Pregnancy is such an exciting and beautiful part of a woman’s life and it is necessary to feed the unborn baby with fruits that contain vitamin and nutrients. But there are some fruits that should not be taken during pregnancy to enhance the wellbeing of the mother and the unborn child. As promised in the previous post, here, I will state some of the Indian fruits that should be avoided during pregnancy.
Fruits To Avoid During Pregnancy
1. Raw Papaya
Why Avoid It: Contains latex, which can stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage, particularly in the first trimester.
Alternatives: Ripe papaya is safe and offers vitamins A, C, and E.
2. Pineapple
Why Avoid It: Contains bromelain, which can soften the cervix and lead to premature contractions. It may also cause digestive issues like diarrhea.
Alternatives: Mangoes and bananas are good choices for a tropical flavor without the risks.
3. Grapes
Why Avoid It: Can generate excess heat in the body, potentially contributing to gestational diabetes and discomfort.
Alternatives: Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are safer and nutrient-rich.
4. Dates
Why Avoid It: Contains natural sugars and should not be taken in large amounts especially by diabetic patients. They also have properties that may cause contractions if they are taken in large amounts towards the later stages of pregnancy.
Alternatives: Apples and pears contain less sugar and have fiber.
Watch out: Indian foods to avoid during pregnancy
5. Avocado
Why Avoid It: In general, avocado is useful, but it contains fats that can become a problem when taken in large amounts especially when on gestational diabetes.
Alternatives: Choose fruits that have less fat; this include oranges and kiwi.
6. Pomegranate
Why Avoid It: Has natural sugars and may cause digestive problems such as bloating and gas.
Alternatives: Orange and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C while having little to no sugar content.
7. Mangoes
Why Avoid It: Rich in sugars which may cause changes in blood glucose level and lead to gestational diabetes.
Alternatives: They should better opt for kiwi or apples because these fruits contain less sugar.
8. Cherry Tomatoes
Why Avoid It: Though not a fruit in its strict sense, cherry tomatoes can give one indigestion because of their sourness; they should be taken sparingly.
Alternatives: Cucumbers or bell peppers are milder and will not upset the tummy as much as other vegetables would.
9. Lychee
Why Avoid It: Is naturally sweet and has high amounts of natural sugars; this makes it to raise the blood glucose levels in the body, especially for those with gestational diabetes.
Alternatives: Fruits such as berries or green apples are better than those that contain a lot of sugar.
10. Starfruit (Carambola)
Why Avoid It: Includes chemicals that are toxic when ingested in large amounts; especially if you have kidney problems. The same may also lead to allergic reactions in some people.
Alternatives: It is safer to go for melons such as cantaloupe or honeydew melons since they are usually safe to take and are even more so in their ability to contribute to the body’s water requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, it is crucial to understand that although some fruits are better avoided during pregnancy, it is not necessary to completely eliminate them, as the main rule is moderation and diversification of the diet. It is always advised to consult a doctor to know the kind of diet you should take depending on your health state.
