Fruits to Avoid During Pregnancy

One of the most annoying side-effects of pregnancy, especially once you start showing, is how it turns everyone around you into a health and baby expert. Are you eating for two? Are you taking ghee thrice a day? Why are you exercising? Don't drink coffee, don't eat spicy food! To top it all, you are constantly showered with questions like, are you aware of the nutrients required for you and your baby? Do you know which fruits should be avoided during pregnancy? While everyone giving you advice probably just has your best interest at heart, it does get overwhelming. So, let us help you separate the myths from reality.

What is a healthy diet during pregnancy?

Your body needs an average of 300 extra calories per day during pregnancy. In the second trimester and third trimester you must also increase your protein intake to support your growing baby. Similarly, your calcium intake must be at a higher level to encourage the development of strong bones in your baby.

Ensure that you are enjoying a healthy and nutritious diet that adds on the nutrients mentioned above as you go further in your pregnancy and you are on your way to delivering a healthy baby! Your doctor will ably support your diet with multivitamins, folic acid and iron supplements as and when required. Know more about foods to eat during pregnancy for healthy baby. If you’re in your early stage in your pregnancy, a simple pregnancy diet chart will guide you towards healthy pregnancy. Fruits and vegetables are obviously a crucial part of any diet. So, let us start by listing, with reasons, fruits to avoid during pregnancy.

Which fruits should be avoided during pregnancy?

Your doctor is the best person to guide you with the fruits to avoid when pregnant. Here are the usual recommendations:

1. Pineapple During Pregnancy:

One of the fruits not to eat during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Pineapple contains a chemical called bromelain which supposedly causes the cervix to soften. This may have the unintentional result of early labor or miscarriage. While every doctor does not agree with this finding, it is also said to cause the body to heat up, thus increasing the risk of premature birth.

2. Papaya During Pregnancy:

Every Indian woman knows that the papaya is one of the fruits to avoid during pregnancy! It is very rich in latex, which can cause uterine contractions that can lead to bleeding and even miscarriage. This is especially true of raw and unripe papayas which are an absolute NO-NO.

3. Grapes During Pregnancy:

While never clearly proven, grapes are one of the fruits to avoid during pregnancy. It is suspected that grapes contain an unacceptably large amount of pesticides that are sprayed on them during cultivation to avoid them being eaten by insects. These pesticides can cause harm to the developing fetus with its completely immature immune system.

4. Dates During Pregnancy:

Remember, dates are beneficial to both mother and baby, providing instant energy without increasing sugar levels in the blood. However, intake of large number of dates during summer is not suggested because they produce high levels of heat in the mother's body. This can cause unnecessary complications, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes - Fruits to avoid when pregnant

For a mom who develops gestational diabetes in the third trimester, there is a constant struggle with what can be eaten and what should be avoided. Remember this simple thumb rule - Anything that can be digested too quickly can cause a sudden increase in sugar levels and hence is to be avoided. So, continue taking fresh fruits in moderation, with special emphasis on low glycemic fruits like apples, pears, oranges, peaches, etc. Fruits to avoid during pregnancy with gestational diabetes include high-sugar content fruits or dried fruits like raisins, mangoes and cherries. Fruit juices are to be completely avoided.

Before you move on...

Pregnancy is the time that you must enjoy a healthy, tasty and nutritious diet that keeps you happy and also nurtures your baby's health. So, make sure you have a generous portion of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Our list of fruits not to eat during pregnancy should provide you an indication of what is safe and what is not. Click here to know everything about pregnancy cravings. From week by week expert tips on pregnancy calendar to new born baby care tips, Pampers India is here to guide you through the amazing journey of early parenthood. Learn more about us, our baby diaper products & commitment to you.