If you're pregnant and love fruit, hold on a minute! Not all fruits are safe for you to eat. It may seem counterintuitive since they are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, but some of them can wreak havoc on your body (I'm not kidding!). As much as it pains me to say this, you need to know which ones to avoid.
In this article, I will let you in on which fruits pregnant women should stay away from (and trust me; the list is longer than you think). Consider yourself warned!
The Dark Side of Fruits
Let's face it: fruits make us feel healthy and vibrant. But as much as we'd love for that fact always to be true, there is indeed another side of the coin where ingesting certain types could spell disaster when one has a bun in the oven.
Stay Clear of these Dangerous Delights:
Here comes our first batch of hazardous fruity pals that should not find their way into your daily diet:
- Pineapple
- Even More Papaya
- Grapes: Red or Black—Take Your Pick
Now let’s look at why each one poses a danger;
The Sweet Exterior Hides A Dangerous Core – Avoid Pineapple
The sweet and tangy taste introduces many micro-nutrients like vitamin C just right onto our tastebuds - pineapple feels user-friendly enough that anyone would consider indulging without caution.
But here's what we do know about everyone’s favorite tropical treat; pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, (get ready for 10 dollar terminology) capable of softening cervix making contractions earlier than expected leading up preterm labor resulting in premature delivery (ouch!).
It's best practice if avoiding large amounts entirely when expecting & limiting overall intake at other points during life too unless served cooked/boiled, so it's benefits are reaped minus risk.
Even More Papaya
It’s safe to say no one wants to hear that papaya could potentially do any harm during pregnancy, but the sad truth is - this abundantly found fruit in tropical areas proves as a threat for expecting mothers.
A green or raw papaya contains chymopapain, which has properties that trigger contractions leading moms down an unpleasant path of birthing misery; when consuming enough of it – either through eating ripe or unripe pieces, juice blends or supplements can cause tissue damage and potential miscarriage should avoid at all cost within the nine months.
This means ladies - steer clear from skincare products such as face masks containing the ingredient too!
Grapes: Red Or Black – Take Your Pick
Now while we expressed caution towards already withstanding health standards like Pineapple and Papayas earlier. This next species may add little shock value but make no mistake; it still falls under our radar nonetheless (Yup! I'm talking about grapes!).
Grapes containing resveratrol originate from skins & seed extract widely used by those who want to stay youthful-looking age-wise mimicking results seen in caloric deprivation diets. But leaving aside aesthetic hype provides concerns linked enabling immune suppressant hormones inducing premature ageing/loss focusing on pregnant women increasing stress levels worsening conditions during hormone shifts throughout development stages concerning side effects for infants post childbirth.
The Good News?
Right now, you’re probably asking yourself if ANYTHING is safe during your pregnancy. Worry not because there exist safer options when craving something sweet deliciously capable of satisfying just as much:
- Bananas
- Melon
- Nectarines
Final Thoughts
Some might think cutting out these tasty treats sounds ridiculous especially with a serving saying packed “with healthy nutrients,” but trust me; ensuring mums deliver full-term happy and healthy babies takes precedence over taste-bud satisfaction.
There are still plenty of deliciously healthy fruits safe for pregnant woman (like those listed above) you can indulge in. Always be aware, do your research (check with the docs), and never compromise risking much at an evolutionary period should follow suit to steer yourself free from any adverse effects that could arise down the road.