Introduction
Pregnancy is a happy yet adventurous journey and it comes with a lot of advice and myths especially around food.
Although fruits are a good source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, there are a few fruits that you must limit your intake of to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.
Fruits to avoid during pregnancy

1. Unripe Papaya
While it is ok to eat ripen papaya in moderation during pregnancy, unripe papaya must be completely avoided.
This is because unripe papaya contains latex which is said to increase the risk of preterm labor. Hence it is suggested to stay away from unripe papaya.
If you are someone who does not know if the papaya is ripe or not, it is better to stay away from papaya during pregnancy.
Apart from unripe papaya, it is pretty much safe to eat other fruits in moderation during pregnancy.
Besides this, there are a lot of myths floating around fruits to avoid during pregnancy, including:
2. Unripe Pineapple
Pineapple is said to contain bromelain, which is an enzyme that is likely to cause uterine contractions and is said to be avoided during pregnancy.
But the flesh of pineapple has a very little amount of bromelain to harm pregnancy. It is ok to have a small quantity of pineapple in moderation during pregnancy.
3. Grapes
Although there is no scientific proof that grapes can harm pregnant mothers, it is commonly said that it is better to avoid grapes during pregnancy.
So please consult with your gynecologist if it is okay for you to consume grapes during pregnancy.
Things to keep in mind:
- Wash the fruits well in running water and you can also soak them for a few minutes in warm water to remove any wax or pesticides.
- If possible, opt for organic fruits and vegetables as they contain little to no harmful pesticides.
- Do not go overboard on the quantity. Although fruits are healthy and contain essential nutrients, it is important to eat the right quantity. Certain fruits such as mangoes and chikoo contain higher amounts of sugar, it is essential to limit the intake.
Conclusion
Fruits are loaded with nutrients, and it is important to consume whole fruits during pregnancy to balance the daily nutrient requirement of the body.
However, it is important to be mindful of the quantity you eat and not eat too much of them. Pregnant women can eat up to 2 to 4 servings of fruits a day.
Apart from that, ensure to consult with your gynecologist about the fruits you can consume and avoid according to your specific medical condition.
For appointments and consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai Dr. Deepthi Jammi, Contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.
Chennai women’s clinic is now Jammi Scans
Deepthi
Dr. Deepthi Jammi (Director, Jammi Scans) is a qualified OB/GYN and Post-Doc in Maternal Fetal Medicine. As a pregnancy ultrasound expert, she is passionate about healthy pregnancies and works towards spreading awareness on the latest diagnostic options available for parents to choose from. Dr.Deepthi has received gold medals and awards in Fetal Medicine at international and national conferences, and has appeared in numerous prestigious regional magazines and TV interviews.