Pregnancy is a long process of expectations and patience for the would-be parents and family. In the last days of pregnancy, pregnant women become anxious and are eager to hold the baby as early as possible. They start searching for foods that naturally induce labor. The scenario is quite common for women who are planning for normal delivery.Or, in another scenario, you might have already crossed your due date.
You will find multiple food options for hastening your labor on the internet. One typical food is pineapple. Can pineapple induce labor? Well, it’s controversial. You may ask to avoid pineapple throughout your pregnancy period as it may cause miscarriages. This article will surely guide you about the facts so that you can make safe informed choices.
In This Article
- Can Pineapple Help To Induce Labor?
- How Does Pineapple Help To Induce Labor?
- Can Pineapple Be Part Of A Healthy Pregnancy Diet?
- Is It A Good Idea To Eat Pineapple To Induce Labor?
- Ways To Include Pineapple To Induce Labor
- Risks Involved With Eating Pineapple During Pregnancy
- Other Foods That Help To Induce Labor
- FAQ’s
Can Pineapple Help to Induce Labor?
No, definitely not, as it is not proven that pineapple whole or juice induces labor. We believe that pineapple may induce labor as it contains bromelain enzymes, which may soften the cervix and trigger contraction during pregnancy. However, no evidence has been found that suggests that bromelain present in pineapple has such an impact on pregnant women. You can take pineapple if you have a craving for a moderate amount, as most of the fleshy part of pineapple is free from bromelain.
How Does Pineapple Help to Induce Labor?
Pineapple contains bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme. It is known to soften the cervix, the first step in the onset of labor. The softening of the cervix will then trigger labor naturally. This is also the reason why many advice you against eating pineapple during pregnancy, as it can increase the risks of miscarriage or preterm labor.
Bromelain is strictly avoided during pregnancy as it can break down the protein in the body and cause excessive bleeding.
However, bromelain is found in the core part of the pineapple, and a scanty amount is obtained in the flesh part, which we eat. Therefore, a decent intake of pineapple does not interfere with your pregnancy status.
Pineapple induces labor indirectly. It can stimulate the stomach, leading to contractions of the uterus, the labor. Many other fruits, such as papaya, mango, and kiwi, also have the bromelain proteolytic enzyme. Thus, they are believed to induce labor, too.
Can Pineapple Be Part of a Healthy Pregnancy Diet?
An ideal pregnancy diet should contain enough vegetables, fruits, dairy products, grains and protein. Such kinds of diets ensure proper nutrition for the mother and the baby. Even though eating pineapple does not initiate your labor, it is still considered an excellent source of nutrients (1). It can help you stay healthy during pregnancy and nourish your foetus. It is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation during pregnancy.
In addition, pineapples contain sufficient folic acid, which is essential during pregnancy. Thus, you can incorporate pineapple into your healthy pregnancy diet. Moderate is the key to staying healthy and fit during pregnancy. Hence, a moderate amount of pineapple consumption during pregnancy will benefit you.
Is It a Good Idea to Eat Pineapple to Induce Labor?
We recommend not to eat seven pineapples on your 39th week of pregnancy to induce labor. Why?
We do not recommend you eat an excess amount of pineapple to induce labor. Why are we saying this to you? Labor will start automatically when the baby is ready to come out. It is a normal process and should be happening usually. Human interference is not recommended, except your doctor can make wise decisions. Consumption of pineapple in excess amounts can precipitate multiple complications at the end stage of your pregnancy.
Pineapple is safe during pregnancy, but it has high acidic content, which may lead to and trigger acid reflux in pregnancy. Also, bromelain can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea in pregnant women. Few individuals are allergic to pineapple. They should avoid eating pineapple. Furthermore, pineapples contain high sugar that can elevate the mother’s blood glucose level. So what should you do now? You can eat pineapples in moderation in the last week of pregnancy. But do not eat it to induce labor. Also, go for a fresh one instead of canned pineapples.
[Read : How Does Your Body Change During Week 39 of Pregnancy?]
Ways to Include Pineapple to Induce Labor
If you really want to try eating pineapple to induce labor, you can consume it plain by just slicing it or have pineapple juice taken out. You can also try some yummy pineapple smoothies along with other fruits. One such recipe is as below:
1. Pineapple Mango Smoothie Recipe
To make this smoothie, you will require the following ingredients:
- Chopped Mangoes – 1 cup
- Fresh Orange Juice- 1 cup
- Plain Yogurt- ½ cup
- Some ice cubes
Method to Prepare:
Using a blender, finely blend chopped Pineapple, mangoes, Yogurt, along with orange juice and ice cubes. Your yummy pineapple smoothie is ready.
You can also add chopped bananas, chopped pitted dates, shredded coconut, or any fresh fruit of your choice to make it more nutritious. Do try it out and let us know how you liked it?
2. Pineapple and Date Smoothie
This delicious Pineapple and Date smoothie is a great way of going into labor.
- Pineapple pieces with the core -2 to 3
- Dates without seed-09 to 12
- Vanilla almond mix
- Cinnamon- ¼ teaspoon
- Yogurt- 1/3 cup
Method to Prepare:
Using a blender, Add the dates with some milk and blend it into a smooth paste. Now add remaining ingredients into the blender and blend well. You may add some ice cubes into it and enjoy your yummy pineapple and date smoothie.
Risks Involved With Eating Pineapple During Pregnancy
Here are some of the problems involved in eating pineapple during pregnancy time:
1. May Lead to Miscarriages
Eating many pineapples may put you in the risk of miscarriage also. This may happen when you consume raw or unripe pineapples during pregnancy time [2].
2.Aggravate Gestational Diabetes
Pineapples have a more amount of natural sugar present in it, and if you have gestational diabetes, then eating pineapples may increase your sugar levels in the blood during pregnancy. More amounts of sugar level in your blood can cause complications in your pregnancy, and it can be harmful to your baby also.
3.Heartburn
Pineapples do the trick for you by inducing labor, but eating pineapples during pregnancy in huge amounts may lead to heartburns and also even cause diarrhea.
Other Foods That Help to Induce Labor
Pregnancy is a journey where the last days are passing like years. These days, you may feel desperate, which is typical for everyone. Your family and loved ones advised you to have specific foods to start your labor. However, scientifically, there are no such foods available to induce labor. You can try a few foods, like
1. Dates to Induce Labor
Dates are nutritious and rich in antioxidants. Some research claims that it can induce labor. You can take dates throughout your pregnancy. It has sufficient iron to meets the extra requirement during pregnancy [3].
2. Having Spicy Foods
It is believed in many cultures that spicy foods can induce labor, but there is no scientific data on this. But we never advise you to take too many spicy foods during this time as it can cause complications.
3. Maternity Salad for Labor
Many countries have mysterious maternity salads for early delivery. It may contain lettuce, watercress, walnuts and cheese, but the exact ingredients are still unknown.
4. Eggplant to Induce Labor
Many believe that eggplant can induce labor, but no scientific evidence has been found. It is stated that eggplant generates excess heat in the body, which may cause labor.
5. Having Licorice Root
In herbal medicine, it is believed that licorice root can induce labor. However, heavy consumption can lead to premature delivery and health complications.
6. Black Cohosh For Labor
Black cohosh is a herbal supplement that Americans have used to induce labor. You must consult your doctor before taking it, as it is a supplement, not food.
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey. Just enjoy the moment and do not hurry at your last stage. Always wait for the natural process of induced labor. There is no need to over-emphasise the whole process of eating specific foods in excess amounts. It can harm you and your baby.
Have a healthy delivery!
[Read : Which Foods Can Help Induce Labor Naturally?]
FAQ’s
1. Can I Eat Pineapple to Induce Labor?
You can take pineapple during your pregnancy journey, but there is no scientific evidence to support the fact that it can induce labor. The fact is purely anecdotal.
2. Can Eating Pineapple Before Delivery Harm the Baby?
No, having pineapple during your pregnancy can benefit you and your baby as it is rich in multiple vitamins and minerals. But avoid eating in large amounts as it can upset your stomach and cause you some trouble.
3. How Much Pineapple Should I Eat, to Induce Labor?
You should eat lots of pineapples to induce labor. It can be around seven pineapples at a time, which may induce labor. However you must never do without consulting your health care provider.
4. Can I Drink Pineapple Juice in My 40th Week to Induce Labor?
Yes, you can. Have it in moderation. you don’t want to suffer any side effects around delivery time. Howver keep your healthcare provider in loop.
References –
- Pineapple (Ananas comosus): A comprehensive review of nutritional values, volatile compounds, health benefits, and potential food products
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996920307006?via%3Dihub - Investigation of uterotonic properties of Ananas comosus extracts
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27426506/ - Effect of Dates in Late Pregnancy on the Duration of Labor in Nulliparous Women
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5637148/
Read Also: Can I Eat And Drink During Labor?
