Pineapple and Pregnancy

When considering diet in pregnancy, it is important to ensure that the nutritional content of your meals is balanced. It is advisable to avoid highly processed foods altogether, including raw meats and unpasteurized dairy products, as these could host disease carrying microbes which could negatively impact both you and your baby.

Fruits make for a particularly good snack because they are infused with vitamins and minerals which are crucial to the development of your unborn child. Pineapples are unique for the nutritional value they add to a person’s diet. We shall be highlighting some benefits of consuming pineapple while pregnant.

Health Benefits of Pineapple

The pineapple is an ideal food item for its rich nutritional content while being low in calories. The key nutrients that are contained within a pineapple are vitamin C, thiamin, niacin, B6 and folate, manganese, copper, potassium and magnesium.  Additionally, the fruit contains an exclusive and unique blend of enzymes called bromelain, whose clinical and therapeutic benefits are beneficial in alleviating symptoms of conditions such as edema, inflammation, and blood clots. 

Is Pineapple Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes. You can freely eat pineapple when you are pregnant. There is a claim that consuming this fruit when you are pregnant could induce early labor. The fact is that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Research done on pregnant rats to test this claim found that the pineapple juice that was administered did not negatively affect the pregnant rats and neither did it induce early labour. The high-quality nutritional value provided by pineapples is very beneficial to both mother and child.

Is Pineapple Safe During IVF?

Yes. If you are undergoing fertility treatments, eating pineapples is completely alright.  It is vital to intentionally seek out healthy eating options, as this is important for your health and the health of your womb. 

To be clear, the claim that the bromelain found in pineapples helps embryos in implanting into the uterine wall, or that pineapples increase the overall likelihood of the success of fertility treatments has no scientific evidence. Pineapple is not the singular factor that will tip the scales in your favor.

Including Pineapple in Your Diet

There are very many ways you can consume pineapple, it only requires your openness to trying out something new. You can peel and eat it on its own in chunks, cubes, or slices. You can top your yogurt or cereal with it, or toss it into some salsa. You can grill it in the oven or prepare it as part of a savory meal. The internet is chock full of recipes that include pineapple, including some that are prepared specifically with pregnant people’s needs in mind

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy and IVF

Even as we consider the benefits of pineapple, let us highlight a few foods to avoid during IVF therapy or pregnancy. 

Foods to Avoid While Pregnant

Pregnant people are advised to avoid the following foods:

Seafood That is High in Mercury

Seafood is highly nutritious. However larger and older fish tend to have harmful levels of mercury, therefore select the younger and smaller fish. Overall however, there are some types of fish that must be avoided altogether:

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

Raw or Undercooked Seafood

Pregnant people tend to be more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, and the risk is higher when it comes to consuming raw or undercooked seafood. It is therefore advisable to avoid foods such as sushi, sashimi and uncooked seafood in general. 

Undercooked Meat, Poultry, or Eggs

Granted, that rare steak and eggs cooked sunny side up are very tasty. However, for a pregnant person, eating them runs the risk of bacterial infections and illnesses caused by foodborne pathogens. This in turn could have a negative impact on the pregnancy. 

Unpasteurized Foods

Raw milk, unpasteurized juices, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized ciders can be harmful during pregnancy. Ensure that you read the labels of these products, ensuring that they have been pasteurized, as they are the safest. 

Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables are the best source of vitamins and minerals. They however could carry bacteria on their surface, therefore ensure that you wash them thoroughly before eating them. Sprouts such as alfalfa, clover and mung beans, can be difficult to wash out well, and as a result, may still carry harmful bacteria from the soil, therefore it is best to avoid eating them while pregnant to avoid illnesses.

Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco when you are pregnant can be harmful to your unborn child. Excessive amounts of caffeine could also have a negative impact. A majority of professional healthcare providers do not recommend caffeine when pregnant, however, there are those who may suggest that you consume a maximum of 200mg - which is about two cups of coffee. It is best to consult with your doctor on this to establish safe intake of caffeine, if you must.

Foods to Avoid During IVF

Alcohol and Tobacco

In order for IVF treatments to be successful and for a pregnancy to proceed in good health, it is important to avoid both alcohol and tobacco. Fertility treatments can be negatively impacted significantly by alcohol intake that is as little as two drinks a day. Therefore, if you are struggling with quitting either drinking or smoking speak with a professional medicare provider about strategies to help you stop.

Food and Drinks That Are High in Refined Sugar

Meals that contain unrefined carbohydrates and are low in sugar are highly recommended when one is undergoing fertility treatments, is trying to conceive naturally, or is already pregnant. This is because foods and drinks that are high in refined carbohydrates affect fertility negatively. In fact, the mediterranean diet comes highly recommended for those seeking a nutritionally balanced diet. 

Foods High in Trans Fats and Highly Processed Foods

The excessive consumption of fast foods impacts one’s health negatively. When undergoing fertility treatments, fast foods have a detrimental effect on the success of the treatment. Overall, fast food and junk food is not ideal, even from a nutritional or calorie intake perspective. 

When to Consult a Doctor

If you experience symptoms of a foodborne illness contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms of a disease that is linked to smoking or drinking, contact your doctor right away. If you are uncertain about your nutritional choices during fertility treatments or pregnancy, speak with a healthcare professional. In as much as you can seek a diet that is dense in nutrients before during and after pregnancy. 

Contact Us

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