Is it Safe to Eat Papaya During Pregnancy?

Papaya also belongs among the hot fruits that can increase your body heat. Excessive body heat during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy problems and even birth defects (2). 

But fully ripe papaya has many benefits to offer, including lots of nutrients and minerals. Ripe papaya is safe for you because the papain content decreases when papaya ripens. 

Nutritional Value of Papaya

Papaya has many of the nutrients a woman needs, especially during pregnancy. The table will show you the nutrients present in one cup of or around 145 g of papaya (3):

Nutrients	Value
Potassium	263.90 mg
Beta Carotene	97.30 mcg
Fibre	2.48 g
Vitamin A	68.15 mcg
Vitamin B6	0.055 mg
Vitamin C	88. mg
Folate	5.65 mcg

5 Benefits of Eating Ripe Papaya During Pregnancy

Papaya has lots of benefits to offer. Eating a moderate amount of fully ripe papaya during pregnancy can give you benefits like:

1. Packed With Nutrients

Papaya is rich in potassium and beta-carotene, which can potentially prevent many chronic diseases, such as CVD, cancer, and degenerative brain diseases (4). All of these nutrients are extremely necessary during pregnancy for the physical and neurological development of the fetus.

2. Good For Digestion

Pregnancy leads to poor digestion, heartburn, and constipation. Papaya contains fiber and water. Fiber is known for its ability to prevent constipation by promoting bowel movements. So eating ripe papaya in moderation is good for prevention. It has been found that papaya plays a role in supporting the normal functioning of the digestive system. (5).

[Read: Constipation During Pregnancy]

3. Immunity Booster

Strengthening your immunity is a must during pregnancy to avoid microbial infections. Vitamins, especially Vitamin C, are an immunity booster. Papaya contains vitamins A, B, and C to give you enough immunity.

4. Controls Blood Pressure

Papaya is rich in potassium. Potassium controls your blood pressure by balancing salt absorption in the blood (6). High blood pressure during pregnancy or hypertension can lead to preeclampsia, a critical condition harmful to both the mother and the baby. To avoid it, it is important to include potassium-rich foods in the pregnancy diet. However, moderation is the key when it comes to eating papaya during pregnancy.

5. Contains Folate

Folate is an extremely important nutrient that will be needed from the production of the egg to the production of breastmilk. Folate plays an important role in reducing neural and spinal defects in the fetus (7). And papaya contains folate.

So you can have ripe papaya in small quantities even during pregnancy to get its benefits.

7 Side Effects of Eating Papaya In Pregnancy

Fully ripe papayas are generally considered safe during pregnancy. It is the raw papaya that contains a high content of latex. Eating unripe papaya can have harmful effects on your pregnancy and may even ruin it altogether. While consuming papaya during pregnancy, you need to be careful of its side effects.

The harmful side effects of overconsumption of papaya during pregnancy are:

1. Slow Fetal Development

Papain is an enzyme found in the latex of papaya and papaya seeds (8).  It has been found that papaya seeds can slow down fetal weight (9),  Therefore, pregnant women must limit their consumption when pregnant.

2. Abnormal Contractions

It is advisable to avoid consuming unripe or semi-ripe papaya during pregnancy. It contains a significant amount of latex. As already stated, latex contains papain. The potent uterine-stimulating effect of papain may cause strong uterine contractions (10), which is not safe during pregnancy. 

3. Cause Kidney Stones

Papaya contains trace levels of oxalate (11). Oxalate is a naturally occurring compound found in many foods, and it can bind with calcium in the urine to form crystals, which can contribute to the development of kidney stones. High oxalate intake is associated with kidney stones, especially in susceptible individuals (12). Pregnancy is a delicate phase. It is advisable to avoid taking any risks. So practicing moderation is very important when it comes to papaya during pregnancy. 

4. Can Lead to diarrhea

The fiber content of papaya accelerates bowel movements, which is good for digestion and constipation. However, overeating fiber can lead to diarrhea and dehydration and increase the chances of experiencing bloating, flatulence, and even bowel obstruction. (13). All of these can be problematic for your pregnancy. 

[Read: Diarrhea During Pregnancy]

5. Stimulates Estrogen

Papaya has phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant counterparts of the hormone estrogen with similar effects.  Papaya was even suggested as a substitute treatment for some people who have low estrogen levels (14). So if you eat excessively,  it can mimic and imbalance estrogen levels in your blood. Estrogen imbalance can lead to premature births, low birth weights, and other complications (15).

6. Increased Risk of Abortion

Papaya contains two teratogenic enzymes, chymopapain and papain. They are found in unripe and semi-ripe papaya.  They are not present in the ripe fruit (16). These enzymes can cause uterine contractions (10). So women who have had abortions or miscarriages in the past should stay away from them.

So you will have to be extra cautious while eating papaya during pregnancy.

Papaya During Early Pregnancy

Papaya, especially if it is semi-ripe or unripe, contains edema, a latex-type substance that causes bleeding of the placenta. Therefore, the consumption of papaya in early pregnancy can lead to miscarriage. Additionally, papain and pepsin in papaya can retard the growth of the fetus by hampering cell development and weakening the fetal membranes.

According to scientific research, papaya also increases the risk of implantation loss and embryotoxicity. In the Asian countries of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, it is believed that unripe papaya was used to carry out abortions by women in the past. Hence, papaya has been used as an abortifacient for centuries, and even now, women who are trying to get pregnant are advised not to consume papaya.

Having Papaya in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

During the later months of gestation, it may induce early labor. The papain enzyme in papaya latex activates hormones like prostaglandin and oxytocin, which are known to initiate labor contractions. It is given to pregnant women to start labor in the later stages of pregnancy. For this reason, unripe papaya is never advised for pregnant women. Given the complications, many women choose to eliminate papaya from their diet. The consumption of raw papaya during pregnancy can also result in bleeding and hemorrhaging from the placenta’s edge.

Be careful of what goes in your mouth during pregnancy; it’s not just you; a small life is blossoming within you. Keep away from raw papayas and dishes that use them. For instance, avoid halwa made from raw papaya and salads, especially Thai salads, which contain raw papaya.

Drinking Papaya Juice During Pregnancy

Papaya is rich in fiber and consuming it in the form of juice or smoothie negates this benefit. The tetra-packed papaya juice may be made from the papaya concentrate, which could have a higher content of latex or papain. Therefore, avoid these and go for homemade juice. The preservatives and added sugar may rob the juice of its beneficial properties. Consume it fresh and in small quantities. Be careful if you have unpleasant past pregnancy experiences or food allergies.

[Read : Fiber Rich Foods During Pregnancy]

7 Precautions to Take While Eating Papaya During Pregnancy

Looking at the side effects of papaya, you will have to take extra precautions while having it during pregnancy. If you want to get only the benefits of papaya during pregnancy, here are some precautions that you must follow:

1. Choose Ripe Papayas

Go for a fully ripe papaya whose skin gets properly yellow

2. Avoid Any Spots or Cuts

Avoid papayas that have green or brown spots on the skin. It can be squishy or contain mold inside.

3. Avoid the Seeds

Do not eat papaya seeds during pregnancy. Completely remove papaya seeds and the adjoining parts before eating.

4. Wash it Thoroughly

Wash papaya properly before cutting. Do not eat papaya with the skin, as it can contain microbes.

5. Avoid the Latex

Avoid the papaya if white latex is seeping through it while cutting.

6. Eat in Moderation

Even if you love to eat papaya do not overconsume it. Eat only a few pieces as excessive consumption of papaya can cause diarrhoea.

7. Do Not Eat Pre-Cut Papaya

Stay away from street shops, as it can be unhygienic. Do not cut and refrigerate papaya for the next day. Always try to buy organic papayas and eat them fresh.

What Should You Do If You Accidentally Ate Papaya During Pregnancy?

If you unknowingly or mistakenly eat unripe papaya do not panic. A small piece of papaya will not harm your pregnancy immediately. However, you must notice any unusual changes, such as uterine contractions, digestive issues, and allergies, after eating papaya. If you have anything to be concerned about, then visit your doctor immediately. And rule out unripe papaya, grapes, and pineapples from your pregnancy diet.

Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives For Papaya

Regarding the side effects of papaya during pregnancy, you may consider avoiding it completely. Here are some alternatives to papaya with the same nutritional values so that you do not miss out.  

1. Oranges

As an alternative to the vitamin C you get from papaya, take an orange. You can get 53.2 mg of vitamin C from just one orange (17). A daily intake of vitamin C during pregnancy is necessary for increased iron absorption and bone growth.

2. Melons

To substitute for the potassium and fiber content of papaya, you can eat melons. One cup of melon can offer 267 mg of potassium and 0.9 g fiber to your body (18). Melons are watery, hence good for your skin and hydration during pregnancy.

3. Broccoli

To replace the folate you get from papaya, eat broccoli. Broccoli is one of the major sources of folate. One cup of broccoli contains 57.3 µg of folate (19). Proper intake of folate during pregnancy is important to avoid brain and spine-related birth defects

Though there is no harm in moderate consumption of ripe papaya, you can replace it with other fruits. And to alternate unripe papaya you can have more of other green veggies.

FAQ’s

1. Is Cooked Papaya Safe During Pregnancy?

The papain in raw papaya can stand up to heat, so cooking it won’t kill it. So always choose one that is ripe instead of one that is raw or cooked.

2. Can I Have Papaya Milkshake During Pregnancy?

Once in a while, in limited quantity, yes. Papayas with a bright yellow peel may be juiced safely. Nevertheless, unripe papaya in a smoothie, milkshake, or juice is not at all the best idea.

3. Can I Drink Papaya Juice During Pregnancy?

According to the studies, normal consumption of ripe papaya or papaya juice during pregnancy poses no substantial risk. Nevertheless, unripe or semi-ripe papaya (which includes a high quantity of latex that causes severe uterine contractions) may be dangerous to consume during pregnancy.

4. How Many Papayas Should A Pregnant Woman Eat?

You can eat one or two cups of ripe papaya daily during pregnancy.  So if it is a small papaya, you can eat it whole. For medium- or big-size papaya, eat it half a day.

5. Can Papaya Stop Early Pregnancy?

Unripe papaya has some contraceptive qualities. The papain and latex present in papaya can suppress the progesterone necessary to secure early conception.

Due to the controversy surrounding consuming ripe or raw papayas, most women completely avoid papayas during pregnancy. However, if you do not have a history of pregnancy complications, then you may enjoy papaya in small quantities occasionally without worrying about its effect on your baby. Papaya’s right nutrients help in the development of the baby.

Reference

1. Papaya (Carica papaya) consumption is unsafe in pregnancy: fact or fable? Scientific evaluation of a common belief in some parts of Asia using a rat model – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12144723/]
2. Preventing Overheating During Pregnancy – [https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/overheating-pregnancy.html]
3. Papayas, raw – [https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Papayas%2C_raw_nutritional_value.html#google_vignette]
4. Carotenoids and cardiovascular health – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16762935/]
5. Papaya preparation (Caricol®) in digestive disorders – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23524622/]
6. Why Your Mother Was Right: How Potassium Intake Reduces Blood Pressure – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4530669/]
7. Neural Tube Defects, Folic Acid and Methylation – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3799525/]
8. Papaya (Carica papaya L.) seed as a potent functional feedstuff for poultry – A review – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7522964/]
9. Abortifacient properties of aqueous extract of Carica papaya (Linn) seeds on female Sprague-Dawley rats – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12163882/]
10. Papaya (Carica papaya) consumption is unsafe in pregnancy: fact or fable? Scientific evaluation of a common belief in some parts of Asia – [https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/D07C5CC7993552C35D68A5AB770C19EF]
11. Oxalate content of foods – [https://ucikidneystonecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Oxalate-Content-of-Foods.pdf]
12. Strategies for preventing calcium oxalate stones – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1455427/]
13. Therapeutic Benefits and Dietary Restrictions of Fiber Intake: A State of the Art Review – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9268622/]
14. PHYTOESTROGEN IN SEVERAL FRUITS AND LEAVES – [https://www.indonesianjournalofclinicalpathology.org/index.php/patologi/article/view/356]
15. The pathophysiological role of estrogens in the initial stages of pregnancy – [https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/29/6/699/7206373?login=false]
16. Papaya – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30000941/]
17. Oranges, raw, all commercial varieties – [https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169097/nutrients]
18. Melons, cantaloupe, raw – [ https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169092/nutrients]
19. Broccoli, raw – [https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170379/nutrients]

Read Also: Is It Safe To Have Pineapple During Pregnancy?