Can You Eat Pineapple When Pregnant? [Explained]

Verified by Edna Skopljak MD
Verified by Edna Skopljak MD

Edna Skopljak is a medical doctor and an editor at BJBMS medical journal. She graduated from the University of Sarajevo School of Science and Technology.

You may have been told that pineapple is a no-go for you while pregnant, but we’ve done the research for you and the results are surprising – and great if you love pineapple.

Let’s dive into the facts you need to know about this delicious fruit during your pregnancy.

Can You Eat Pineapple When Pregnant?

Simply put, yes. Pineapple is both safe and healthy for you to eat when pregnant, despite the old wives tales you may have heard through the grapevine.
Eating pineapple won’t induce labor or cause any early miscarriage or stress on your child and pregnancy.

Because pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, a myth was born that we all at some point may have repeated – but the amount of that enzyme is not enough to cause any dangers.

There has been zero scientific evidence to confirm this theory, and all evidence points to pineapple benefiting you and your body during your pregnancy.

We suggest eating pineapple in moderation like your other fruit and food quantities as all evidence indicates pineapple being a benefit to your health.

Which Fruits Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?

While most fruits and veg are beneficial to your health when prepared or cooked correctly, there are still a few fruits you should try to avoid during your pregnancy:

Tamarind – Extremely high in vitamin C, which can suppress your progesterone production, which can lead to miscarriage
Papayas – Can cause an increase in body temperature and contains high traces of latex, which is not good for you during pregnancy
Watermelon – Because watermelon flushes out toxins, your baby may be exposed to higher-than-normal levels of toxins, and this could be bad for your pregnancy.
Frozen fruit and berries – Avoid berries and fruit that have been frozen and stored for too long to avoid contamination.
Canned tomatoes and other canned fruit – Avoid canned goods during your pregnancy due to the high amounts of preservatives used to keep produce fresh for long periods.

Can I Eat Pineapple During Pregnancy In My First, Second, and Third Trimesters?

Pineapple is proven to be safe during all 3 trimesters of your pregnancy, and according to veteran gynecologists and professors working in their industry for decades, pineapple is both safe and nutritious for you.

Even though pineapple contains an enzyme that can increase your risk of miscarriage, the amount is small and does not pose a risk to you or your child. No scientific findings point to the dangers of pineapple. Everything in moderation is always the key.

How Much Pineapple Juice Will Cause A Miscarriage?

While eating pineapple is not harmful to you or your pregnancy and won’t cause early labor or miscarriage, drinking too much pineapple juice or eating too much can cause uncomfortable effects especially if you have a sensitive stomach. High amounts of acid may irritate your stomach or cause heartburn and reflux if you eat too much.

If you are allergic to pollen or latex, pineapples may cause an allergic reaction which could include symptoms like itchiness and mouth swelling, asthma, skin reactions, and nose congestion – and will often happen within minutes of you eating pineapple.

Everything In Moderation

While you can celebrate the fact that pineapple is back on the menu, moderation during pregnancy is always crucial. Eating a diverse range of fruits and veg will boost your health and keep you healthy during this magical and stressful time.

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pineapple#is-pineapple-safe
https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/10-fruits-not-eat-pregnancy/
https://www.verywellfamily.com/can-you-eat-pineapple-while-pregnant-5194112