Have you heard of pineapple inducing labour? Being pregnant can be a really special time but the last few weeks of pregnancy can also be absolutely exhausting. This is especially so, if you’re struggling with heartburn, insomnia, swollen ankles and needing to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes. If you’re heavily pregnant and desperate to get labour going you might be thinking pineapple this worth a try!
The truth about pineapple…
So there is actually a little grain of truth in this old wives tale! Pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain. This enzyme is thought to ripen the cervix. However, there’s very little evidence to show how effective this is at inducing labour. Your stomach acid is highly likely to affect the bromelain, before it gets the opportunity to get absorbed into your body.
If you’re going to try eating pineapple, eat fresh rather than tinned. The canning and heating process will reduce the amount of bromelain. The core of the pineapple is the part that contains the highest levels of bromelain. However, I wouldn’t recommend eating this part as it is hard and not very nice to eat.
Eating pineapple isn’t likely to be dangerous if you eat within your comfort levels. But, if you eat it excessively you might make the inside of your mouth sore. You may also give yourself an upset tummy. Research tells us that the likelihood is that you’d have to eat an enormous amount of pineapple for even a small chance that it might induce labour. Research suggests somewhere around 7 pineapples! If you have gestational diabetes eating a lot of fruit probably isn’t a good idea as you’ll be monitoring your blood sugar levels.
For more top tips as you head towards giving birth, take a look at my website JustExhale and my Instagram: Hypnobirthing Pregnancy Yoga (@sallyjustexhale) • Instagram photos and videos
