Is Pineapple dangerous in pregnancy?

Allaying fears on the risk of abortion in pregnant women consuming Pineapple

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Pineapple is a common fruit in Africa and most parts of the world. In recent times, quite a number of social media posts have suggested that pineapple should not be eaten by pregnant women. The purpose of the article is to provide some clarity on the issue. Pineapple pulp in its raw state contains 86% water, about 13% carbohydrate, 0.5% protein, and negligible fat. It is a source of calories, with about 50 calories per 100 grams.
Pineapple is beneficial to both mother and child. The beneficial constituents include vitamin C, folate, bromelain, manganese, and thiamine. Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system of pregnant women and also facilitates iron absorption, which is crucial in preventing iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. Folate is essential to the neurological development of the baby in the womb and helps to prevent birth defects in the developing baby. The enzyme bromelain in pineapples helps in digestion and reduces inflammation. Manganese is crucial to bone health and prevent osteoporosis. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is important in the proper functioning of the heart and nervous system. Pineapples also have antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation, keeping both mother and child healthy.
A study done on rats by Nwankudu and Ifenkwe in 2023 showed that high amounts of pineapple caused abortion in rats in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. However, this should not cause an uproar against pineapple consumption by pregnant human beings. Pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy with a history of recurrent abortion in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy should probably avoid it in the first trimester. There's no scientific evidence that pineapple can cause early miscarriage or induce labour in humans. However, eating large amounts of pineapple may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or an upset stomach because it's high in bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple. Pineapple can also cause heartburn, which is common during pregnancy.
Any pregnant woman concerned about eating pineapple in pregnancy should discuss it with a specialist healthcare provider

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