It is essential that a pregnant woman feeds on highly nutritious diets in order to keep herself and the growing baby healthy. And one of the major healthy foods to include in a pregnant woman’s diet are fruits.
Fruits are nutritious, contain vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants needed to stay healthy and glow.
Fruits also help in fighting against diseases.
However, as much as fruits are healthy and essential to take, there are some that a pregnant woman needs to either avoid totally or partially.
In this article are listed 7 of those fruits that falls into this category:
1) PINEAPPLE
Pineapple is a delicious and nutritious fruit packed with vitamins, minerals and lots of insoluble fiber.
However, it is not advisable to be taken by pregnant women.
This is because pineapple is acidic and may cause reflux and heartburn for those that have sensitive stomach.
Pineapple also contains a compound called bromelain that may soften the cervix to trigger contractions in pregnancy which may cause miscarriage. It is best to avoid consuming too much pineapple juice during the early stages of pregnancy.
2) PAWPAW
Studies has shown that pregnant women should avoid eating pawpaw in large quantities during the first trimester especially the unripe variety.
Papaya contains an enzyme that activates oxytocin (the hormone responsible for producing milk and uterine contraction), therefore, eating too much of it may induce labour.
The type of latex in unripe papaya is also not good for pregnant women.
Additionally, green papaya contains prostaglandin plus oxytocin, which can both play a role in inducing labor contractions.
3) LITCHI
Litchi, also known as ‘lychee’ or ‘lichee’ with high source of various antioxidants.
However, it is not safe for consumption during pregnancy as it can raise blood sugar levels and lead to gestational diabetes.
Litchis may also contribute to infections and result in haemorrhage. Hence, litchis should be avoided during pregnancy. Excess consumption of litchi can lead to fetal derangement, bleeding, abdominal pain heartburn, or miscarriage.
4) PEACHES
Pregnant women diagnosed with high blood sugar can have peaches, but only in very small quantities because excessive intake can lead to bleeding internally if consumed as it generates more heat.
5) WILD APPLE
Wild apples are acidic in nature and they can initiate contraction of the uterus.
Their acidic and sour properties may induce the uterus to contract and lead to premature labour or a miscarriage.
Pregnant women should avoid having wild apples during pregnancy.
Related: Pregnancy Diet: Foods & Drinks To Avoid Pregnancy
6) LONGAN
Both longan and litchi belong to the same family.
Longan is known fetal derangement, abdominal pain, bleeding and cause harm to the fetus leading to miscarriage.
7) BLACK GRAPES
Black grapes have high amounts of resveratrol present in them and this chemical can cause toxicity for the pregnant woman.
The digestive system is usually weak during pregnancy and thus the system might have problem in being able to digest the skin of the black grapes.
Consuming too much grape juice can also disrupt blood sugar levels.
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