Pineapple and Pregnancy

A healthy diet is not only crucial to a healthy pregnancy, it is particularly good for those undergoing fertility treatments. When one is pregnant or undergoing fertility treatments, they should avoid consuming highly processed foods. Additionally, they must completely avoid foods that could carry risks of foodborne illnesses, such as raw fish or unpasteurized dairy products.

A pineapple is a very healthy snack. However, in and of itself, has no particular impact on the health of a pregnancy, nor does consuming it induce labor. Let us discuss the myths, benefits, and any risks associated with consuming this fruit when pregnant.

Health Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapple is low in calories, and very rich in nutrients, providing the body with a unique variety of vitamins and minerals. Essential nutrients found in pineapple are fiber, vitamin C, B Vitamins (thiamin, niacin, B6 and folate), manganese and minerals (copper, potassium and magnesium).

Pineapple also contains a complex array of enzymes that are unique and exclusive to pineapples, called bromelain. A study on bromelain found that it has both therapeutic and clinical  benefits and is helpful in mitigating conditions such as blood clots, edema, inflammation, and cancer.

Is Pineapple Safe During Pregnancy?

It is very safe to eat pineapple when you are pregnant.The claim that it can cause early labor simply has no scientific backing. The limited research that does exist, has found links connecting eating pineapple to labor induction. 

A further study administering pineapple juice to pregnant rats found that it did not cause the pregnancies to abort, concluding that the consumption of pineapple did not negatively affect pregnancy. In fact the health benefits contained in pineapple provide high-quality nutrition for both mother and child.

Is Pineapple Safe During IVF?

There is a claim that during in vitro fertilization treatments, the bromelain found within the stem of pineapple is particularly useful in assisting the embryo in implanting itself into the uterine wall, and can increase the chances of success in the overall treatment.

Again, there is no evidence to support this. A healthy diet is definitely an important part of successful IVF treatments, however pineapple is not the unique element that will cause implantation to succeed.

Including Pineapple in Your Diet

There are numerous ways to include pineapple in your diet. You can eat fresh pineapple on its own in slices or cubes. You can also use it as a topping on yogurt and cereal. You can also roast chunks of it in the oven, or slice it into rings and grill them. 

Try adding it to your salsas, or as part of a savory dish that requires a little sweet and a little tang, like a roasted ham. The internet is also filled with thousands of pineapple-based recipes catering to just about every diet and palate, including pregnancy-friendly meals.

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy and IVF

There are certain foods that ought to be avoided during pregnancy or when undergoing IVF therapy.

Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

It is medically advisable to avoid the following foods when you are pregnant:

Seafood High in Mercury

Generally, seafood is nutritious,  however there are certain types that could potentially contain harmful levels of mercury, such as larger and older fish, compared to smaller and younger ones. Therefore types if fish to avoid include:

• Bigeye tuna
• Orange Roughy
• King mackerel
• Marlin
• Shark
• Swordfish
• Tilefish

Raw or Undercooked Seafood

Sushi, sashimi and uncooked seafood potentially carries foodborne pathogens. Pregnancy tends to cause one to be more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, making these even riskier during gestation.

Undercooked Meat, Poultry, or Eggs

Rare steaks and runny eggs, are to be avoided for the same reasons as raw seafood. Fully cooking meals reduces the risk of bacterial infections and diseases that are linked to foodborne pathogens, which in turn could likely negatively impact pregnancy. 

Unpasteurized Foods

During pregnancy, pasteurized dairy products are the safest. Avoid raw milk or unpasteurized juices and ciders. Additionally, soft cheeses - pasteurized or not -  can be harmful. Always check the label to make sure a product has been pasteurized.

Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can at times carry bacteria on their surface, so make sure you wash them thoroughly before eating them. Avoid eating raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover or mung beans, as they may contain harmful bacteria from the soil, since they can be difficult to wash effectively.

Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco

It is best to avoid alcohol and tobacco entirely when you are pregnant. Consuming a lot of caffeine also has a negative impact on pregnancy. Professional medical practitioners recommend total abstinence, but others might suggest that if you must, keep it below two cups of coffee, about 200mg. Consult with your doctor beforehand to know which amounts would be best for your situation.

Foods to Avoid during IVF

Alcohol and Tobacco

The success of fertility treatments as well as the health of pregnancy if IVF treatments are successful can be negatively impacted by both alcohol and tobacco. An amount as little as two drinks a day can greatly decrease the success rate of IVF treatments. If drinking or smoking are a challenge for you, speak with your doctor about strategies for quitting.

Food and Drinks High in Refined Sugar

When undergoing fertility treatments, trying to conceive naturally, or pregnant, unrefined carbohydrates and foods low in sugar meals, are highly recommended. A 2021 study found that foods and drinks high in refined carbohydrates negatively impact fertility. 

Foods High in Trans Fats and Highly Processed Foods

The same 2021 study noted that excessive consumption of fast foods had a detrimental effect on fertility especially during the course of fertility treatments. Avoid fast foods and junk food since they are a less than ideal option even from a calorie and nutrient perspective. 

When to Consult a Doctor

Contact a professional healthcare provider immediately if you experience signs of a foodborne illness, or disease related to drinking or smoking. Your doctor will determine the cause of your symptoms, and ensure that any underlying condition is addressed.

Your doctor can advise you further regarding nutritional choices as well as lifestyle factors that could impact your fertility throughout IVF treatments and pregnancy. Maintain a nutrient-dense diet during your IVF therapy and pregnancy as it goes a long way in making things go smoothly for both you and your unborn child.

Contact Us

If you have additional questions or concerns about nutrition during fertility treatments or pregnancy, the compassionate team of healthcare professionals Ivy Fertility are available  to support you in your family planning journey.