sciencegajab

Is It Safe to Eat Papaya While Pregnant?

• sciencegajab
• November 22, 2024

You can eat papaya while pregnant, but you’ll want to make sure it’s ripe OR UNRIPE.because unripe or semiripe papaya contains some substance which can cause miscarriage or abortion.

Pregnancy Trimester-Specific Guidelines:

1. First Trimester: Avoid unripe or semi-ripe papaya. Limit ripe papaya consumption.
2. Second Trimester: Ripe papaya can be consumed in moderation.
3. Third Trimester: Continue moderate consumption of ripe papaya.

Unripe or Semi-Ripe Papaya:

1. Contains papain, a latex-like substance.
2. May stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to:
   • Miscarriage
   • Preterm labor
   • Cervical dilation
3. Avoid consuming unripe or semi-ripe papaya, especially in early pregnancy.
4. Papaya seeds and leaves should be avoided, as they contain:
   • papaine &other harmful substances

Ripe papaya

Papaya can counter morning sickness and nausea, relieve constipation and heartburn and support foetal neurological growth and development.

During pregnancy, papayas provide energy and keep respiratory ailments in check.

Papaya is good for pregnancy because it is rich in nutrients and minerals. This can help enhance the mother and child’s immunity and prevent infections.

papayas contribute to an increase in the amount of haemoglobin found in your body

Others fruits avoided are

grapes & pineapple

conclusion

you can happily take ripe papaya, which is safe in limited quantities.But keep in mind that you do not take raw or semi-riped papaya if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

What to eat in pregnancy?

Essential Nutrients:

1. Folic Acid (400-800 mcg/day): Dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, legumes
2. Iron (27 mg/day): Red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils
3. Calcium (1,000 mg/day): Dairy, leafy greens, fortified plant-based milk
4. Protein (70-100 g/day): Lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, lentils
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (200-300 mg/day): Fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds

Get the right amount of calories for you.

• First trimester (first 12 weeks) — no extra calories
• Second trimester (13 to 26 weeks) — about 340 extra calories a day
• Last trimester (after 26 weeks) — about 450 extra calories a day

Foods to Avoid or Limit:

1. Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood
2. Unpasteurized dairy and juices
3. High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish)
4. Excessive caffeine
5. Processed and high-sugar foods
6. Raw sprouts (alfalfa, broccoli)
7. Excessive salt

Recommendations:

1. Consult your healthcare provider before consuming papaya during pregnancy.
2. Choose ripe papaya only.
3. Consume in moderation (1-2 servings per day).
4. Monitor your body’s response and adjust consumption accordingly.

Consult:

1. Healthcare provider
2. Registered dietitian
3. Pregnancy nutrition apps (e.g., What to Expect)