One of the weirdest things about pregnancy is how quickly you learn a thousand new facts. You’ll hear warnings, tips, and advice from people — even strangers — about things you’d never considered before getting pregnant.
One such idea you may have heard is that pineapple is bad for pregnant women. So what’s the deal? Can we safely eat pineapple, or should we cross it off our grocery list?
We’ve researched this myth extensively and will explain where the idea started. We’ll answer any questions you may have about eating pineapple during pregnancy. Although it may be harmful to sip a piña colada right now because of the alcohol content, we’ll help assure you that your favorite pineapple treats and smoothies will only benefit your little one.
Key Takeaways
- Pineapple contains bromelain, which can potentially soften the cervix and cause a miscarriage in early pregnancy.
- Eating pineapple in moderation is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
- Avoid consuming large amounts of pineapple or pineapple supplements during the first trimester.
- Drinking pineapple juice may be a safer alternative to eating the fruit.
- Consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating pineapple into your diet during pregnancy.
Is Pineapple Dangerous During Pregnancy?
Pineapple is entirely safe to eat during pregnancy. The old wives’ tale says it’s dangerous because it can cause a miscarriage, but actually, there is no scientific evidence that suggests this in any way (1).
A few people have stories of eating pineapple before having a miscarriage or entering labor, but statistically speaking, lots of pregnant women eat pineapple on any given day without a problem.
That is not to say there aren’t some risks involved, especially when eating a lot of pineapples. Some people — pregnant or not — experience severe ulcers and heartburn from fresh pineapple, which means you might want to swap it for canned pineapple in juice.
And lots of pineapple, like with any fruit, can cause diarrhea and gastric discomfort.
Eating a lot of pineapple can make heartburn and acid reflux worse, so be cautious if you are already suffering from either of these during your pregnancy.
Editor's Note:
Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MDIf you’re just eating regular amounts of fresh or canned pineapple, there’s no problem at all.
The Takeaway
What About When I’m Breastfeeding?
Of course, our needs and our babies’ needs change from pregnancy to breastfeeding. So what about after birth; is pineapple any good then? Well, it turns out that pineapple might be worse for a nursing baby than for a pregnant woman.
Because of its high vitamin C content and the other acids it contains, fresh pineapple can cause a rash for breastfed babies. Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, or grapefruits can also do this.
A small amount of fruit every day is not a problem for you or your baby. But try to keep highly acidic fruits to a bare minimum, especially when you are first breastfeeding.
If you notice that your baby has a rash, don’t assume this is just because of the fruit. Go to your doctor to talk about your diet and breastfeeding habits to make sure.
But as long as you are still pregnant, don’t worry about eating pineapple. If anything, make sure to eat some because it is great for you.
Some benefits to pineapple, in limited amounts, include helping the breastfeeding mother with breast engorgement since it has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease pain and swelling.
Editor's Note:
Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MDBenefits Of Pineapple
Pineapple is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water, all of which are wonderful for pregnant women (3):
- Vitamins B1 and B6, like all B vitamins, are essential for building our nervous system and maintaining our blood flow. This keeps our heart strong, helps our immune system protect us — even during pregnancy, balances our moods, and eases morning sickness.
- Vitamin C is important for immunity and strengthening the collagen in your skin, joints, and bones, as well as your baby’s. One cup of pineapple has almost all the vitamin C you need in one day.
- Manganese can be found in large quantities in pineapple and is a key player in preventing osteoporosis.
- Iron and folic acid are highly recommended supplements during pregnancy, as having enough can prevent birth defects and protect you from becoming anemic. Fresh pineapple is rich in both of these nutrients.
- Copper, also essential for producing red blood cells, is found in small but noticeable amounts in pineapple.
- Fiber is present in substantial quantities in both fresh and canned pineapple, helping prevent constipation and dehydration.
- Water and diuretics are both present in fresh and canned pineapple, helping you to rehydrate when dehydrated but also helping you get rid of excess fluid in your legs and feet.
- Blood pressure issues can sometimes be eased by an enzyme called bromelain which thins your blood and can lower your blood pressure.
Where Does The Myth Come From?
The theory comes from the fact that pineapple contains bromelain — yes, the same enzyme that thins our blood.
Bromelain acts by digesting protein, which is why your mouth can get sore if you overeat pineapple. Some people are so sensitive to it that they literally cannot eat a mouthful of pineapple.
So what does this have to do with pregnancy? Well, bromelain supplements can cause early labor or miscarriage — precisely because of their ability to thin the blood and digest proteins. This action ripens the cervix, which can make it open before the time is right.
However, the supplement bromelain and the bromelain in pineapples are very different things. Concentrated bromelain pills are many times stronger, and the bromelain in pineapple is actually found in the core of the pineapple, not in the edible flesh. Pineapples have never been found to cause early labor or miscarriage.
Will Pineapple Help Me Start Labor?
It could, but you would really need to eat loads to manage this.
Test-tube experiments have found the amount of bromelain found in concentrated pineapple extract can stimulate the cervix, making you more likely to enter labor. Plus, many supplements with bromelain are forbidden during pregnancy, precisely for that reason.
So what is the unsafe amount of pineapple we would have to eat to equal a medically dangerous serving? One cup? One ring?
Nope. Up to eight whole, fresh, raw pineapples. Per day.
I’m not sure about you, but when I eat pineapple, I don’t usually eat a whole one, let alone eight. The amount of bromelain found in a normal serving of pineapple, which is about a cupful, is nowhere near enough to start labor.
And if you are eating eight whole pineapples, you have other issues to worry about. For example, serious diarrhea and increased urination, which could cause uncomfortable cramping and dehydration. Neither are healthy during pregnancy.
So the take-home message is that if you want to start labor, there are probably better methods to try than eating eight pineapples per day (4).
If you are still worried about eating pineapple because of bromelain, you can stick to drinking pineapple juice or eating canned pineapple since the processing of these removes almost all of the bromelain.
Could I Have A Pineapple Allergy?
Yes, pineapple allergies do happen. Because you can develop a spontaneous allergy during pregnancy, you might even develop an allergy to pineapple. This is more of a risk if you are already allergic to latex or pollen.
A pineapple allergy is most likely to appear at first with one of the following symptoms:
- A skin rash, even if the rash isn’t in the area where you touched the pineapple.
- Swelling and itching in your mouth and throat.
- A runny nose or congestion.
- Asthma.
Contact your closest emergency room if you suffer any of these symptoms, especially if they start soon after eating pineapple and develop quickly. An allergic reaction can very quickly get out of control, and you want to ensure you are safe.
And what about the other risks? As mentioned above, there are some risks you need to be aware of:
Fresh pineapple can cause heartburn, reflux, and mouth ulcers in many people. This is because of the high amount of vitamin C, other acids, and some active enzymes, which can eat away at the protective layers in your mouth and stomach.
A Reason To Cut Back
If you have diabetes, whether type 1, type 2, gestational, or the result of pancreatitis, pineapple might have too much sugar for you.
Like with all fruits and sugary foods, limit your consumption, and only eat them after a healthy, balanced meal to slow down the release of sugars. If you are already overweight, you might also want to avoid pineapple just because of its high-calorie content.
Fruit such as grapefruits and berries have many vitamins and minerals while having a much lower sugar and calorie content.
Because bromelain can thin your blood, you should not consume pineapple during pregnancy if you suffer from low blood pressure, anemia, or hemophilia.
Some pregnant women experience a sudden drop in blood pressure or sudden anemia, so if you feel faint, especially when you first stand up, you’ll want to avoid pineapple until you can talk to a doctor.
If you are taking any medications such as antibiotics for any reason, pineapple juice can affect these. Make sure to let your doctor know about your diet before taking any medications.
Editor's Note:
Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MDFAQs
What Fruits Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?
Avoiding grapes during pregnancy is recommended because of a pesky compound in their outer skin called resveratrol.
This compound has been said to cause pregnancy complications, but that could only be true if you were eating a mass amount of grapes. Generally, even grapes are safe to eat as long as you’re eating them in the recommended amounts.
What Is the Best Fruit for a Pregnant Woman?
The classic trio of apples, bananas, and oranges are some of the best fruits pregnant women can have.
Eating these three fruits will give you and baby’s body a health shot of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, vitamin B6, fiber, vitamin A, and pectin. Eating fruits with other vitamins and minerals, like mangoes, lemons, and pomegranates, is important, too.
