Papaya is rich in nutrients and a wholesome food. However, if you are wondering if you can eat a bowlful of the fruit during your first trimester, the answer is NO. Read on to know why you should not be chomping away on cut pieces of Papaya if you are pregnant.

So, you are expecting your first baby? Congratulations! Pregnancy is an extremely delicate phase of a woman’s life. This is because it not only affects her as an individual only, but also her unborn baby. For this reason, it is important to take extra care while making a choice for everything you eat.

Being clear about what you are eating is, in all ways, good for your health is always a pretty norm. However, during pregnancy, even a regular bland diet can sometimes lead to severe health issues. During this highly sensitive period, your family and friends give numerous advises on what to eat and what not. And, it might get really confusing at times, and leaving you struggling to deal with your own cravings, other’s suggestions, and your existing health habits.

One such fruit is PAPAYA. This is one such fruit that is considered to pose harmful effects on your unborn baby. Well, you need to check if it is really that harmful.

Read More: Health benefits of papaya for babies

Can Papaya lead to Complications or Miscarriage in Pregnancy?

It is a traditional belief in many countries that papaya consumption during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or affect the health of your unborn baby. Let’s discuss about how true is this belief.

Papaya is a fruit that is considered as an essential part of everyone’s plate. It is packed with numerous health benefits to prove its worth. However, there are certain phases or stages in pregnancy where papaya should be avoided by all means.

Semi-Ripe or Unripe Papaya

Unripe or semi-ripe papaya contains latex. Pregnant women should avoid unripe papaya as latex is responsible for uterine contraction. This can further lead to miscarriage or premature birth of the baby. Therefore, it is advised to papaya unless it is completely ripe.

Avoid in Early Stages – Specifically the First Trimester of Pregnancy

The fetus is highly sensitive during the first trimester of pregnancy. In such condition, even the smallest portion of latex can lead to severe health complications. Therefore, avoid papaya completely during the first trimester as tempted as you may be to down a few pieces of this lovely orange fruit.

Avoid if you are Allergic to Latex

Many people are allergic papaya for the latex contained in it. It can cause itching, redness, and breathlessness. If you also belong to the same group, it is better to avoid papaya during the whole pregnancy period and not just the first trimester.

Meat Tenderizing Properties

Papaya skin, Green Papaya, and leaves of papaya contain an enzyme called Papain. This element makes papaya a highly efficient meat tenderizer. Now this property is a serious concern as it can pose serious harms to pregnant women and the unborn baby as well.

Avoid Papaya Seeds

It has been revealed through studies that papaya seeds are not recommended during maternity. Consumption of papaya seeds can lead to burning, itching and abdominal pain. Therefore, exclude seeds while eating papaya.

General Health Benefits of Eating Ripe Papaya

Papaya is loaded with fibre and nutrients. Preparing papaya smoothies with milk during pregnancy can make it healthier and more nutritious. Some good health benefits of papaya include:

• Papaya increases immunity because of vitamin C and E contained by it.
• The high content of vitamin B in papaya helps in proper development of the fetus.
• Papaya is helpful for triggers of morning sickness.
• It is a rich source of folic acid and fiber.
• Papaya is, by all means, good for the digestive system. It prevents acidity and heartburn for being rich in fibre.
• It helps to ease constipation suffered by many women during pregnancy.
• Being rich in folic acid, papaya works as a blood forming agent.
• It also provides protection against colon cancer.

Health Effects of Papaya during Pregnancy

Besides the various health benefits provided by papaya it is not recommended to eat papaya during the early stages. It can cause serious complications, not only to the mother, but to the baby as well. Some of the complications caused by papaya are listed ahead.

• Unripe papaya can lead to miscarriage in pregnancy.
• It causes loss of embryo toxicity or implantation.
• It is also given to pregnant women to induce labour pain. Therefore, eating unripe papaya at early stages of pregnancy can lead to premature birth.
• Eating unripe papaya induces pressure on blood vessels, thus causing haemorrhage and internal bleeding.
• Papaya can also cause fetus abnormalities if eaten at early stages of pregnancy.

Read More: Health Benefits of Papaya for Babies