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What are the 7 types of fruits pregnant women should avoid? Fruits are essential for pregnant women as recommended by nutritionists. However, there are still fruits that are not good for pregnant women in the first 3 months or throughout the pregnancy. These are often fruits high in sugar, acid, or substances that disrupt digestion, cause uterine contractions, and limit fetal development. Today, PasGo will explore fruits that pregnant women should limit and how to consume fruits correctly.
1. 7 Types of Fruits Pregnant Women Should Avoid
The 7 types of fruits pregnant women should avoid are usually fruits that are: Unripe, containing substances that cause uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage. These are fruits that are not good for pregnant women in the first 3 months and throughout pregnancy, pregnant women should also be cautious when consuming. Specifically such as:
1.1. Green Papaya
Green papaya is one of the fruits known to cause miscarriages. Consuming green papaya with high concentrations of latex and papain enzyme has been proven to be the main cause of uterine contractions, premature labor, and preterm birth according to studies.
Pregnant women should avoid green papaya in the first 12 weeks
Additionally, the compound papain in green papaya when absorbed can also confuse the pregnant body. The body may mistake it for prostaglandin hormone - a labor-inducing hormone. Therefore, to avoid undesired consequences such as preterm birth and miscarriage, pregnant women should patiently refrain from consuming unripe green papaya.
1.2. Pineapple
Pineapple ranks as the second fruit on the list of 7 fruits pregnant women should avoid. Consuming it improperly can increase the risk of miscarriage. Moreover, it's not advisable to consume pineapple excessively during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to the risk of premature birth. Pineapple contains high levels of bromelain, which can soften the cervix and facilitate labor.
Similar to papaya, pineapple is not recommended for pregnant women during the first 3 months and the last 3 months of pregnancy if consumed in large amounts. Therefore, to ensure safety, expectant mothers can opt for other fruits instead of pineapple during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If craving pineapple, it's advisable to consume only a small amount.
1.3. Persimmon
Consuming persimmons can stimulate and induce uterine contractions in pregnant women's bodies. Hence, persimmons are included in the list of 7 fruits pregnant women should avoid. This can lead to premature labor, premature birth, and even unwanted miscarriage.
Pregnant women should avoid persimmons during early pregnancy
Additionally, persimmon seeds contain amygdalin, a compound capable of releasing cyanide - a potent toxin harmful to the nervous and cardiovascular systems upon contact with enzymes. Therefore, to ensure safety during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, expectant mothers should avoid direct exposure to this type of fruit.
1.4. Crisp Apple
Crisp apples - one of the 7 fruits pregnant women should avoid due to their high tannin content, which can be harmful to both mother and baby. Tannins can affect the absorption of iron and zinc, as well as restrict the transport of folic acid to the fetus. Excessive consumption of crisp apples can lead to anemia and malnutrition during pregnancy.
Meanwhile, a deficiency in folic acid can cause severe congenital abnormalities in the fetus. However, crisp apples remain a beneficial source of fiber and minerals, so pregnant women can consume this fruit in moderation.
To mitigate the mentioned risks, pregnant women should consume about 100g to 200g of apples per day. Also, it's advisable not to consume them together with shrimp or seafood.
1.5. Dragon Fruit
Similar to pomegranates, dragon fruit is also not recommended for pregnant women during the first 3 months. Dragon fruit contains a high level of tannins - a compound also found in black tea and coffee. This compound reduces the absorption of iron and zinc in the body, increasing the risk of anemia and malnutrition during pregnancy.
Limit consumption of dragon fruit during pregnancy
Additionally, tannins affect the transport of folic acid to the fetus, increasing the risk of severe congenital defects related to the brain and nervous system.
Many pregnant women also experience digestive issues such as bloating, acid reflux, abdominal pain, and diarrhea when consuming excessive dragon fruit. Therefore, it's also not recommended for pregnant women to eat dragon fruit during the last 3 months of pregnancy.
1.6. Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd is considered a rich source of vitamin B, potassium, iron, magnesium, acid,... these are important minerals that help enhance immunity, promote nervous system development, and prevent defects during pregnancy. So why is it listed among the 7 fruits pregnant women should avoid?
The reason lies in the bitter taste of bitter gourd, which can cause uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage and premature birth. This is particularly noteworthy for women with a history of cesarean section or difficulty in childbirth, as they are at high risk of miscarriage if they consume too much bitter gourd. Moreover, bitter gourd seeds contain a toxic substance called vicine, which can cause symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, and even fainting.
1.7. Heaty Fruits
Fruits like lychee, longan, plum, etc., belong to the list of 7 fruits pregnant women should avoid consuming excessively. Excessive consumption can lead to a sudden increase in blood glucose levels, causing a sensation of heat and discomfort for pregnant women. Sometimes, it can result in bloating due to incomplete digestion, leading to digestive disturbances.
Pregnant women should not consume excessive lychee
Furthermore, consuming excessive sweet fruits, dried fruits, and fruit preserves is not advisable. Upon consumption, they have the potential to cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, leading to risks of weight gain, obesity, gestational diabetes, and serious issues related to blood pressure and cardiovascular health during pregnancy.
2. Other fruits pregnant women should avoid: Canned fruits
Fruits causing miscarriage not only include fresh fruits containing uterine-contracting substances but also canned fruits and dried fruits are fruits pregnant women should avoid due to their high potential for harm.
Moreover, many dried fruits are made from old or damaged fruits, containing harmful bacteria and mold that are detrimental to pregnant women, such as:
- Salmonella, a bacteria causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and harmful to both pregnant women and fetuses, especially in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Listeria causing Listeriosis - a serious disease that can lead to miscarriage, congenital defects, and hinder the development of the fetus.
- E.coli infection causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting for pregnant women. In severe cases, it can cause kidney inflammation and pose a danger to the health of both pregnant women and fetuses.
Canned fruits may pose hidden risks to pregnant women
- Toxoplasma is a type of parasite that causes disease. Toxoplasmosis affects mothers and can be transmitted to the fetus, leading to miscarriage or stillbirth. Infants born may be at risk of cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
3. 7 fruits pregnant women should avoid: Considerations when consuming
7 fruits pregnant women should avoid if not completely forbidden. These fruits are not good for pregnant women in the first 3 months when consumed excessively. To maintain a balanced diet, mothers should adhere to the recommendations of the National Nutrition Institute regarding fruit consumption, specifically as follows:
- During the first 3 months of pregnancy, aim for 3 fruit servings per day. This means consuming 240g of fruit equivalent to 3 slices of watermelon or 3 small peaches or a small bowl of diced fruit.
- During the second and third trimesters, aim for 4 fruit servings per day. This means consuming 320g of fruit or 4 slices of watermelon or 4 small peaches or 2 mangoes or a small bowl of diced fruit.
Pregnant women should consume a variety of fruits
- Consume a variety of fruits: One lychee, a few grapes, a slice of apple,... You can mix different types of fruits you like, the important thing is to consume an adequate amount.
So now we know the 7 fruits pregnant women should avoid. You should limit or only consume a small amount of these fruits and avoid consuming them in the evening to avoid risks during pregnancy. Additionally, consider adding beneficial fruits to your diet such as oranges, grapefruits, ripe papayas, watermelons, bananas... to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake for your body. Wishing you a healthy pregnancy!
4. Considerations when consuming regular fruits
To ensure safety when consuming fruits, you need to remember the following tips:
4.1. Do not eat fruits showing signs of spoilage
Spoiled fruits are the ones causing miscarriage. They often contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium botulinum. These bacteria can be transmitted through the digestive system, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dangerous food poisoning, which can be fatal.
Not only prone to bacterial contamination, spoiled fruits also contain a lot of toxins. During the decay process, nutrients in fruits can be metabolized into other toxic substances harmful to both the fetus and the mother.
4.2. Pregnant women should avoid eating unripe fruits
Unripe fruits often contain acid and tannin, causing abdominal pain, sour belching, acid reflux, nausea, and diarrhea. Moreover, unripe fruits, especially those not properly cared for, may contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic. These heavy metals can be harmful to the health of both the mother and the fetus, causing serious congenital defects.
4.3. Wash fruits thoroughly before eating
Wash and peel fruits before eating
Fruits harvested from cultivated gardens may carry contamination from soil, fertilizers, and other environmental factors. Failure to thoroughly wash them can lead to diarrhea, stomach pain, and digestion issues for expectant mothers.
More critically, bacteria and parasites such as Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and Toxoplasma can pose risks to the fetus, causing various illnesses and congenital defects.
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