacco can negatively impact your pregnancy or the success of fertility treatments. It is shown that as little as two drinks a day can decrease the success rate of IVF treatments. 

However, many forget that 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. 

Anything High in Refined Sugar

Foods and drinks rich in high sugar are harmful to your health and even more so during pregnancy. A  2021 study showed that sugary foods and drinks high in refined carbohydrates can harm fertility. The goal should be to focus on unrefined carbs and low-sugar foods, which offer a better option when pregnant, or going through IVF treatment.

Trans Fats and Highly Processed Foods

Some pregnant people find that fast food is what they crave during pregnancy. Even though one can enjoy them once in a while, they shouldn’t be the main diet. Many forms of junk food are less than ideal options from a calorie and nutrient perspective during pregnancy and fertility treatments. 

Final Thoughts

A healthy nutrient-dense diet during pregnancy is an added advantage to the pregnant mother and baby. Adding pineapples to your diet can improve this diet. Nevertheless, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider about nutritional choices and lifestyle factors that might impact your pregnancy and fertility throughout your IVF treatments.