Which Fruits to Avoid During Pregnancy?

While pregnancy is a time to be happy about the new life coming to the earth, it is also important to take utmost care of yourself. The health of the fetus you are carrying will majorly depend on your diet and lifestyle. While it is prudent to add loads of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet, remember that there are certain vegetables and fruits to avoid during pregnancy. This article will fruits to avoid during pregnancy.

Most fruits are filled with essential nutrients that are needed during pregnancy for the healthy growth of the fetus. However, certain fruits affect the health of the fetus, and some may even lead to a miscarriage. 

Wondering what fruits to avoid during pregnancy? Read on to find out.

Bananas

It may seem odd, but doctors may ask you to avoid bananas in certain situations. Unlike other fruits to avoid during pregnancy, it is not unsafe for women in general. But, if you have conditions such as diabetes, gestational diabetes, or allergies, consuming bananas can be risky for you and the fetus. 

A latex-like substance named chitinase, a common allergen is one of the constituents of bananas. So, if you are allergic to chitinase, it is better not to have them. Bananas are a high-sugar fruit, so they are a strict no-no during pregnancy if you have diabetes.

Dates

Though dates are loaded with vitamins and other essential nutrients, it is often regarded as one of the fruits to avoid while trying to conceive. It is due to the role of dates in raising the temperature of your body, which may also lead to contractions in your uterus. 

Having one to two dates a day is fine, but anything beyond that is not recommended.

Frozen berry

If you are expecting, it is wise to avoid frozen berries. It is always better to have them fresh, as berries lose their flavor and nutrients after being frozen for an extended period. It can also be injurious to the health of you and your baby. Doctors may ask you to avoid all freeze-dried fruits during pregnancy.

Papayas

On the one hand, papayas are loaded with essential nutrients, each of which plays a crucial role in your overall nutrition. But on the other hand, they are still foods to avoid during pregnancy. It is because they can raise your body’s temperature, which can be damaging for you as well as the fetus. 

Not just this, the fruit is filled with latex which can be a reason for uterine contractions and blood loss. In extreme cases, this latex can also lead to miscarriage. So, remove unripe and ripe papayas from your diet when you are an expecting mom.

Pineapples

Pineapples are rich in the enzyme bromelain, which plays a key role in breaking down protein. The presence of this enzyme during pregnancy can affect your cervix and trigger early lab our, often leading to miscarriage. That is why pineapple has made its place in the list of fruits to avoid during pregnancy.

Watermelon

Usually, watermelon is considered healthy for the human body as it absorbs all your body's toxins and flushes them out. However, the same function of watermelon can be risky during pregnancy as the toxins flushed out by the fruit can affect your baby. 

Besides, excess consumption of this sugar-rich fruit can spike your blood glucose levels. Furthermore, due to its diuretic properties, watermelon may also flush out essential nutrients besides the toxins from your body. 

For all these, watermelon is regarded as one of the fruits to avoid during pregnancy.

Tamarind

Tamarind is often associated with pregnancy due to its tangy flavor, and it is normal to crave such fruits when expecting. Note that moderate tamarind consumption can help you deal with morning sickness and nausea, two common symptoms of pregnancy. However, anything beyond moderate can be damaging for you and your baby. 

Tamarind is loaded with vitamin C, and an excess amount of vitamin C can lower the production of progesterone in your body. This can lead to undesired outcomes such as pre-term birth, miscarriage, or cell damage in the fetus. Therefore, doctors may ask you not to consume tamarind for at least the first trimester of pregnancy, which is why they are considered one of the fruits to avoid during pregnancy.

Conclusion

If you are expecting, make sure to follow the diet chart for pregnant women recommended by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India [1]. Though you may have a basic understanding of fruits to eat and fruits to avoid during pregnancy from your online research, make sure to talk to your doctor about the same and follow their recommendations. 

Book a quick online doctor consultation on Bajaj Finserv Health if you have certain queries. There are diverse types of specialist doctors registered with the platform. You can conveniently avail of an online consultation with a gynaecologist or any other specialist you would like to talk to. 

To make pregnancy a sweet and memorable journey of your life, start prioritizing healthcare above everything!