Blog Summary:
Most fruits are healthy during pregnancy, but some should be avoided or eaten in moderation due to risks like triggering contractions, digestive distress, or bacterial contamination.
This blog post covers 4 types of fruits to avoid eating or limit consumption of during pregnancy along with 6 types of fruits that are beneficial for various reasons during pregnancy.
It also considers the hidden dangers of unwashed fruits and fruit juices along with the benefits of juice alternatives like LuvBelly Goodness Greens (which includes real fruit powder).
Most Fruits Are Healthy. Some Are Best Avoided or Limited.
Though many fruits are high in natural sugar, they also contain lots of fiber, vitamins, and water content, making them a healthy part of a balanced diet. But what about when you’re pregnant?!
After all, you’ve probably got all sorts of strange new cravings now. Meanwhile, your body is in need of certain nutrients.
Hang on to your smartphones, because you’re probably going to be doing a lot of googling during the remainder of your term about what to consume – and what not to.
You probably already know that certain foods like cold cuts and soft cheeses like brie should be avoided during pregnancy, not to mention big no-nos like alcohol. But there are also some fruits which may pose risks like triggering contractions, digestive distress, or even bacterial infections.
Let’s break down the fruits you should eat versus the ones you should avoid when you’re pregnant so you can snack safely and stress less.
4 Fruits to Avoid (Or Eat in Moderation) While Pregnant
1. Papaya: Best Avoided
Is papaya bad for pregnancy? Not necessarily, but unripe and semi-ripe papaya do contain latex, as All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology notes. This can cause premature uterine contractions that may lead to miscarriage or preterm labor.
The seeds and skin of even ripe papaya are also unsafe for moms-to-be.
If you must eat papaya while pregnant:
- Be sure it’s fully ripe
- Do not eat papaya seeds
- Do not eat papaya skin
Our advice? If you’re nervous about knowing whether or not a papaya is ripe, you’re probably better off avoiding this fruit as a pregnant person.
2. Grapes: Proceed with Caution
Can you eat grapes while pregnant? Opinions are mixed. Some doctors say grapes are fine to eat while pregnant. But others in the medical profession, including All About Women, note that the resveratrol found in grapes could cause poisoning or other pregnancy complications, especially when eaten in excess.
As a thin-skinned fruit, grapes can also be high in pesticides. If you do eat grapes during pregnancy, try not to eat too many, and be sure to wash thoroughly and/or purchase organic grapes. If in doubt, it’s probably best to find another fruit to eat.
3. Pineapple: Limit After the First Trimester
Pineapple has bromelain, which All About Women notes can cause the cervix to soften and, as a result, induce an early labor. While this is mostly true when eaten in large quantities, many doctors believe it’s best to limit pineapple consumption to your first trimester.
Can you drink pineapple juice while pregnant? Yes, but the above holds true for both pineapple fruit and pineapple juice.
What’s more, as the FDA notes, fresh-squeezed juice of any kind can harbor harmful bacteria, so if you buy it pre-made at the store, look for pasteurized juice or shelf-stable juice.
Avoid juice that has this (or a similar) warning: “WARNING: This product has not been pasteurized and therefore may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.”
4. Sliced Melon: Ripe for Bacteria Growth
Melon is usually safe to eat while pregnant. But there’s a chance that sliced melon may contain harmful bacteria that could lead to infection when consumed, according to Gordon Food Service. That’s because the rind of melons prevents bacteria growth, but once the rind is cut, the flesh of the melon can grow bacteria very quickly due to the pH of melon.
The easy solution? Don’t buy pre-sliced melon. Slice your own and follow food safety best practices to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth.
Unwashed Fruits and Veggies: A Hidden Danger
You’ve probably heard just how important it is to wash fruits and veggies. The relative importance of doing so only increases when pregnant! That’s because, as the FDA notes, just like unpasteurized juice, unwashed produce can harbor Toxoplasma E. Coli, Listeria, and other harmful bacteria.
Another pro tip? Be sure to remove any bruised areas when eating fruit since bacteria can thrive in them.
Top 6 Fruits to Eat While Pregnant
As Medical News Today mentions, some of the best fruits to include in your diet when pregnant are:
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) – Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Blueberries in particular have been associated with improved fetal brain development and reduced risk of some birth defects in certain studies. Raspberries have been shown to promote healthy digestion, prevent constipation, and decrease preeclampsia risk.
- Oranges – Hydrating and high in vitamin C and folate for fetal brain and spinal development.
- Mangoes – Packed with vitamins A and C, supporting immunity and cell growth.
- Pomegranates – High in iron to help prevent anemia and vitamin K for bone health.
- Bananas – A great source of potassium, which helps prevent leg cramps during pregnancy.
- Avocados – Loaded with healthy fats and B vitamins for fetal development.
Want A Worry-Free Alternative? Try LuvBelly Prenatal Greens
Worried about getting all your nutrients without the risks? Try LuvBelly's Goodness Greens!
Benefits: Many of the above pregnancy-friendly superfruits are found in LuvBelly's prenatal greens powder! There are plenty of other superfoods too, ranging from organic spinach, kale, and beetroot powder.
Reduced Risk vs. Some Fruits/Juices: Unlike some fruit juices that may carry bacteria or some fruits that may have excessive sugars or other risks, Goodness Greens is a safe, easy way to nourish your body and support your growing baby.
Check out all the ingredients in Goodness Greens now.
The Bottom Line: It’s All About Moderation, Mama!
Pregnancy is all about balance.
Most fruits are safe to eat in moderation when carrying a little one inside of you. But it’s important to be aware of potential risks and err on the side of caution for your own health and the health of your baby.
Stick to pasteurized, well-washed, and properly ripened options, and always check with your doctor if you’re unsure about what to do.
If you want to reduce as much risk as possible, avoid certain fruits and replace unpasteurized juices with LuvBelly Goodness Greens.