Can You Consume All Fruits During Pregnancy? Experts Suggest Fruits To Avoid

Pregnancy is that stage, when a woman experiences the happiness to welcome a newborn in the world and embrace motherhood. On the other hand, the nine-months of morning sickness, midnight hunger pangs, numerous mood swings and excruciating pain during labour cannot be ignored too. It needs a lot of patience and care to look after the mother and the baby. It is important to keep a check on what the mother-to-be is eating now and then; considering there are some foods, especially vegetables and fruits that are forbidden. While fruits are said to be nutrient-dense and cater to untimely hunger pangs, there are a bunch of them that should be avoided as they affect pregnancy in some way or the other.

According to Dr. Rahul Manchanda, Gaynae Endoscopic Surgeon PSRI, craving is one thing that strikes every woman during pregnancy due to hormonal surge but there are some fruits that are highly recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. Such fruits may include papaya as it can lead to early labour or miscarriage and grapes as they contain a compound known as resveratrol that elevates hormonal imbalance during pregnancy."

According to Dr. Sadhna Singhal, Senior Consultant Gynaecologist, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, "fruits are always healthy and nutritious to have. But there are some fruits which should not be consumed during pregnancy as they might end up causing negative impact to the womb."

_{There are some fruits which should not be consumed during pregnancy}

Here are some fruits that pregnant women should avoid, as suggested by the experts:

1. Pineapple

Although pineapple is a super healthy fruit, it should be kept away from pregnant women. It comprises a rich amount of bromelain that may cause the softening of the cervix that may induce early labour. Moreover, eating a lot of pineapple can cause stomach problems like diarrhoea, resulting in dehydration.

2. Grapes

Grapes have heat producing properties, which can affect both the mother and the baby. It is also the presence of a compound known as resveratrol, which is known to elevate hormonal imbalance during this period.

_{Grapes have heat producing properties, which can affect both the mother and the baby}

3. Papaya

Papaya is one of the most common fruits that are forbidden in this list. Papaya is said to promote early labour and in worst case scenario, miscarriages. Papayas, usually the unripe and semi-ripe ones are believed to be rich in latex that is known to trigger uterine contractions.

4. Bitter Melon

Bitter melon is said to be an irritant to the uterus, which can lead to premature birth or miscarriage. In fact, they contain highly toxic components like quinine, saponic glycosides and morodicine. When absorbed in the body, they can cause nausea, rash, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

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Notes To Remember

You must never consume fruits that are not washed properly. The presence of pesticides, mud or any residue can give rise to infections, affecting the mother and the foetus. Make sure you wash them thoroughly under running water, especially fruits that need cutting or peeling.
Cut away the bruised or damaged areas, as bacteria thrive in these spots, which make the mother and baby susceptible to infections.
As an added precaution, use a vegetable brush to remove surface dirt from the fruits.
Make sure you are not using detergents, soaps or bleach solutions to clean your fruits.

_{You must never consume fruits that are not washed properly}

Fruits That You Should Eat During Pregnancy

Strawberries
Guava
Cherries
Pear
Kiwi
Mango
Watermelon
Oranges
Apples
Avocado

Include more and more fruits in your diet and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Make sure you consult your gynaecologist and nutritionist to alter your diet plan to birth a healthy and happy baby.