Is it safe to take pineapple during pregnancy? Is it advisable at the end of a pregnancy to take pineapple juice or eat the flesh in order to bring on labour?
Maybe.
Eating pineapple or drinking pineapple juice is said to be an old wive’s tale to bring on labour for woman past their due date. Large amounts of pineapple juice can in fact cause uterine contractions. It’s for this reason that in early pregnancy, it’s often suggested that you don’t drink pineapple juice in excess amounts.
Why pineapple can cause contractions
Fresh pineapple contains Bromelain which can also soften the cervix but it is said that it takes large quantities to have any effect which can also result in diarrhea. Some women say that they’ve had zero problems having plenty of pineapple and pineapple juice during pregnancy and others claim it brought on labour. The verdict on pineapple during pregnancy? Some would say that you should eat it in moderation and watch for any signs of problems before your due date. If you’re at or past your due date, it might help you.
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Tags: bring on labor, bring on labour, pineapple and pregnancy, pineapple during pregnancy, pineapple juice during pregnancy, pineapple safety during pregnancy
June 10th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
it is true, u should not have pineapple during any time of pregnancy. it is better not take any kind of risk, when things are doubtful on any issues during pregnancy, instead of trying to find out what the truth is actualy about.
June 10th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Thanks for commenting. I’d say that erring on the side of caution is always worthwhile especially when it comes to pregnancy. Pineapple is delicious and nutritious but is certainly something that can be avoided for nine months.
Cheers!
November 4th, 2008 at 7:04 am
for me it is false because during my 9 months pregnancy i ate fresh pine apple everyday but no contraction until the 39 weeks of my pregnancy. pine apple is very healthy rich in calcium that help a baby strong bones, vitamins C to fight infection. my baby is very healthy.
November 4th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Arlyn,
So glad all worked out for you. When I wrote this post I was astounded at finding this information as I’d read many baby books and done a lot of research in my own pregnancies and had never heard this information before.
I’m coming across the info more frequently so thought it worthwhile to report it to my readers.
February 27th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I heard from a lot of my friends that pineapples were a no no during pregnancy, yet I never read or heard anything about it before I got pregnant. I am 20 weeks now and I know that I am passed the critical months, but I think after reading what you guys said, I am going to just stay away from them. If there is anything that is questionable about eating pineapples, I rather not eat it, and then regret it in the long run. Some people are luckier than others. Every pregnancy is different.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Good call Bonnie. Definitely better safe than regretful!
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:54 am
Pineapple was the thing I most craved throughout my pregnancy. I’m now at 39 weeks and have probably eaten over 30 pineapples during the last 9 months. No contractions for me!
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:02 am
Good to know, Em. I’m sure a lot of women haven’t even heard of this issue. I don’t remember reading anything about it until very recently.
March 30th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
when my aunty was pregnant she use to eat alot of pineapple..she ended up having a stillborn,so i’v always been told to avoid pineapple and fizzy drinks,but i gues not all pregnancys are the same!
April 27th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I have had loads of probs with ‘Braxton Hicks’ contractions for a few months weeks (now 33 weeks so been a long time…) - daily on and off for hours at a time, and midwives and doctors can’t find anything as a cause. It is now really problematic and effecting everything I do.I have just found out that the Bromelain in pineapple may have this effect of causing contractions AS WELL as the positive effect of softening the cervix when you want it to at 40 weeks. I have eaten fresh pineapple nearly every day of my pregnancy and am now definitely STOPPING. It is very frightening when this happens to you. So I would really advise caution.
June 5th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
i hav just eaten a whole pineapple to try n bring on the labour im nearly 36 week cant feel out at min lol i didnt no it cud b harmful just want this baby to come out but healthy, i should hav read this b4 i ate it really :s
June 7th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I used three different drinks to quicken up delivery. I had un timed contractions for 2 days and was anxious to deliver. So I drank a whole Liter of pineapple juice, I drank tea with cinnamon which is supposed to cause contractions and I took 2 tablespoons of castor oil. I took a nap and woke 2 hours later at 9h47 pm with contractions timed at 10 min. At 1h41 am I had my baby boy. That’s 3h56 min, no laxative effect at all. No epidural!
June 9th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Thanks for all the info! I’ve been craving for pineapple during my 2nd pregnancy, as I’m in my 31st week now. I did not even have a single bite during my 1st one, as I wasn’t that craving for it. But, I’ve been having almost a pc everyday now. Can’t stop from having it. Maybe i should stop… as for the sake of having my healthy baby delivered naturally…
June 19th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
There is no known scientific evidence to prove that fruits like pineapples and papayas are harmful during pregnancy. If you were to consider the medical evidence touted by some people, it would require consuming kilograms of these fruits at frequent intervals throughout the day to even make a small differece.
Wake up, throw out all these rubbish old wives tales !!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:21 am
This thing is true but unless you have a strong uterus, it doesn’t affect you. Once, a teacher ate just a bite of it and her blood was everywhere. There was another teacher who was pregnant at that time too but she ate loads of Pineapple but it didn’t affect her one bit.
So, unless you KNOW that your uterus is REALLY strong, you can eat them. BUT most women can’t tell, so better not consume it.
September 15th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
aaaaaaaaaa i jus had 2 slices…….n im 9 weeks……im worried
September 15th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Laila, Hope all is well. I’m sure a lot of people have done that without realising it. I only ever heard about this in the last year and in my second pregnancy, Dole pineapple juice was something I drank a lot of in the beginning — thinking it was healthy and good for me & my baby! Now that you know, I’d just refrain going forward.
Cheers.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:45 pm
i am 40 weeks preg. just pass my due date and i cant take it no more am done deen preg. drink some Dole pineapple juice hours ago and nothing happen no contractions, now what do i do?
September 21st, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Best of luck with L&D when it comes, Anonymous. I wrote this post with labour inducing tips: http://pregnancyglee.com/?p=130. I say have some sex with plenty of nipple stimulation, maybe?
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
my friend who works as a midwife advised me to have a portion of pineapple at least once a week throughout my pregnancy which i did with no harmful effect. according to her it is bad in excess but a few portions a week can boost a number of vitamins combating tierdness and if used in later pregnancy there is evidence that i can be beneficial in the labour. she also warned me to be careful of any advice or articles published online as they don’t have to actually support thier finding with any research to be published, they just have to be able to pay for the space. this means that alot of people publish medical advice and old wives tales as fact when they have no medical training of qualifications. It’s also important to remember that alot of factors can cause problems on preganancy. I do Avoid anything that worries me but at the same time walking down a street next to a traffic jam is bad for your baby because of the pollution. i agree with doc, everything in moderation.
October 26th, 2009 at 7:17 am
Hi, I am now 15 weeks pregent and i am having craving for Pineapple.
This is my 3rd pregnencies. I never have craving for pineapples and never take any pineapples in my prev. 2 prenencies.
But this round, I can eat about 2 fresh pineapples in a week.
I asked my doctor about this, she said it’s ok to take pineapple during pregenency (but i didn’t tell her how much i have taken).
I think i will control in not more than 2 per week. hope is ok… since the doctor said.. it’s ok.
November 19th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Old wives tale and no scientific proof to back it up. That’s just like saying you can’t reach over your head for anything because it will wrap the umbilical cord around the baby’s neck.
I’m an OB, take my word for it. I’ve NEVER heard of this happening. Underripe pineapple can cause MINOR uterine contractions, but nothing more than a braxton hicks type thing. And more people won’t eat underripe fruit of any kind because of the stomach cramps it can cause (this includes bananas).
Eat away.
November 20th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I am 14 weeks pregnant, and just ate a bowl of pineapples, because it felt kind of acidy on my tongue, i decided to check out if it was safe for pregnant women and now i’m reading these posts. I have never heard this before and thought it was safe and nutritious for the baby. Even though there may not be any medical proof against pineapples, i think its better safe than sorry so i think i can stay away from pineapples for the next 6 months seeing that its not something that i’m craving.
November 25th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I understand no soft cheeses, raw eggs and meat, but pineapple? Please!! I was also told that once baby is here one should drink two to three beers a day to make sure you have enough milk. Would you do that too??
November 26th, 2009 at 1:26 am
Pregnant women in Hawaii eat pineapple all day everyday.
November 28th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I found this website because I was looking for information supporting Pineapple decreasing morning sickness. I’m not sure if I’m pregnant, but I’m definately feeling queasy. Over the holidays my Mother-In-Love made a pineapple pie (with whip creme and creme cheese), and it’s the only thing I can eat that settles my stomach. I did find some sites supporting pineapple and I’m sure they are not governed by US medical stuff, if you know what I mean. I like Dayna’a post, women in Hawaii eat pineapple everyday. I think all things made by God have a benefit for us someway.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:27 am
I’ve been eating a whole pineapple every other week (small amount at a time) since my 2nd trimester and I am still doing fine at 31 wks. Unless there is a scientific report, I think you should use your own judgement. Like anything in life, moderation is the key.
I like Dayna’s post too. Also, pregnant women in SouthEast Asia eat pineapple all the time and they’re fine. Same thing with sushi and Japanese women. I’m sure they didn’t quit eating their national food altogether for 9 months. I’m not saying go to town on raw fish but moderation is the key.
December 7th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Hmmm i am 36 wks pregnant and have just been told im gonna have a ten pound baby…..if im not lucky.
I have been craving for pineapple for the last two weeks and i think that your body will tell you what you need and what you dont.
So with this i say bring on the pineapple!
Obviously if you eat pineapple and it makes you bleed, get cramps, dont do it again.. the same applies to bunjie jumping or other extreme sports.
I do however agree with the morning sickness quote, ginger biscuits stops it in its tracks! fantastic!
December 11th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Good grief, people. Why are you taking the advice of a stranger’s sister’s best friend? There’s all sorts of junk online and all sorts of wives tales, as others have pointed out. Your body knows what it needs. If you crave it, your body probably needs something in what you’re craving (donuts and candy bars aside if you have a nasty sweet tooth.)
Unless you’re deathly allergic, a bit of pineapple won’t hurt. Eat some and see how your body reacts. If it makes you naseous, avoid it for now. Listen to your body, not strangers.
I’ve been eating a lot of fresh pineapple while pregnant and for me, it is the ONLY thing that combats the constipation brought on by the iron pills I need to take. And I’ve had only 1 BH contraction that I’m aware of and I’m due in 7 weeks. For me, pineapple does me lots of good
While you’re avoiding all these fresh fruits and veggies that strangers warn you about, take a moment to go Google the side effects of Pitocin and epidurals on both you and your baby. THAT ought to concern you FAR more for the safety of your baby than fresh fruit. That, and if you don’t deliver in a hospital within about 24 hours of being admitted, they’ll do a c-section on you because your baby’s delivery isn’t meeting the hospital’s schedule. But don’t take my word for it… go look it up for yourselves.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Right on, Anonymous poster above! It absolutely boggles the mind that so many of us will go lengths to avoid eating healthy natural foods that may or may not be harmful in large doses/or *could* pose a risk of bacteria, etc … and yet an amazing number of women don’t even question the drugs & procedures that are routinely given/done to make sure birth occurs on the hospital’s schedule.
Stop freaking out about eating a serving of fruit and read “Pushed” by Jennifer Block.