Fearing Fruit During Pregnancy? It Turns Out Most Are Totally Safe
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Not all foods are good for you during pregnancy, and the same goes for fruits.
It’s recommended that pregnant women eat 2-4 helpings of fruits per day to fill their bodies with nutrients and help stave off common issues like constipation.
Does that mean you can eat any fruit your heightened sense of smell picks in the grocery market? No, unfortunately it doesn’t.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list of potential fruits to avoid during pregnancy. There aren’t many fruits that truly put you at risk (so rest easy, mama). Yet, this list includes some fruits that are controversial just so you are aware of them- you and your doctor can make the final decision of course.
Want more nutrition guidance? Check out this awesome course The Perfect Pregnancy Plan that goes in depth on the best foods to eat to promote a healthy pregnancy and developing baby. I loved it for clarity with each of my 3 pregnancies!
Key Takeaways: Fruits to (Maybe) Avoid When Pregnant
- Papaya (unripe)– this is the only one with a strong link to miscarriage
- Grapes- myth debunked
- Pineapple- myth debunked
- Tamarind- safe when ripe (and not accompanied with ibuprofen)
- Peaches- myth debunked
- Watermelon- myth debunked
- Wild Apples- who eats these anyway?
- Bitter Melon- avoid
- Bananas- never a problem
- Any unwashed fruit- safety first!
- Canned fruit- if BPA is in the lining
Disclaimer: Talk to your doctor about diet concerns. A lot of these fruits are controversial.
Ultimately, the bigger concern is to find organic fruit that is lower in pesticides (especially for fruits high in pesticides on the Dirty Dozen list). Or at a minimum, thoroughly wash fruit and get it from a reputable source.
Ironically, most of these fruits are actually high recommended, in addition to mangoes, berries, avocado, pomegranates, kiwi, and guava.
What’s the deal with fruits?
While the vitamins, fiber and minerals from fruits are essential during pregnancy, some fruits can be potentially harmful to you and your baby. Pregnancy is a delicate time, especially in the first trimester, and anything that can potentially put the baby at risk should be avoided.
The biggest issues with these fruits tend to be compounds that can cause uterine contractions (aka miscarriage or early labor) or potentially heighten your risk for pregnancy health issues like diabetes. In case of an allergy, pregnancy might not be the best time to try new fruit either.
Thankfully, most of the fruits we may have feared in the past have been completely debunked by dieticians.
Not sure about what you can eat? See these other 20 foods to avoid during early pregnancy.
1. Half-ripe or unripe papaya– Avoid
Ripe papaya is fleshy and full of vitamin A and C (a nice orange color).
However, the sap from unripe papaya (green in color) contains papain that can induce premature labor. Papain may also make the membranes that support the fetus weak, increasing the chances of a miscarriage.
A half-ripe or unripe papaya, or pawpaw, also contains latex, an allergen that may cause breathing complications and allergies.
It’s best to put this fruit down and trade it for a well-washed cantaloupe!!
2. Grapes– Safe to Eat!
I found lots of mixed literature on this fruit so take this one with a grain of salt. In general, most agree grapes are totally safe. Thank goodness! Grapes are rich in vitamins and fiber, making them a preference among pregnant women.
I craved the tart flavor and juiciness of grapes in my first trimester. Yet, the research I did left me wondering if I should be eating them.
Grapes contain resveratrol, a compound that can mess with your hormone balances needed for a sustainable pregnancy.
Some experts argue you’d have to eat a whole bin of grapes to get enough of this compound in your system, while other argue it’s not worth the risk.
3. Pineapple- Safe to Eat!
Juicy, fleshy, and sweet, pineapples are great for the times you’re craving a healthy sugar rush. Pineapples are rich in vitamins and healthy sugars, making them a great choice for pregnant moms.
Pineapples contain bromelain, a compound that breaks down protein. Bromelain may soften the cervix leading to premature labor. It turns out, a mom would have to eat ridiculous amount of pineapple for this to be even a maybe (we’re talking multiple pineapples in one sitting).
Healthline shares that avoiding Pineapple is a total myth and that if a woman is craving pineapple, by all means let her eat it!
4. Tamarind– Safe in Moderation!
The sour taste of tamarind makes it a preference for fighting morning sickness among many pregnant mothers. It’s a great option for pregnant women looking for a boost of nutrients and help with constipation.
Tips for safe consumption include moderate consumption and making sure it’s ripe (not raw). It can have a negative reaction with ibuprofen and Aspirin with a growing baby, which are not recommended during pregnancy anyway.
Tamarind is a traditional staple in Asian and African foods, so if you’re a North American like me, this isn’t a food I’ll be eating anyways. Perhaps save trying this new food after pregnancy!
5. Peaches– Eat One (or Two) a Day!
Peaches were a big pregnancy craving of mine. So I’m happy to report concerns about peaches are a total myth, as long as you’re eating them in moderation (up to 2 is considered fine by dieticians at Mom Junction).
If you personally find the fuzzy skin of peaches irritating (like me), but love the flavor, try nectarines instead. Just wash them well (they are on the dirty dozen for pesticides), and enjoy!
6. Watermelons– Enjoy Fresh!
Watermelon is really only a concern if it’s been sitting on a hot picnic table for a while (as any food it due to risk of foodborne illness). Outside of that, women at risk or diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes may need to steer clear or eat watermelon in moderation.
Other than that, watermelon is a great fruit for anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s a great way to boost hydration in those hot and miserable summer months too. So don’t be afraid to eat this delicious fruit.
7. Wild Apples- Who Eats These Anyway?
I found wild apples on a few lists of food to avoid. But there was no evidence or insight as to why or how. Plus, wild apples are those tiny apples (often referred to as crab apples) that are super sour and no one really eats (at least in my part of the world). So this seems like a reach anyways.
Wild apples are not to be confused with juice crisp sweet apples that many of us love to eat. Just keep in mind apples are high in pesticides, so try to choose organic when possible and enjoy!
8. Bitter melon– Avoid
There’s nothing sweet about the bitter melon in pregnancy. The bitter taste in bitter melon comes from morodicine which is toxic when consumed in large quantities. For a pregnant woman, it can be fatal for the developing baby. It also contains quinine and saponins which can irritate the uterus leading miscarriage.
This is another food I had to look up, as it’s not a common fruit in my part of the world. If it is in your region, or you are craving it, make sure you find something else!
9. Bananas– Keep Eating!
Bananas made this list due to concerns with their sugar content. But, this feels very extreme if we’re villainizing bananas, which are a great source of potassium and magnesium for those cramping muscles.
If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or are at risk, you can talk to your doctor about bananas. But you’re better off cutting out more refined sugars that don’t have fiber (you know, cake, candy bars, etc.).
In reality, for many women that crave refined sugar and carbs, a banana is a nice replacement treat. Maybe throw some peanut butter or dark chocolate with it and you have a great way to satiate a wild sweet tooth.
10. Unwashed fruits
Between the farm and your kitchen, fruits go through a myriad of chemicals, pesticides and other invisible organisms.
Ensure that you have meticulously washed and rinsed the fruits in running water. You can also soak them in a white vinegar solution and rinse again before consuming them.
11. Canned fruits
Canned fruit can be a way to eat fruit in the winter months. Canned and frozen fruit are often preserved at the peak of their freshness, which gives them great flavor and nutrient availability. With a quick label check, you can make sure there is no BPA in the can liner (it should say “BPA free”). Also watch for extra sugars and preservatives that you might not want.
Bottom Line: Don’t Be Afraid of Fruits
Fruit consumption in pregnancy is not all that clear if you start searching forums. But, if you rely on reputable sources, like HealthLine and Parents.com then you can rest assured that most fruits safe and encouraged for a healthy pregnancy.
So, take a deep breath mama! Trust your instincts and ask your doctor to provide medical advice.
If you want some fabulous guidance for eating while pregnant, check out these resources (my fav books).
10 Best Fruits for Pregnancy
Which fruits are best for pregnancy? Most of them! Including most of the fruits listed above (don’t be afraid of watermelon, apples, peaches, watermelon, bananas, or grapes). Here are some top favs from trusted sources.
- Oranges
- Why: High in vitamin C, folate, and water content, oranges help with hydration, iron absorption, and preventing neural tube defects.
- Bananas
- Why: Rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber, bananas help with leg cramps, nausea, and constipation.
- Mangoes
- Why: Packed with vitamins A and C, mangoes support immunity and reduce the risk of postnatal complications.
- Berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries)
- Why: High in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, berries boost immunity and provide hydration.
- Apples
- Why: Contain fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which aid digestion and may reduce the risk of childhood asthma.
- Avocados
- Why: Rich in folate, potassium, and healthy fats, avocados support brain development and reduce leg cramps.
- Pomegranates
- Why: High in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants, pomegranates help prevent anemia and support bone health.
- Kiwis
- Why: Contain folic acid, vitamin C, and potassium, which aid in iron absorption and prevent fetal defects.
- Watermelon
- Why: High in water content, vitamins A and C, and magnesium, watermelon helps with hydration, heartburn, and muscle relaxation.
- Guava
- Why: Rich in vitamins C and E, guava aids digestion, reduces constipation, and relaxes muscles.
If morning sickness is declaring fruits persona non grata in your mouth, make fresh fruit juice and smoothies (my fav!). This makes them interesting and easier to consume.
A healthy pregnancy diet is top-of-the-list if you want to have a healthy baby. Knowing what fruits to avoid during pregnancy is a huge step for a healthy baby and mommy.
Other sources for your pregnancy journey: