Everything that a woman eats during her pregnancy affects the child. That’s the reason why it is essential to know what a to-be mother should or shouldn’t consume. A lot of harmless looking food items may prove to be dangerous for the vulnerable developing child. One of many such food items is – Papaya or Papita.
There is a lot of dilemma in pregnant women about the consumption of papaya. Ripe papaya when eaten with caution can be beneficial but unripe papayas can also cause many complications during pregnancy.
In the early months or stages of pregnancy, the foetus is delicate and must be taken utmost care of. Even the slightest amount of harmful substances, like latex, can cause a lot of harm. Unripe papaya contains substances with latex, which causes uterine (womb) contractions. The latex of fruits contains vegetable pepsin or ‘papain’ in the case of papaya. This ‘papain’ acts like prostaglandins (endogenous or body’s own substance) and oxytocin ( a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland of the brain) which induces contractions. Abnormal or such unnatural uterine contractions in pregnancy may cause miscarriage or premature birth of a baby. Papain also weakens the vital membranes of the foetus making its survival difficult. Hence, in the first trimester, unripe papaya must be completely avoided.
In the third trimester or last three months of pregnancy, Papaya may induce early labour by causing uterine contractions due to the enzyme ‘Papain’ present in it. Given the complications, many women choose to refrain from consuming papaya in their diet. Reports suggest bleeding or haemorrhages from the edge of the placenta can also be caused by consumption of raw papaya during later pregnancy.
Fully ripe papayas are generally considered safe and often beneficial during pregnancy.
Here are some other effects of eating papaya during pregnancy:
Latex in unripe papaya or even partially ripe papaya has papain which may stimulate prostaglandin and oxytocin, hormones that can lead to uterine contractions and can lead to premature labour. Papaya can lead to miscarriage as it is a potent emmenagogue. It must be avoided completely in early pregnancy. This is the period when the placenta is being formed, and the presence of an insignificant amount of latex can potentially harm the womb.
Pepsin and papain can be detrimental to fetal survival and development. Studies report that having papayas during pregnancy can hamper implantation, increase the risk of pregnancy loss post implantation and pose potential harm to the embryo.
Papain is often used for cell dissociation as it is a proteolytic enzyme. It is known to retard cell growth and hamper the development of the tissue in the foetus.
Unripe papaya can raise the vascular pressure and even lead to internal haemorrhage or bleeding in the placenta. Placental bleeding or haemorrhage leads to pregnancy and delivery related complications. Papaya can affect the development and function of the placenta.
Papaya increases the gut motility. However, excess bowel movement can create pressure in and around the uterus and cause miscarriage. Papaya is fibre rich and the pressure it puts on the stomach and intestines and can possibly lead to miscarriage.
Leaves and seeds of papaya contain carpine toxin that is detrimental to the central nervous system.
Papain and chymopapain are two enzyme substances present in papaya which are both teratogenic (harmful to the development of the foetus) as well as abortifacient (abortion causing).
Women who have experienced premature labours or abortions can be at increased risk due to papain. Hence, it is advisable for such women to better avoid papayas during pregnancy.
The papain in papaya also helps to regularize menstrual cycle. While menstruation never happens in pregnancy. Bleeding through the vagina is a red flag sign of impending abortion or ectopic pregnancy. Papaya raises the body temperature and enhances estrogen production in the body.
Papayas have vitamin C which is good for immunity but an excess may cause kidney stones. Vitamin C metabolism produces oxalate that can promote stone formation. Calculi or stones may cause colicky pains and this ultimately increases the intra abdominal pressure which affects pregnancy.
Papaya is unsafe during pregnancy if the pregnant woman has a history of gestational diabetes.
Beta carotene content of papaya gives it the orange tinge. An excess of which causes a benign problem known as carotenemia. One should avoid papaya to prevent the discolourations.
No, it is recommended that the consumption of commercially available papaya juice should be avoided. One of the major benefits of a papaya is that it is rich in fibre. Converting it into juice negates this benefit. In addition, papaya juice which is available in tetra packs may contain papaya concentrate. The percentage content of latex or papain is relatively higher in such juices. Therefore, it is better to go for home-made juice if you want some. The preservatives and added sugar may reduce its beneficial properties. Consume fresh and in small quantities.
It is the raw papaya that contains a high content of latex. Eating raw papaya in pregnancy can have a harmful effect on your pregnancy.
As the immune system is weakened, women become more vulnerable to illnesses and allergies when they are pregnancy.
Consuming small quantities of ripe papaya is beneficial for pregnant women.
It has been established that pregnant women can eat papayas as long as they are ripe. It is a common myth in India that a papaya causes miscarriage but this has not been proven scientifically. In fact, a ripe papaya is packed with nutrients that are needed for the unborn baby as are a great addition to a pregnancy diet. The fruit also helps cure common pregnancy ailments like heartburn and constipation. A pregnant lady can benefit from the consumption of ripe papayas in moderate amounts.
Many women ask the question – is it safe to eat ripe papaya after delivery?
Yes, Papayas are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. The consumption of green papaya has the potential to boost the production of the hormone oxytocin in the body and hence increase the milk flow. It is thus beneficial for nursing mothers. Add papaya to your postnatal diet today to nurse your baby and bond with him to your heart’s content. Ever wondered, can papaya stop pregnancy? the answer again is yes, it can.
Papaya with its hormonal effects can act as a natural way of contraception, but with a lesser degree of surety in comparison with other methods of contraception.
Conclusion:
Since the consumption of ripe or raw papayas is a controversial subject most women choose to avoid papayas completely during pregnancy. However, it can be consumed in small quantities provided there is no history of pregnancy complications without worrying about and adverse effect on the baby. In fact, papaya’s right nutrients help in the development of the baby.