Pineapple and Pregnancy

A healthy diet is an integral part of a healthy pregnancy and highly beneficial for people undergoing fertility treatments. Additionally, when pregnant or undergoing fertility treatments, one should avoid highly processed foods, steering clear of foods that carry a higher risk of foodborne illnesses - like raw fish and unpasteurized dairy products.

Now, while pineapple is generally a very healthy snack, it does not have any particular impact on the health of a pregnancy, nor is it linked to the induction of labor. In this article, we shall uncover the myths, and discuss the benefits, and potential risks of consuming this tropical fruit while expecting.

What Are the Health Benefits of Pineapple?

The pineapple is an extremely nutrient-dense fruit, which provides the body with a vast array of vitamins and minerals, and is a relatively low-calorie food. Some of the essential nutrients found in pineapple include vitamin C, manganese, fiber, B Vitamins (thiamin, niacin, B6, folate), and minerals (copper, potassium, magnesium).

In addition to providing for a nutrient-dense snack, pineapple contains bromelain, which is a compound containing a complex array of enzymes found only in pineapples. A study on the therapeutic and clinical  benefits of this compound found that bromelain had properties that are helpful in mitigating various conditions such as edema, inflammation, blood clots, and even cancer.

Is Pineapple Safe During Pregnancy?

There are those who claim that eating pineapple can cause a pregnant person to go into early labor. However there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. The little peer-reviewed research that does exist on the matter, has found no significant impact of eating pineapple on labor induction. 

A lab study that administered the juice of pineapple to pregnant rats found that the juice did not cause the abortion of the pregnancies. The conclusion was that pregnancy was not negatively affected by the consumption of pineapple.

Therefore, pineapple is a perfectly safe food to eat, and the health benefits it provides are particularly good for pregnant people who want to focus on a high-quality diet to sustain both themselves and their unborn babies.

Is Pineapple Safe During IVF?

Another common myth about pineapples and pregnancy is that, the bromelain found in the fruit, and particularly within the stem, can aid an embryo to implant itself into the uterine wall, during in vitro fertilization treatments.

Others claim that eating the fruit’s stem during IVF therapy will increase the likelihood of the success of the treatment overall. Again, there is no peer-reviewed evidence that supports these claims. 

While maintaining a healthy diet is an important part of a successful round of IVF treatments, the pineapple fruit in and of itself is not the component that will increase the chances of a successful implantation.

How to Add Pineapple to Your Diet

If you are looking for ways to increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, then pineapple is a great option for many people. It tastes great when sliced or cubed fresh off the stalk, and can be used as a topping on things like yogurt and cereal. 

It is extremely versatile, both on its own, and as an addition to other dishes. Many people enjoy chunks of the fruit roasted in the oven, or sliced into rings and placed on the grill. It also makes a great addition to salsas, or savory dishes that require a bit of sweetness and tang like a roasted ham. 

There are thousands of great pineapple-based recipes available online for every diet and palate. These include many pregnancy-friendly meals, to help keep pregnant people and their babies on a healthy track during pregnancy.

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy and IVF

A well-balanced diet can have a significant impact on a healthy pregnancy, and certain foods should be avoided when pregnant or undergoing IVF therapy.

Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

While pregnant, it is medically advisable to avoid the following foods:

Seafood High in Mercury

While seafood in general can be beneficial, certain types of seafood might contain potentially harmful levels of mercury. It is advisable to stay away from larger and older fish, as they are more likely to contain higher levels of mercury compared to the smaller and younger ones. Fish to avoid include:

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

Raw or Undercooked Seafood

Sushi, sashimi and other forms of uncooked seafood have the potential to carry foodborne pathogens which may be harmful to a pregnancy. In general, pregnancy can cause one to be more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, and this makes these dishes even riskier during gestation.

Undercooked Meat, Poultry, or Eggs

While you might prefer a rare steak or runny eggs, we suggest eating well done meat and firm eggs while pregnant, for the same reasons we advise against raw seafood. Foodborne pathogens are more likely to negatively impact pregnancy, and cooking meals fully reduces the risks associated with these types of bacteria.

Unpasteurized Foods

While low-fat dairy products are a healthy option during pregnancy, it is important to stick to dairy products that are pasteurized. It is best to avoid products like raw milk or unpasteurized juices and ciders. As well, soft cheeses - pasteurized or not -  can have a negative impact. When in doubt, check the label to make sure a product has gone through the pasteurization process.

Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are vital to a healthy and well-balanced diet, and moreso during pregnancy. However they can carry bacteria on their surface, and it is crucial to wash them thoroughly before eating them. We also warn against eating raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover or mung beans while pregnant, as they can contain many harmful bacteria and can be difficult to wash effectively.

Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco

While most expecting parents know to avoid alcohol and tobacco entirely while pregnant, excessive caffeine consumption can also have a negative impact on pregnancy. Some doctors may recommend total abstinence, while others might suggest staying below 200mg of caffeine - around two cups of coffee. Consult with your healthcare provider for their best guidance in your individual situation.

Foods to Avoid During IVF

Alcohol and Tobacco

Both alcohol and tobacco can negatively impact the success of fertility treatments, including the health of pregnancy if IVF treatments are successful. Even as little as two drinks a day can decrease the success rate of IVF treatments significantly. If you are concerned about your ability to stop drinking or smoking during IVF and pregnancy, speak with your healthcare provider about options and strategies for quitting.

Food and Drinks High in Refined Sugar

According to a 2021 study exploring fertility and nutrition, foods and drinks that are high in refined carbohydrates can negatively impact fertility. Unrefined carbs and low-sugar meals, like those found in the Mediterranean diet, are a much better option when trying to get pregnant, particularly during IVF treatment.

Foods High in Trans Fats and Highly Processed Foods

It is known that fast food and many forms of junk food are less than ideal options from a calorie and nutrient perspective. The same 2021 study noted that during fertility treatments, the excessive consumption of fast food had a detrimental effect on fertility. 

When to Consult a Doctor

If you experience signs of a foodborne illness, or a disease that might be related to drinking or smoking, reach out to a medical professional right away to determine the cause of your symptoms, as well as make sure there is no underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

Maintaining a healthy, nutrient-dense diet during pregnancy and IVF therapy goes a long way in making things go smoothly for both parent and child. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider about nutritional choices and lifestyle factors that might impact fertility throughout your IVF treatments and pregnancy itself.

Contact Us

If you have any further questions or concerns about nutrition during fertility treatments or pregnancy, Nevada Fertility Center can help. Our compassionate team of healthcare professionals are there to support you in your family planning journey.