Does Pineapple Juice Induce Labour?Yes, it does induce labor only when you consume a high amount of it.This may be because it has contained an enzyme called bromelain.
I will not be exaggerating if I say that ‘Pregnancy’ is the most physically fatiguing and mentally sensitive phase in a woman’s life.
This is the time when along with blessings and good wishes, the mother-to-be is bombarded upon with advice, precautions, do’s and don’ts!
The grandmas, aunties, leave no stone unturned to prove their wisdom and experience. Be it telling anecdotes about “their time” or be it the “unending precautions about what to and what not to eat.”
Well, most of that advice are straightforward and unquestioned but some of them maybe tricky and controversial. One such controversy is regarding the theory referring to pineapple and its juice.
While some suggest that it is pretty fine to consume the fruit, some others disagree. They think that pineapples should be strictly avoided during those nine months as it can induce labor.
Before we discuss the pros and cons of having pineapple, it should be made clear that induction of labor is a boon or a bane depending upon the time during pregnancy.
It is strictly unwanted during those nine months as it leads to having a miscarriage or birth of a premature baby. But sometimes when labor pain does not occur naturally even after 40 weeks of conceiving, inducing labor artificially, is required.
Pineapple juice is used as a natural method to induce uterine contractions since time immemorial. Uterine contractions help in causing early labor.
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Why Does Pineapple Juice Induce Labour?
Pineapple is said to contain the enzyme ‘bromelain,’ which softens or ‘ripens’ the cervix thus bringing on labor and encouraging the baby to come out.
Another theory says that the digestive enzymes stimulate the stomach and thus may also stimulate the womb.
The most important thing to note is that there is no scientific evidence for any of this. It is some instances, observations, and experience of doctors and midwives that led people into believing so.
But as experience is the teacher of all things, you can rely on the fact.
How Much Of Pineapple Juice Should You Drink?
Drinking pineapple juice may induce labor as it has done in many cases. As stated above, the reason behind the labor inducing powers of pineapple juice is the enzyme ‘bromelain.’
One pineapple contains a very small quantity of bromelain. So, to expect any results, juice of at least seven pineapples should be drunk.
Advantages
Pineapple juice besides inducing labor, possess a large number of qualities that are right for you if you are expecting your young one.
Let’s have a look at some of these.
- Pineapple is packed with vitamin C which makes it an advantageous food to be consumed, even during pregnancy.
- Pineapple juice is good for the mother and the baby when the expecting mother requires surplus amounts of nutrients.
- Being rich in fiber, pineapple juice is good for the digestive system as it prevents constipation common during pregnancy.
- Vitamin B1 content maintains a healthy nervous system.
- Manganese found in pineapple juice helps in the maintenance of healthy bones.
- Being rich in the vitamin B6, pineapple helps in providing relief from morning sickness apparently common during pregnancy.
If you want to consume pineapple or pineapple juice for its advantages and not for inducing labor, you can go for canned pineapple juices rather than relish fresh ones as they are very low on the enzyme ‘bromelain’.
Side Effects
Pregnancy is a very tender time when the mother bears the responsibility of not only two lives but also the plethora of emotions and expectations associated with the new entrant.
And hence, taking chances are a strict no. Knowing both the aspects of anything you consume or for that matter do is a must.
Relishing pineapple juice, for inducing labor can lead to INDIGESTION which can also be followed by DIARRHOEA as it is packed with several digestive enzymes.
It may also lead to an ‘upset tummy’ as it stimulates the stomach as well as the womb.
Pineapple juice is also said to cause heartburn if consumed in excess as it contains vitamin C.
It is also harmful if the mother suffers from gestational diabetes as it contains huge amounts of natural sugars that can cause the blood sugar to rise resulting in:
- Excessive thirst.
- Blurred vision.
- Excessive need to urinate.
- Weight loss even when eating properly.
- Infections in the bladder and other body areas.
- Vomiting and nausea that is not associated with healthy pregnancy.
Things To Remember
Well! If you have calculated the advantages and disadvantages and are convinced to drink pineapple juice, you need to keep some things in mind.
- Drink fresh pineapple juice [ canning of the pineapple juice decreases the bromelain content ]
- Eating the core of the fruit is more beneficial [as it is the richest in bromelain content]
How To Make Pineapple Juice?
Now that you have decided give pineapple juice a try encourage your young one to come out, let us give you the method to prepare homemade fresh pineapple juice minus the artificial sweetening and preserving agents.
Preparing pineapple juice is easy, peeling and cutting the pineapple being the hard nuts to crack. The steps to make pineapple juice are as follows:
- Choose a ripe, sweet smelling, moderately ripe pineapple.
- Cut the stem.
- Peel the pineapple.
- Remove the eyes.
- Cut into pieces.
- Blend in a blender or juicer.
- Strain the juice using a sieve.*
*Skip the last step and try to drink it with the fibers. They are more nutritious.
NOTE- You may add a sweetening agent, but during this tender condition it is always good to stick to the natural way.
Believe it or not! Pineapple juice is worth giving a try, considering its refreshingly sweet taste.
Conclusion
An excess of anything is bad, no matter how good the nutrient or food is. Different bodies react differently, and pregnancy is a very crucial time.
So, sticking to moderate amounts of anything is the best way to stay in the safe zone.
Seeing you doctor or midwife during pregnancy when you are doubtful about something is the best advice anyone can give to you. It will be the most trustworthy and credible source of information.
