Maternity Care

3 Fruits to Avoid During Your Pregnancy

Sneha Singh

Are you pregnant? Congratulations! Your pregnancy days must be the best phase of your life. At the same time, it offers some challenges and several transformations in your life. You go through different physical and emotional ups and downs, a changed food habit, and your body experiences various transitions. Thus, a nutrition-rich diet is necessary.

Proper nutrients help in the normal development of the fetus. An improved intake of essential vitamins and minerals keeps your body in the best condition. Fruits include fibres too and hence, they keep you and your baby healthy. Fruits and veggies must be an inseparable part of your everyday diet. But there are some veggies, spices and fruits to avoid while pregnant. Do you know which fruits to avoid during pregnancy? Scroll down to read about them in detail.

3 Fruits You Must Avoid

To support the healthy development of the growing fetus, you must increase your daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals. And, what can be a better alternative than to eat plenty of fresh fruits these days? But you must be aware of some fruits that can be harmful to the good health of the fetus. Here are the 3 fruits to avoid while pregnant.

1.Pineapple

Say a strict ‘NO’ to pineapple, especially during the first trimester. This fruit has an enzyme named bromelain, which works by breaking down the proteins. It can trigger early labour by softening the cervix. While you are pregnant, frequent consumption of pineapples can cause uterine contractions and even a miscarriage. So, now you can understand why this fruit must be avoided during pregnancy.

Consumption of pineapple can cause allergic reactions too. In case you are allergic to latex, you may be allergic to pineapple. Avoiding this fruit can help you get rid of all sorts of allergic reactions during pregnancy.

2.Papaya

Ask anyone about which fruits not to eat during pregnancy and there is a common answer – papaya! Though this fruit is enriched with several essential vitamins and macronutrients, it is not advisable for a pregnant lady. Eating papaya can cause a higher body temperature, which is not very good for your health. Beside this, papaya includes latex, which can cause uterine contractions, and even a miscarriage.

Although ripe papaya can be nutritious for a pregnant lady, the consumption of raw or semi-ripe papayas can harm the growth of the fetus. Do not forget to count this fruit to avoid in your pregnancy days.

3.Grapes

Your list is incomplete without the inclusion of grapes in it. Though grapes are counted among the most nutritious fruits on earth, they can be harmful to you. A compound named resveratrol found in the skin of the grapes can be toxic for mothers-to-be.

Additionally, while you are pregnant, your digestive system becomes weak. Black grapes can then be difficult to digest.

Here are a few more fruits not to eat during pregnancy which you must know about! Having dry fruits is very healthy, try to have these 3 dry fruits  in pregnancy.

  • Tamarind

While you are pregnant, it is obvious to crave tangy foods. Are you thinking of tamarind instantly? Oh! It is not a great choice for pregnancy days. Consumption of tamarind can cause more harm than good.

You must have heard that this fruit is used for relief from nausea and morning sickness. But, moderation is the key. Tamarind is loaded with vitamin C. Excess consumption of it can decrease the production of progesterone hormone, which can lead to pre-term birth and miscarriage. So, it is better to put tamarind on the list of fruits not to eat during pregnancy.

  • Frozen fruits

Frozen fruits are not considered safe for a mother-to-be. They are not fresh. Very often they include preservatives for a longer shelf-life. Any canned or frozen fruit can be harmful to the fetus. So, it is always a better choice to consume seasonal fresh fruits while you are pregnant.

So, now you know which fruits should be avoided during pregnancy. Keep away from these fruits to enjoy a safe and happy pregnancy.

FAQs

Which fruits can you consume safely during pregnancy?

You can safely consume many other delicious and healthy fruits such as apple, apricot, avocado, pear, pomegranate, mango, orange and guava. But remember to consume them in moderation. A nutritionist or a doctor is the best person to get advice regarding this.

How much fruit can you consume during pregnancy?

Usually, 2 – 4 servings of healthy nutritious fruits are recommended every day.

1 serving of fruit = one cup of fruit pieces/a medium-sized whole fruit.

What is the best time to eat fruits while pregnant?

Morning is the best time throughout the day as your digestive system can quickly break down the sugar in fruits to provide healthy nutrients.

Can you safely drink fruit juice during pregnancy?

Usually, drinking fruit juice every day is not recommended. The simple reason is drinking unpasteurized fruit juices can lead to poor digestion. So, it is better to go for pasteurized juices or fresh fruits.

While you crave for a glass of fruit juice during pregnancy, you can go for prune juice. It helps ease constipation. Those fruits, which are rich in vitamin C and folic acid, advance the normal growth of the fetus.

Takeaway

What fruit to avoid in pregnancy? This should not be your headache anymore! Now you know which fruits to avoid during pregnancy. Avoid the ones mentioned above at all costs. In the beginning, you will find it difficult to stop eating your favourite fruits, but remember that this is for your baby’s health. Eat healthy, stay safe. And, above all, never eat unwashed fruits as they may contain pesticides like Toxoplasma. It is a parasite that remains in the soil, and it is dangerous for pregnant women. Always, try to have a good and healthy pregnancy diet. So, that mother & baby both remain healthy.

Whether you have diabetes or not, you should stop yourself from eating high-sugar fruits. You must consume a minimum of five different portions of vegetables and fruits every single day of your pregnancy.

It is always important to also have a post pregnancy diet. Enjoy a happy and healthy pregnancy!


 

#mom & baby
#Pregnancy Diet
#Pregnancy Care

About Sneha Singh

Sneha is a writer at Purplle.com. When she is not writing beauty stories, her mind weaves out supernatural and science fiction stories which she pens down in her diary. Sneha is an expert in Makeup, Health & Skin care and can advise you on all you need to know about keeping your body healthy with vitamins, minerals and a lot more. She is clearly a gym freak too and digs up on diet plans & cooks healthy food for her family & friends. Besides health, she also writes about baby and mothers’ care & her guides are very helpful for new parents. She likes to experience new adventures with one bite at a time.