Don’t eat this, can’t eat that! Pregnancy comes with many food restrictions. On the one hand, you’re supposed to be eating for two and on the other, there are so many foods you need to avoid and indeed, fruits to avoid during pregnancy.
Fruits, as healthy and nutritious as they may be, are the same. While generally they are recommended as part of a healthy pregnancy diet, there are some fruits to avoid during pregnancy.
Fruits contain a lot of fiber and also have many beneficial nutrients and antioxidants in them, which is just what the doctor ordered during pregnancy. However, not all fruits are the same. Some are more beneficial than others and there are a few which can be downright harmful.
So, which fruits should be avoided during pregnancy? Keep reading to find the answer to this question.
Fruits Not to Eat During Pregnancy
This is the answer to the question, which fruits not to eat during pregnancy? The following fruits, while tasty, can make you feel ill and may even be harmful to the baby in your womb.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a sweet, delicious fruit with just a tiny hint of tanginess that really hits the spot. Unfortunately, they fall into the category of fruits to avoid during pregnancy. They contain enzymes that can change the texture of your cervix which can induce premature contractions. One of these enzymes is called bromelain. This is an enzyme that breaks down protein which can soften the cervix and can even lead to irregular bleeding. It can also be quite harmful for the baby.
Grapes
While generally grapes are a great fruit, it is best to avoid eating them during the final trimester. They contain a compound known as resveratrol which can elevate hormonal imbalance. They are also heat-generating fruits so it's best to avoid eating too many of them.
Unripe Papayas
Ripe papayas are rich in vitamins and iron, making them great fruits to eat during pregnancy. However, unripe papayas? Not so much. They contain latex, a substance which is a common allergen. It can cause allergic reactions in pregnant women. They also contain an enzyme called papain which can trigger early uterine contractions.
Tamarind
This might be one of your food cravings and you may really feel like eating it. It’s not the worst fruit to eat during pregnancy since it can act like an antidote for morning sickness and nausea. However, moderation is key. It contains compounds that can suppress the production of progesterone. Low progesterone production can cause preterm birth and may even cause cell damage in the fetus.
Dates
Although rich in vitamins, they still make the list of fruits not to eat during pregnancy. Don’t consume too many dates. They can cause the body to heat up and lead to early contractions. Do not eat more than 1 - 2 dates a day.
Bananas
They are very healthy but they should be avoided if you have allergies or gestational diabetes. They contain chitinase which is a latex-like substance that can trigger allergic reactions. It is also high in sugar which can raise your blood sugar levels.
Bitter Melon
They contain quinine, saponin, glycosides and morodicine. These are all uterus irritants that can trigger premature birth. They can also cause nausea, rashes, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Frozen Berries
As a general rule, it is best to avoid freeze-dried and packaged food during pregnancy. Try to consume only fresh fruits.
Fruits You Should Eat During Pregnancy
Watermelon
Watermelons are lovely to eat during pregnancy. They contain high levels of Vitamin A, C and B6 and potassium which can reduce cramps. They are also rich in magnesium which is a natural muscle relaxant. It prevents premature contractions. Eating watermelons reduces morning sickness, heartburn and prevents dehydration.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, even during pregnancy. They are fiber-rich which regulates your digestion and prevents hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are a very common problem among pregnant women.
Kiwis
Kiwis contain high levels of folic acid which prevents growth defects in the fetus. It also helps in better absorption of iron which ensures that the baby gets more oxygen via the mother’s blood.
Lemon and Oranges
They contain just the right amount of vitamins. They are not only nutritious but also help in improving digestion and getting rid of morning sickness.
Fresh Berries
Fresh berries are rich in antioxidants which are very beneficial for the body.
While eating fruits, make sure that you never eat any unwashed fruits. Wash your fruits thoroughly before eating them. Also cut away any bruised parts from the fruit.
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FAQs on Fruits Not to Eat During Pregnancy
Q1.Is pomegranate good for pregnancy?
Pomegranate supplies various nutrients such as vitamin K, calcium, folate, iron, protein, and fiber. Being a nutrient-dense fruit, it is a good source of energy for pregnant women. The high-iron content can help a pregnant woman stay safe from iron deficiency.
Vitamin K present in pomegranate seeds is important for maintaining bone health. Drinking pomegranate juice can especially help a pregnant woman decrease the risk of injury to the placenta.
Q2.Can a pregnant woman have coconut water during pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe for a woman to have coconut water during pregnancy. This gift of nature can help a woman beat the heat during pregnancy. Its hydrating & energizing properties refresh a pregnant woman during stressed-out times & fulfill the demand for vital nutrients in her body.
For more details on coconut water, read this blog on the amazing benefits of coconut water during pregnancy.
Q3.How much fruit should a pregnant woman eat per day?
Experts advise pregnant women to have 2 cups of fruit per day. It roughly translates to approximately 400 grams of fruit per day. If you are consuming fruits as juice, only 1 cup per day is sufficient.
FAQs
What is too much fruit in pregnancy? ›
Consuming the recommended amount of fruit, which is about 1.5-2 cups per day, is beneficial for most people and shouldn't increase the risk of GD. Consuming more than that may not always be a risk factor if you're active and have an otherwise healthy diet.
Can a pregnant woman eat all kinds of fruits? ›Choose fruits like bananas, apples, watermelon, oranges, avocados, and berries for the best benefits. Opt for organic fruits when possible, especially for the “dirty dozen” list, to avoid pesticides. Limit consumption of fruit juice, dried fruit, canned fruit, and smoothies to avoid excessive sugar and calories.
Why can't you eat watermelon when pregnant? ›Possible safety concerns. Eating watermelon during pregnancy is generally considered safe. However, this fruit is moderately rich in carbs and low in fiber, a combination that can cause blood sugar levels to spike ( 1 ).
Why can't you eat grapes when pregnant? ›This is because grapes contain resveratrol, a toxic compound that could cause poisoning or other pregnancy complications.
Can I eat grapes when pregnant? ›"If eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, grapes are generally tolerated well during pregnancy," notes Len Kliman, MD, an OB/GYN with over 35 years experience.
Can I eat strawberries while pregnant? ›Strawberries are generally safe to eat when you're pregnant, as long as they're thoroughly washed. They're a great source of folate, vitamin C, fibre and potassium which are all essential during pregnancy.
Which vegetables avoid during pregnancy? ›To eliminate any harmful bacteria, thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables. Avoid raw sprouts of any kind — including alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean — which also might contain disease-causing bacteria.
Is Cucumber good for pregnancy? ›Child nutritionist Mona Narula took to Instagram to share that cucumbers are one of the “healthiest, low-calorie snacks during pregnancy”. “Not only are they refreshing to eat but also offer numerous health benefits for your baby and you,” she added.
Is avocado good for pregnancy? ›Are avocados safe during pregnancy? Yes! Unless your Doctor has advised differently, avocados are safe to add into your diet during pregnancy as they contain high amounts of the key nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy, including folate and potassium.
Is orange juice good while pregnant? ›Orange juice is good to drink while you're pregnant, but you should only have it when it is pasteurized and fortified with calcium. This is especially good to consume if you have high blood pressure or your obstetrician has told you that you are at risk for it—also known as preeclampsia—during your pregnancy.
Can a pregnant woman eat pineapple? ›
Can I eat pineapple while pregnant? Pineapple is a safe, healthy choice during pregnancy. Someone might have told you to avoid this fruit because it may cause early miscarriage or bring on labor. However, this is just a myth.
What fruits should be avoided in first trimester? ›Pineapple During Pregnancy:
One of the fruits not to eat during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Pineapple contains a chemical called bromelain which supposedly causes the cervix to soften. This may have the unintentional result of early labor or miscarriage.
Yes, it is safe to eat mangoes during pregnancy. There are many benefits of eating mango during pregnancy. It contains multiple vitamins and minerals such as: Vitamin C which is essential for building immunity, repairing tissues and developing your baby's teeth and bones.