Pineapple and Pregnancy

For women who choose it, pregnancy can be a significant moment in a woman's life. However, a first-time mom may feel lost from all the advice on what to eat and what to stay away from. 

While we know fruits are healthy for pregnant females, none is more controversial than pineapple. It is surrounded by a lot of controversy. In this article, we will explore the relationship between pineapple and pregnancy and look at myths, benefits, and potential risks of consuming this tropical fruit while expecting.

Key Takeaways

• While pineapple is a generally healthy snack, it does not have any particular impact, good or bad, on the health of a pregnancy or the induction of labor.
• A healthy diet is an integral part of any pregnancy or successful fertility treatment cycle.
• In addition to avoiding highly processed foods high in simple carbohydrates, those who are pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment should steer clear of foods that carry a heightened risk of foodborne illnesses, like raw fish and unpasteurized dairy products.

What Are the Health Benefits of Pineapple?

Pineapple is an extremely nutrient-dense food, that can be a great addition to your diet. It provides the body with a vast array of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C, Manganese, fiber, and Vitamin B. The benefits of pineapple are vast and include:

• Boosts immunity. Pineapple contains various vitamins that support immune function. Vitamin C in pineapples also helps to keep off colds and flu.
• Help with digestion. Bloating and constipation are common during pregnancy, and pineapple contains fiber and bromelain, which both aid with digestion. 
• Hydration. Pineapples are very juicy, making them a great source of hydration. 
• Has anti-inflammatory properties. As already mentioned pineapples have bromelain which helps break down protein but also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. One study found bromelain had a host of beneficial properties, helping mitigate such varying conditions as edema, inflammation, blood clots, and even cancer.

Common Myths About Pineapple in Pregnancy

Two main myths surround pineapples. 

• Pineapples cause acid reflux. Though pineapples are acidic, they do not always cause acid reflux. Reflux can just be a by-product of pregnancy.
• Pineapples cause miscarriages. Most people believe the bromelain in pineapples softens the cervix and causes miscarriages. This has not been scientifically proven. 

Is Pineapple Safe During Pregnancy?

As already mentioned, many believe that pineapples can induce early labor in pregnant individuals, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Peer-reviewed research on the matter finds no significant impact of eating pineapple on labor induction, including a 2011 study conducted on pregnant rats which found no connection between the two.

Urban legends aside, pineapple is a perfectly safe food to eat, and the health benefits it provides are especially good for those who are pregnant and focused on a high-quality diet to sustain both themselves and their babies.

Is Pineapple Safe During IVF?

Not all myths are negative. On the flip side, there’s a myth that the bromelain found in pineapples, and in particular the stem, can aid with the implantation of an embryo during in vitro fertilization. Some claim eating the fruit’s stem during IVF therapy will increase its likelihood of success.

 However, there’s no peer-reviewed evidence that supports these claims. While maintaining a healthy diet is an important part of a successful round of IVF treatments, pineapple itself is not going to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

If you are still worried about eating pineapple during IVF, you can consult our team at  Ivy Fertility  who will be able to offer more information, guide you, and walk with you during your IVF journey. 

Precautions when eating pineapple in pregnancy

Pineapples are not only safe but eating them also offers several health benefits to pregnant mothers. Even so, there are some precautions you can take. 

• Avoid pineapples if you’re allergic. Pineapple allergy is rare but if you start to itch, get a skin rash, or have trouble breathing, stop eating immediately and see a doctor. Even if you have eaten it before without developing any reactions.
• Only eat fresh fruit. While canned pineapple tends to be sweeter, they also have more sugar and preservatives. Fresh pineapples are the healthier option. 
• Limit your consumption. Pineapples are acidic and overconsumption can lead to heartburn and other digestive problems. 

Incorporating Pineapple Into Your Diet

Now that you have the green light to add pineapple to your diet, there are different ways you can add pineapple to your diet. You can eat pineapple in the following ways:

• In a smoothie
• Added to a salad or salsa
• Grilled and topped with cinnamon
• Added as a topping for yogurt

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy and IVF

A well-balanced diet can have a significant impact on a healthy pregnancy, and certain foods should be avoided when pregnant or undergoing IVF therapy.

Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding these foods if you are currently pregnant:

Seafood High in Mercury - Seafood can be beneficial. Nevertheless, certain types might contain potentially harmful levels of mercury. We advise staying away from larger, older species of fish, which are more likely to contain high levels of mercury. These include:

• Bigeye tuna
• King mackerel
• Marlin
• Orange Roughy
• Swordfish
• Shark
• Tilefish

Raw or Undercooked Seafood. Sushi, sashimi, and other forms of uncooked seafood have the potential to carry harmful foodborne pathogens, which may be harmful to a pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause you to be more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, making these dishes even riskier during gestation.

Undercooked Meat, Poultry, or Eggs. While you might prefer your steak rare or your eggs extra runny, meat should be cooked well done and eggs cooked firm while pregnant for the same reasons to avoid harmful pathogens. we advise against raw seafood. Foodborne pathogens are more likely to impact pregnancy, and cooking meals fully reduces the risks associated with these types of bacteria.

Unpasteurized Foods. While low-fat dairy products are a healthy option during pregnancy, it’s important to stick to dairy products that are pasteurized to reduce the risk of Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter. When in doubt, check the label to make sure a product has gone through the pasteurization process.

Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are vital to a healthy and well-balanced diet, and doubly so during pregnancy. These foods can carry bacteria on their surface, though, and it’s important to wash them thoroughly before eating. We also warn against eating raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover, or mung beans while pregnant, as they can contain many harmful bacteria and are difficult to wash effectively.

Caffeine, Alcohol, and Tobacco. While most expecting parents know to avoid alcohol and tobacco entirely while pregnant, excessive caffeine consumption can also harm a pregnancy. Some doctors might recommend total abstinence, while others might suggest staying below 200mg of caffeine, or around two cups of coffee. Check with your healthcare provider for their best guidance in your individual situation.

Foods to Avoid during IVF

Alcohol and Tobacco - Both vices can negatively impact the success of fertility treatments, along with the health of pregnancy if IVF treatments are successful. As little as two drinks a day can decrease the success rate of IVF treatments. If you are worried about your ability to stop drinking or smoking during IVF and pregnancy, speak with your healthcare provider about options and strategies for quitting.

Food and Drinks High in Refined Sugar - Sugary foods and drinks high in refined carbohydrates can harm fertility, according to a 2021 study. Unrefined carbs and low-sugar meals, especially those found in the Mediterranean diet, are a much better option when trying to get pregnant, especially during IVF treatment.

Foods High in Trans Fats and Highly Processed Foods - Fast food and many forms of junk food are less than ideal options from a calorie and nutrient perspective, especially during fertility treatments. The same 2021 study noted that excessive consumption of fast food had a detrimental effect on fertility in women. 

When to Consult a Doctor

Keeping a healthy, nutrient-dense diet during pregnancy and IVF therapy can go a long way to having a successful pregnancy and birth. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider about nutritional choices and lifestyle factors that might impact fertility throughout your pregnancy or  IVF treatments.