Pregnant women often face challenges in making safe food choices to ensure the health and well-being of both themselves and their baby. Eating pineapple during pregnancy has always been a controversial topic because many people fear that this fruit might pose risks to the fetus. So, should pregnant women eat pineapple?
1. Eating Pineapple During Pregnancy and the controversy on its role in causing miscarriage
However, it cannot be entirely confirmed that eating pineapple during pregnancy is safe, as consumption of this fruit has only been known to offer health benefits. The connection between pineapple consumption and an increased risk of miscarriage has been the subject of controversy for some time; however, most claims supporting this idea are unfounded. Scientific studies have yet to provide any definitive conclusions that link miscarriage to eating pineapple. This belief is considered a folk tale, leading to its exclusion from mothers’ diets during pregnancy for the baby’s safety.
According to analysis, pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is often not recommended for consumption during pregnancy. It may cause the body to break down proteins and potentially lead to abnormal bleeding. However, based on analytical data, this enzyme is mainly found in the core of the pineapple, while the flesh, which is commonly consumed, contains much less of it. So, the amount of enzyme consumed from eating pineapple is too low to cause miscarriage.
Trắc nghiệm dành riêng cho người mắc đái tháo đường: Chế độ ăn của bạn đã hợp lý chưa?
Người bị bệnh đái tháo đường cần phải quan tâm nhiều hơn đến cách tính toán khẩu phần ăn sao cho phù hợp với nhu cầu và tình trạng sức khỏe. Nếu chưa rõ, bạn có thể tìm hiểu kỹ hơn thông qua bài trắc nghiệm ngắn sau đây.2. Pineapple can be added in a healthy diet for pregnant women
According to research on nutrition for pregnant women, the following five food groups should be included during pregnancy:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Dairy products
- Nuts and seeds
- Protein
These food groups are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Trace elements help the baby develop healthily. A pregnancy diet should not only be nutrient-rich but also diverse in food choices to enhance taste and appetite. Additionally, drinking plenty of water is essential to facilitate the body's metabolism and prevent damage caused by lack of water
The accurate calculation for your nutritional needs require specific measurements of your body. For example, if you are 30 years old, 1.6 meters tall, and weigh 64 kg, you should consume about 4.5 cups of fruits or vegetables during the first trimester of pregnancy.
In the following months, you should gradually increase your intake to 5 cups or more to ensure sufficient nutrients for both you and your baby. Sometimes, due to work characteristics and lifestyle habits, increasing the intake to 6 cups can help ensure adequate nutrition throughout pregnancy.
3. Guidance on Pineapple Consumption for a Nutritious Diet
The vitamin C content in 1 cup of pineapple is said to meet the daily requirement for women during pregnancy. Additionally, eating pineapple during pregnancy also provides other nutrients, such as:
Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Vitamin B6. These are essential nutrients for the fetus to ensure healthy growth and development into adulthood. Here are some methods to incorporate pineapple into your diet:
- Eat pineapple with yogurt for breakfast
- Use pineapple in smoothies
- Pair pineapple with grilled dishes during summer
- Roast pineapple with vegetables and meat
- Add pineapple to salads for snacks
- Make pineapple ice
- Add pineapple to stir-fries or pizza
4. Risks to Consider When Eating Pineapple During Pregnancy
Although studies have debunked the belief that eating pineapple causes early miscarriage, it can sometimes cause discomfort for pregnant women. If you have stomach problems, be cautious when eating pineapple. Pineapple contains a certain amount of acid that can cause heartburn and acid reflux. As such, you should avoid eating too much pineapple if you have stomach issues.
Patients who are unfamiliar with consuming or allergic to pineapples should consult a doctor for advice and testing. The following are signs that you may be allergic to pineapple:
Immediate itching or pain in the mouth
Skin irritation
Asthma symptoms
Nasal congestion or a runny nose
These symptoms typically appear a few minutes after eating pineapple. Occasionally, allergies to pollen or latex may also experience allergic reactions to pineapple. It’s crucial to monitor your body’s reactions and provide timely first aid if necessary.
5. Healthy fruits for pregnant women
During pregnancy, you should not only eat pineapple but also use a variety of other foods to ensure a diverse range of nutrients for the baby. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, you can add fruits such as:Apples, oranges, apricots, mangoes
In addition, you can use green beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and spinach to support the body’s overall development and the baby’s intelligence. Pregnant women are often encouraged to eat fresh foods. However, if you are too busy, you can use frozen vegetables, canned goods, or dried fruits as alternatives to snacks to ensure daily nutrition.
Forget the myths about early miscarriage caused by eating pineapple during pregnancy. You can safely enjoy pineapple dishes like fresh pineapple, canned pineapple, or pineapple juice. The nutritional content of pineapple is sufficient to provide both you and your baby as well as supporting a healthy pregnancy.
However, if you are still unsure whether to eat pineapple during pregnancy, consult your doctor. You can also consume other fruits to avoid the mental stress associated with the perceived risks of eating pineapple.
Vinmec International General Hospital offers maternity service packages as a solution to support pregnant women. These packages provide peace of mind with a team of doctors and nurses accompanying you throughout your pregnancy. This service allows mothers-to-be to monitor their health from the earliest months with regular antenatal checkups and tests such as the double test and triple test for fetal malformation screening, pre-eclampsia factor quantification, and thyroid screening in subsequent weeks of pregnancy. Close monitoring by experienced doctors and modern medical equipment ensures a healthy pregnancy and minimizes unnecessary risks.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
Reference source: healthline.com
