Are you eating these fruits which should avoid during pregnancy?

Spread the love

Hello YouArmy,

Good Afternoon,

For any adult woman, pregnancy is a wonderful moment, at the same time critical too! It’s wonderful for the feeling of being a mother and critical for the time you have to take extra care of.

As per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an *Ideal diet consists of the following five groups:

Fruits
Vegetables
Grains
Protein Foods
Dairy

[*Site & Data Updated by USDA: Food Guide Pyramid (1992) ⇒ MyPyramid (2005) ⇒ MyPlate (Current USDA guidance)]

So, undoubtedly, you can’t think of a healthy day without having fruits and vegetables. Among the two, fruits are more nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, folate, and so on. But for pregnant women, certain fruits aren’t good to have.

Today you will know about 7 fruits to avoid during pregnancy. Among them, some fruits should completely avoid and some should take in moderation. So, are you excited to know those? Here we go …

Wait! Wait! 😕 Before you know about them, you should practice these healthy steps –

Steps for eating fruits, in a healthy way:

Try to avoid pesticide sprayed fruits. Though, most of the time, it’s too difficult. That’s why before eating always wash fruits properly.
Avoid cracked or rotten fruits. They’re prone to several food poisoning bacterias.
Don’t wash fruits in soap, detergent, or any bleaching solutions; instead just use water or lukewarm water.
For better cleaning of dirt, wash fruits in water with a small brush.

What types of food you should avoid during pregnancy?

Dried fruit tastes very good. But as it’s dried, it compacted with heavy sugar and calories. Thus, So, you will consume more calories than fresh fruits by eating dried fruits.
Like Dried fruit, Fruit juice should consume less. Why? Because it contains fewer nutrients and fiber than whole fresh fruit. For example, a glass of apple juice is made of 3-4 whole apples. Thus, fruit juice filled up with more sugar. And you already know the result of taking too much sugar! [Also don’t forget the negative impact of preservatives in fruit too!]
When you’re taking Canned fruits, try to check the level of sugar content, date of canned, and amount of essential nutrients.

Now, Let’s know about 7 fruits to avoid during pregnancy

Unripe or Semi Papaya (01/07)

Image Credit: Image by ASSY from Pixabay

If you’re from tropical or coastal areas and love fruit, then most likely you’re familiar with papaya.

Ripe papaya truly packed with fiber, beta carotene, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin – A, B, C, and minerals like iron. [Cite] So, if you’re eating ripe papayas during pregnancy then it’s a very healthy choice!

But… but … if it is unripe or semi-ripe papaya, then you have to think twice!!

But… Why?

Because those unripe or semi-papayas contain latex. It’s responsible for causing uterine contractions, bleeding, early labor, or in a worst-case – MISCARRIAGE! [Cite – Pubmed.gov]

Besides, this latex can also cause allergic reactions like skin rashes, hamper the development of the fetus, and so on. [Cite 1, 2, 3]

Recommendation: Eating ripe papaya is safe. But unripe or semi-ripe papaya should strictly avoid during pregnancy.

Pineapple (02/07)

Image Credit: Image by Arut Thongsombut from Pixabay

Well, having folate, dietary fiber, choline, vitamin c; pineapple also a very tasty and nutritious fruit. [Wiki]

But there is a myth goes for pregnant women. That is eating pineapple may cause early labor or miscarriage.

People who believe in this myth show the reason for early labor or miscarriage is due to Bromalin. Unquestionably, bromalin (a group of enzymes) in pineapple, is known to break down protein into amino acids. [Cite 1, 2] For which, it may cause abnormal bleeding later!!!

But… but… here is the twist! This Bromalin mostly found in Pineapple’s uneatable flesh and the amount of it is very less. [Cite 1, 2, 3] So, eating pineapple is safe for pregnant.

That to know, there is also no official evidence shows pineapple is bad for you and your baby. But yes, of course, this info won’t work until or unless you eat excess.

In some cases, when eating pineapple, you should take a look:

Firstly, Pineapple contains citric acid and malic acid [Cite]. So when it’s eaten excess on an empty stomach or too much, it may cause acidity. For example heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhea, or such symptoms.

Secondly, eating excess pineapple may also bring allergic symptoms not only to you but to your baby. [Cite 1, 2] Itching, rashes, running nose, or asthma are some of those.

So, how much pineapple you can eat per day during pregnancy?

Well, eating some slices of pineapple per day is ok for pregnant. But for better protection and better results –

Try eating pineapple with other fruits.
Try not to eat it on an empty stomach. Eat it after some light snacks.
Try eating in moderation (some slices per day).

Recommendation: Eating pineapple in moderation during pregnancy, is very good to go!

Grapes (03/07)

Image Credit: Image by Couleur from Pixabay

There is always controversy about whether to eat grapes or not during pregnancy. Though most grapes are tasty, sweet, and juicy; grapes especially Red and Black are better to avoid. But why? Let’s explain …

Well, both have a compound on the outer skin called Resveratrol. [Cite 1, 2] When it comes to the contract of expecting mothers’ hormones, it reacts with them. Consequently, it reduces or imbalances the level of hormone in the expecting mothers.

Besides, grapes are sprayed with pesticides to get them for longer. [NCBI] But this pesticide doesn’t wash completely by the water.

It remains on the grape’s outer skin and goes to the fetus via the mother’s body. Later, brings various health complications to both.

A Perfect GIFT BOX FOR THE NEW MOM (includes natural premium soaps, one bath bomb, silk skin lotion and a special gift card) — A Perfect GIFT BOX FOR THE NEW MOM! (includes natural premium soaps, one bath bomb, silk skin lotion, and a special gift card)

Those grapes have heat-producing properties and your body faces difficulty digesting its outer skin. That’s why it’s better to stay away from it in pregnancy (third trimester).

In Short, for Pregnant Women or Expecting Mothers –

Black & Red Grapes should avoid as their skin is hard to digest. That to know, a pregnant woman has less digestive power than their normal condition. [Cite 1, 2, 3]
Sour Grapes/ Wine Grapes should avoid as they’re acidic. [Cite] Thus, it may return with heartburn or acidity.
Dried Grapes should avoid as it is full of sugar, may increase the sugar levels significantly in your body.

Recommendation: Then you have only one option to eat! 😆 😆 And that is Green Grapes with seeds inside. A moderate amount of eating is super beneficial and can be eaten in pregnancy.

Tamarind (04/07)

Image Credit: Image by Ambady Sasi from Pixabay

For hundreds of years, tamarind has been used as an antidote to vomiting, headache, motion sickness for pregnant in African & South-Asian countries like India. [Wiki]

From ncbi.gov studies, the second-highest craving for most women during pregnancy is tamarind. So, undoubtedly, most expecting mothers will expect the taste of tamarind also!

Having 4 Anti’s (Anti-inflammatory, Anti-bacterial, Anti-oxidant, Anti-Viral) properties, tamarind plays an excellent role in your body. [Cite 1, 2, 3]

Additionally, tamarind contains plenty of vitamin c, [Cite] a moderate amount of it, is very good for your health.

Pregnancy Hacks Book - 350+ Easy Hacks for a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy! — Pregnancy Hacks Book – 350+ Easy Hacks for a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy!

But excess hormonal cravings of tamarind (Vitamin C), may reduce your progesterone level significantly. [Cite] As a result, it may damage fetus cells or may end with miscarriage, early labor.

Recommendation: It’s better to take tamarind less than 20g on average daily. [Note: Though this is not a trusted amount of taking, the average clocks nearly there.]

Banana (05/07)

Image Credit: Image by Jonathan Kopka from Pixabay

OHHH MMYY GOD!… You may be wondered to see Banana on the list of “Fruits to avoid during pregnancy”. Though bananas packed with super nutritious, not good for pregnant women having allergies, diabetics, cold or flu before.

Banana contains chitinase – a latex-like substance, [Cite] is prone to cause allergic reactions. So it’s better to leave bananas or have fewer bananas for allergic pregnant women.

Recommendation: If you don’t have any symptoms mentioned above, you can eat bananas easily. A pregnant can eat 1-2 medium-size fresh bananas per day. [Cite]

Frozen Berries (06/07)

Image Credit: Image by Дарья Яковлева from Pixabay

Relax… Relax… don’t be shocked! We won’t say to stop eating tasty and juicy berries like strawberries, blueberries. 😯 😀

Instead, you should definitely eat berries! [Yes, not joking!]

Berries have awesome nutrients like vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, folic acid, antioxidants, and so on. Then what’s the problem?

Eating fresh berries is really a healthy choice. But the problem is – you should neither eat it in frizzed conditions. Nor, you should buy berries from supermarkets during winter.

Because when it’s frizzed in the refrigerator for a longer time, its original taste, flavor, or nutrients are lost gradually. [Cite] Sometimes, it may also contain viruses during freezing! [Cite 1, 2]

Here, one thing to mention: in supermarkets, you may berries fresh but most likely it looks fresh for its preservatives.

You can try this product for multivitamins!

Olly The Essential Prenatal Gummy Multivitamin, 30 Day Supply — Olly The Essential Prenatal Gummy Multivitamin (For 30 Day Supply)

Recommendation: Always try to eat fresh berries/fruits rather than frozen berries/fruits. If there is no option, Boil & Clean berries above 85ºC for 1 minute [Cite]. Though it won’t be nutritious as before but can be eaten safely.

Bitter Melon or Bitter Gourd (07/07)

Image Credit: Image by Vishnu Vasu from Pixabay

[Also known in Hindi as Karela and in Bengali as উচ্ছে/করলা]

Bitter melon packed with essential elements like iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc; required for our growth. [Cite]

But sadly, in the first trimester (at least), Bitter melon also not suitable for a pregnant woman. The reason behind this is – it contains a compound called vicine. [Cite] This compound is known to break Red blood cells in your body. [Cite]

Thus, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen in blood circulation and may face anemia. But in the worst scenarios, a pregnant woman may have excessive menstrual bleeding due to bitter melon. For which, it may lead you to miscarriage later. [Cite 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Surprisingly, It doesn’t end here! Bitter melon may lower your sugar levels insanely. [Cite 1, 2]

Moreover, Bitter Melon contains toxic elements like quinine, saponin glycosides [Cite 1, 2] that can irritate your uterus.

Lastly, it also may cause nausea, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and so on. [Cite]

So, now what do you think about eating bitter melon, listed at the top of fruits to avoid during pregnancy??? 😕 🙁

Recommendation: It’s better not to have bitter melon during pregnancy. If you’re still a lover of it, consult a doctor if they can give you a green signal.

Conclusion

Though over the internet many claim Dates, Watermelon, Peach also have to be included in the list of “fruits to avoid during pregnancy”. But there are no official or trustworthy sources to claim those can’t be eaten.

So, you can safely eat those!! But of course, not excess!

Eating too much of those fruits may cause internal heating. Besides, their extra sugar brings extra weight and extra weight brings gestational diabetes and other health issues.

To sum up, every fruit if taken largely, can be dangerous for the expectant mother and her baby. So, here moderation is the key.

So, hope you enjoyed this post and get enough info for fruits to avoid during pregnancy. Thanks for reading! See you soon 😉

See Also:

Are you eating these fruits which should avoid during pregnancy?

Steps for eating fruits, in a healthy way:

What types of food you should avoid during pregnancy?