Fruits to Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnant mothers are bombarded with information on what is or isn’t safe to eat and do during pregnancy. Many mothers tend to avoid all foods in certain food groups for fear of harming the baby.

One of those groups that can be confusing is that of the fruit. However, fruit can deliver vital minerals and nutrients that are crucial during pregnancy and so mothers should try to get their daily allowance in to ensure proper fetal growth.

That being said, there are some fruits that expecting mothers should avoid during pregnancy. Here are four fruits that should be treated with caution:

Grapes – Some doctors have concluded that eating grapes during the last trimester of a pregnancy should be avoided due to their heat content. This unassuming fruit has high levels of resveratrol, which can cause toxicity leading to diarrhea and the dangerous loss of fluids.[1]

Sour grapes can contribute to heartburn because of the acidity in them and can lead to vomiting or nausea. Also, grapes are sprayed heavily with pesticides and can have harmful chemicals on them still.

Papayas – Unripe papayas that are still green contain a latex substance which can lead to contractions in pregnant women. It actually acts like the drugs prostaglandin and oxytocin, which are used to induce labor by starting or increasing contractions.[2]

However, ripe papayas are beneficial and can control constipation and heartburn, which often plague expecting mothers. The ripe fruit is rich in Vitamin C that can actually prevent unwanted pregnancy symptoms.

Peaches – This juicy fruit is high in iron and protein, but it can also lead to a high risk of bleeding in pregnant mothers.

The hair of the peach can also cause allergic reactions if eaten, so you should peel the peach if you do decide to eat any of the fruit.

Plums – This is another fruit that has a high heat factor which can lead to pregnant mothers getting overly hot and breaking out in a rash accompanied by diarrhea.

For that reason, it’s best to avoid them or at least limit the amount you eat.

The best piece of advice when it comes to eating fruit during pregnancy is to make sure the fruits you choose have been thoroughly washed and are unpasteurized.

It’s always a good idea to soak fruit in warm water with a little bit of vinegar to sanitize them.

You can even use a small vegetable brush to remove dirt and tiny organisms from the outside of the fruit. Also try to prune off any nasty or rotten looking spots, as those areas are thriving spots for bacteria.

Most fruits are both healthy and beneficial during pregnancy and should be included in an expecting mother’s daily diet to avoid toxoplasmosis.

So, try to avoid the fruits that carry risks, but make sure you’re getting three to four one-cup servings of fruit every day to maintain a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.

References

1. Excessive grapes
2. Unripe papaya