Can I Eat Pineapple While Pregnant

Pineapple is generally safe but there are a few precautions to be aware of during pregnancy.

Is It Safe To Eat Pineapple During Pregnancy?

One of the weirdest things about pregnancy is how quickly you learn a thousand new facts. You’ll hear warnings, tips, and advice from people — even strangers — about things you’d never considered before getting pregnant.

One such idea you may have heard is that pineapple is bad for pregnant women. So what’s the deal? Can we safely eat pineapple, or should we cross it off our grocery list?

We’ve researched this myth extensively and will explain where the idea started. We’ll answer any questions you may have about eating pineapple during pregnancy. Although it may be harmful to sip a piña colada right now because of the alcohol content, we’ll help assure you that your favorite pineapple treats and smoothies will only benefit your little one.

Key Takeaways

• Pineapple contains bromelain, which can potentially soften the cervix and cause a miscarriage in early pregnancy.
• Eating pineapple in moderation is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
• Avoid consuming large amounts of pineapple or pineapple supplements during the first trimester.
• Drinking pineapple juice may be a safer alternative to eating the fruit.
• Consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating pineapple into your diet during pregnancy.

Table of Contents

• Is Pineapple Dangerous During Pregnancy?
• What About When I’m Breastfeeding?
• Benefits Of Pineapple
• Where Does The Myth Come From?
• Will Pineapple Help Me Start Labor?
• Could I Have A Pineapple Allergy?

Is Pineapple Dangerous During Pregnancy?

Pineapple is entirely safe to eat during pregnancy. The old wives’ tale says it’s dangerous because it can cause a miscarriage, but actually, there is no scientific evidence that suggests this in any way (1) .

A few people have stories of eating pineapple before having a miscarriage or entering labor, but statistically speaking, lots of pregnant women eat pineapple on any given day without a problem.

That is not to say there aren’t some risks involved, especially when eating a lot of pineapples. Some people — pregnant or not — experience severe ulcers and heartburn from fresh pineapple, which means you might want to swap it for canned pineapple in juice.

And lots of pineapple, like with any fruit, can cause diarrhea and gastric discomfort.

Eating a lot of pineapple can make heartburn and acid reflux worse, so be cautious if you are already suffering from either of these during your pregnancy.

Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MD

If you’re just eating regular amounts of fresh or canned pineapple, there’s no problem at all.

Pineapple is a nutritious, healthy fruit to eat when you are pregnant, full of vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber, which are all essential for having a healthy pregnancy (2) .

What About When I’m Breastfeeding?

Of course, our needs and our babies’ needs change from pregnancy to breastfeeding. So what about after birth; is pineapple any good then? Well, it turns out that pineapple might be worse for a nursing baby than for a pregnant woman.

Because of its high vitamin C content and the other acids it contains, fresh pineapple can cause a rash for breastfed babies. Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, or grapefruits can also do this.

A small amount of fruit every day is not a problem for you or your baby. But try to keep highly acidic fruits to a bare minimum, especially when you are first breastfeeding.

If you notice that your baby has a rash, don’t assume this is just because of the fruit. Go to your doctor to talk about your diet and breastfeeding habits to make sure.

But as long as you are still pregnant, don’t worry about eating pineapple. If anything, make sure to eat some because it is great for you.

Some benefits to pineapple, in limited amounts, include helping the breastfeeding mother with breast engorgement since it has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease pain and swelling.

Dr. Njoud Jweihan, MD

Benefits Of Pineapple

Pineapple is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water, all of which are wonderful for pregnant women (3) :

• Vitamins B1 and B6, like all B vitamins, are essential for building our nervous system and maintaining our blood flow. This keeps our heart strong, helps our immune system protect us — even during pregnancy, balances our moods, and eases morning sickness.
• Vitamin C is important for immunity and strengthening the collagen in your skin, joints, and bones, as well as your baby’s. One cup of pineapple has almost all the vitamin C you need in one day.
• Manganese can be found in large quantities in pineapple and is a key player in preventing osteoporosis.
• Iron and folic acid are highly recommended supplements during pregnancy, as having enough can prevent birth defects and protect you from becoming anemic. Fresh pineapple is rich in both of these nutrients.
• Copper, also essential for producing red blood cells, is found in small but noticeable amounts in pineapple.
• Fiber is present in substantial quantities in both fresh and canned pineapple, helping prevent constipation and dehydration.
• Water and diuretics are both present in fresh and canned pineapple, helping you to rehydrate when dehydrated but also helping you get rid of excess fluid in your legs and feet.
• Blood pressure issues can sometimes be eased by an enzyme called bromelain which thins your blood and can lower your blood pressure.

Where Does The Myth Come From?

The theory comes from the fact that pineapple contains bromelain — yes, the same enzyme that thins our blood.

Bromelain acts by digesting protein, which is why your mouth can get sore if you overeat pineapple. Some people are so sensitive to it that they literally cannot eat a mouthful of pineapple.

So what does this have to do with pregnancy? Well, bromelain supplements can cause early labor or miscarriage — precisely because of their ability to thin the blood and digest proteins. This action ripens the cervix, which can make it open before the time is right.

However, the supplement bromelain and the bromelain in pineapples are very different things. Concentrated bromelain pills are many times stronger, and the bromelain in pineapple is actually found in the core of the pineapple, not in the edible flesh. Pineapples have never been found to cause early labor or miscarriage.

Will Pineapple Help Me Start Labor?

It could, but you would really need to eat loads to manage this.

Test-tube experiments have found the amount of bromelain found in concentrated pineapple extract can stimulate the cervix, making you more likely to enter labor. Plus, many supplements with bromelain are forbidden during pregnancy, precisely for that reason.

So what is the unsafe amount of pineapple we would have to eat to equal a medically dangerous serving? One cup? One ring?

Nope. Up to eight whole, fresh, raw pineapples. Per day.

I’m not sure about you, but when I eat pineapple, I don’t usually eat a whole one, let alone eight. The amount of bromelain found in a normal serving of pineapple, which is about a cupful, is nowhere near enough to start labor.

And if you are eating eight whole pineapples, you have other issues to worry about. For example, serious diarrhea and increased urination, which could cause uncomfortable cramping and dehydration. Neither are healthy during pregnancy.

So the take-home message is that if you want to start labor, there are probably better methods to try than eating eight pineapples per day (4) .

If you are still worried about eating pineapple because of bromelain, you can stick to drinking pineapple juice or eating canned pineapple since the processing of these removes almost all of the bromelain.

Could I Have A Pineapple Allergy?

Yes, pineapple allergies do happen. Because you can develop a spontaneous allergy during pregnancy, you might even develop an allergy to pineapple. This is more of a risk if you are already allergic to latex or pollen.

A pineapple allergy is most likely to appear at first with one of the following symptoms:

• A skin rash, even if the rash isn’t in the area where you touched the pineapple.
• Swelling and itching in your mouth and throat.
• A runny nose or congestion.
• Asthma.

Contact your closest emergency room if you suffer any of these symptoms, especially if they start soon after eating pineapple and develop quickly. An allergic reaction can very quickly get out of control, and you want to ensure you are safe.

And what about the other risks? As mentioned above, there are some risks you need to be aware of:

Fresh pineapple can cause heartburn, reflux, and mouth ulcers in many people. This is because of the high amount of vitamin C, other acids, and some active enzymes, which can eat away at the protective layers in your mouth and stomach.

A Reason To Cut Back

If you are sensitive to ulcers and heartburn, avoid fresh pineapple, and only eat small amounts of canned pineapple.

If you have diabetes, whether type 1, type 2, gestational, or the result of pancreatitis, pineapple might have too much sugar for you.

Like with all fruits and sugary foods, limit your consumption, and only eat them after a healthy, balanced meal to slow down the release of sugars. If you are already overweight, you might also want to avoid pineapple just because of its high-calorie content.

Fruit such as grapefruits and berries have many vitamins and minerals while having a much lower sugar and calorie content.

Because bromelain can thin your blood, you should not consume pineapple during pregnancy if you suffer from low blood pressure, anemia, or hemophilia.

Some pregnant women experience a sudden drop in blood pressure or sudden anemia, so if you feel faint, especially when you first stand up, you’ll want to avoid pineapple until you can talk to a doctor.

If you are taking any medications such as antibiotics for any reason, pineapple juice can affect these. Make sure to let your doctor know about your diet before taking any medications.

Can I Eat Pineapple While Pregnant?

Elisa is a well-known parenting writer who is passionate about providing research-based content to help parents make the best decisions for their families. She has written for well-known sites including POPSUGAR and Scary Mommy, among others.

Updated on November 29, 2022

Tosin Odunsi, MD, MPH, is a board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician and founder of The Mentorship Squad to promote diversity in medicine, a community of Black and Latinx women seeking mentorship along their journey to becoming U.S. physicians.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Pineapple is full of fiber and important vitamins, so it seems like an ideal food to eat during pregnancy. You may have heard that pineapple can induce labor by stimulate contractions to induce labor late in pregnancy or even cause pregnancy loss or miscarriage in early pregnancy. However, those worries about eating pineapple during pregnancy are completely unfounded.

The truth is that it is safe for you to eat pineapple during all three trimesters of pregnancy. “Pineapple is a nutritious, healthy, and safe food to intake during pregnancy,” says Shaista Waheed, MD, a Pakistan-based professor and gynecologist with 33 years of experience in the field. “Pineapple causing a miscarriage is a myth [and there is] no scientific evidence to support this.”

While it is true that pineapple contains an enzyme that increases the miscarriage risk in pregnant people, this enzyme exists in very small amounts in the part of the pineapple we eat. It’s fine to eat pineapple during pregnancy. Learn more about eating pineapple while expecting.

Eating Pineapple During Pregnancy

Pineapple is safe to eat in moderation during all three trimesters of pregnancy, and it has many benefits, such as being rich in vitamins C and B6 and being a good source of fiber. Fruit is an important part of the ideal pregnancy diet, says Dr. Waheed. “[Fruit] helps your baby with vitamins and minerals that are needed for growth and development.”

You may have been warned that eating pineapple can cause miscarriage, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. “This is a common myth, likely related to the fact that pineapple contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme,” explains Brianne Thompson, MS, RD, CD, a registered dietitian specializing in prenatal nutrition.

Bromelain in large quantities has been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage, but the amount present in pineapple is so low, you don’t have to worry about it. “In fact, most of the bromelain found in pineapple is in the core, which we don’t eat anyway,” Thompson points out. While you should not have pineapple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, eating pineapple in moderation is considered safe.

You would not want to take bromelain tablets during pregnancy, as they may cause excessive bleeding, but pineapple is fine, Dr. Waheed explains. “Even though pineapple contains bromelain, its amount in single-serving won’t affect your pregnancy.”

Every pregnancy is different. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider about your circumstances if you have any questions about eating pineapple while pregnant.

Is It Safe for Baby?

A moderate amount of pineapple is safe for a developing baby. The vitamins in pineapple support fetal health and development.

Benefits of Pineapple During Pregnancy

Pineapple has many helpful properties that support a healthy pregnancy.

Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Although large quantities of bromelain can stimulate miscarriage, the small amount of this digestive enzyme found in pineapples actually has benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

This is helpful to your overall health but it can be especially beneficial during pregnancy. Inflammation while you are expecting increases your baby’s risk of mental illness or brain development problems. Additionally, inflammation can add to pregnancy’s discomforts so countering it will help you feel your best.

Contains Fiber

Pineapple is also a good source of fiber. “This helps fight constipation, a common pregnancy complaint,” Thompson points out.

Keeps You Hydrated

It is important to avoid dehydration during pregnancy and pineapple is 87% water. Its sweet taste may make it easier to consume rather than guzzling down extra glasses of plain water (though it is still important to drink plenty of fluids!).

Good Source of Vitamin B6

Pineapple offers plenty of vitamin B6. This essential vitamin is important for brain development, Thompson notes. Additionally, people who are pregnant are more likely to have a vitamin B6 deficiency, so it is important to increase your intake through vitamin supplements and foods containing it.

Vitamin B6 can also help with nausea associated with morning sickness.

Good Source of Vitamin C

Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which helps maintain a strong immune system. “One cup of pineapple contains the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for pregnant women,” says Dr. Waheed.

Safety Precautions

Pineapple is generally safe but there are a few precautions to be aware of during pregnancy.

Allergies to Pineapple

It is possible to be allergic to pineapple, and although it’s not as common in adulthood, you can develop food allergies at any time. If you experience a burning or sore tongue, itchy or swollen lips, tongue, or throat, or any other unexpected symptoms after eating pineapple, contact a doctor right away.

If you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as wheezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, or low blood pressure, call an emergency number and discuss whether you should eat pineapple or avoid it in the future with a healthcare provider.

Gestational Diabetes

Pineapple does contain naturally-occurring sugars. As long as you consume this fruit fresh and in moderation, the sugar content should not be a problem. However, if you eat a lot of fruit or other sugar, or if your pineapple is canned or juiced, you could increase your risk of gestational diabetes by eating it in excess. This is especially true if you are already at an increased risk of gestational diabetes.

Heartburn

Pineapple may cause heartburn. This is because it is acidic. Heartburn is one of the most common pregnancy complaints and its incidence increases as pregnancy progresses.

“[Eating pineapple] in large amounts can give you acid reflux or heartburn, so avoid overeating it,” advises Dr. Waheed. “If you love pineapple but find it’s causing heartburn, try eating it with something else, like toast, cereal, or brown rice,” Thompson suggests.

If heartburn is a problem for you, Thompson recommends staying in an upright position after meals, trying small, frequent meals instead of the traditional three larger meals per day, and drinking fluids between meals rather than with them.

Interestingly, pineapple can sometimes help relieve heartburn. This is because bromelain also has anti-inflammatory properties.

A Word From Verywell

Pineapple is considered safe and beneficial during pregnancy. While you may have heard rumors that eating pineapple causes miscarriage, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Pineapple contains a digestive enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to cause miscarriage when ingested in large quantities, but the amount of bromelain in pineapple is too small to make a difference, and most of it is concentrated in the stem, which we don’t eat.

If you have any questions about eating pineapple during pregnancy or concerns about miscarriage risk, reach out to a healthcare provider for further guidance.

21 Sources

Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. • Mohd Ali M, Hashim N, Abd Aziz S, Lasekan O. Pineapple (Ananas comosus): A comprehensive review of nutritional values, volatile compounds, health benefits, and potential food products. Food Research International. 2020;137:109675. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109675.
2. Pavan R, Jain S, Shraddha, Kumar A. Properties and therapeutic application of bromelain: a review. Biotechnology Research International. 2012;2012:1-6. doi: 10.1155/2012/976203. PMID: 23304525.
3. 1. Rachel Ward-Flanagan, Claire Scavuzzo, Piush J. Mandhane, Francois V. Bolduc, Clayton T. Dickson. Prenatal fruit juice exposure enhances memory consolidation in male post-weanling Sprague-Dawley rats. PLOS ONE, 2020; 15 (1): e0227938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227938.

   By Elisa Cinelli
   Elisa is a well-known parenting writer who is passionate about providing research-based content to help parents make the best decisions for their families. She has written for well-known sites including POPSUGAR and Scary Mommy, among others.

   Can You Have Pineapple During Pregnancy?

   

   Snacking on pineapple or drinking pineapple juice while pregnant can help provide you and your developing baby with vital nutrients. While some people worry about the safety of pineapple during pregnancy, these fears are mostly based on misconceptions.

   Here’s everything you need to know about pineapple and pregnancy, including the health benefits and possible side effects.

   Video of the Day

   Is Pineapple Good for Pregnant People?

   Pineapple is full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. As a result, it’s a healthy and safe part of a balanced pregnancy diet, according to the Mayo Clinic.

   According to My Food Data, a serving — that’s 1 cup, per the USDA — of pineapple contains:

   • 83 calories
   • 22 g carbs
   • 2.3 g fiber
   • 16 g sugar
   • 0.9 g protein
   • 11% of the daily value (DV) of thiamin
   • 88% DV vitamin C
   • 7% DV folate
   • 5% DV niacin
   • 67% DV manganese
   • 20% DV copper
   • 5% DV magnesium

   Not only are these nutrients good for you, but they’re good for your baby, too: For instance, pineapple is high in vitamin C, which helps with fetal tissue growth, according to a November 2018 study in the ​Nutrition Journal​.

   Pineapple also provides small amounts of iron and folate, both of which contribute to fetal development and can help prevent premature birth, according to the World Health Organization.

   The fruit is also a great source of fiber, a nutrient that helps support healthy digestion, control pregnancy weight gain and prevent common issues like constipation and blood sugar spikes, per the Mayo Clinic.

   Can You Drink Pineapple Juice While Pregnant?

   You can also get many of the same nutrients from fresh pineapple juice, according to the USDA: For instance, one cup of juice contains 120 percent of your DV of vitamin C.

   However, it’s best to avoid processed pineapple juices or concentrates, which can contain added sugars that don’t provide any nutritional benefit, per the Mayo Clinic. You also lose most of the fiber through juicing, so the Mayo Clinic recommends sticking to whole fruit to get as many nutrients as possible.

   Pineapple and Labor

   Some old wives’ tales recommend pineapple to induce labor because the fruit contains a type of enzyme called bromelain that is thought to help soften the cervix.

   However, evidence to support this claim is lacking, per December 2016 research in the ​Journal of Ethnopharmacology​. Besides, the amount of bromelain in a typical serving is negligible because most of the enzyme is found in the pineapple core, which you typically don’t eat.

   Safety Considerations

   While pineapple can be a nutritious addition to your pregnancy diet, there are a few things to keep in mind while snacking on the fruit.

   1. Gestational Diabetes

   Pineapple juice may not be the best choice for pregnant people with gestational diabetes, a type of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy, per the U.S National Library of Medicine (NLM). That’s because pineapple juice (and other fruit juices) can contain added sugars or more concentrated natural sugars while also having less fiber than the whole fruit, which may cause your blood sugar to spike.

   If you have gestational diabetes, you can still drink pineapple juice while pregnant as a small part of a meal containing vegetables or proteins, both of which help keep your blood sugar under control, according to the NLM.

   Pineapple or no pineapple, you can also work with your doctor to craft a gestational diabetes pregnancy diet plan that’s best for you.