Why Should Pregnant Women Not Eat Papaya ?

By Vanshika Gaur
05 Jun 2025, 18:00 IST

Have you ever noticed people saying that pregnant women should avoid eating papaya during pregnancy? There are various reasons behind it. Tap to find out why.

Potential Allergic Reaction

Eating papaya during pregnancy may cause allergic reactions, such as rashes, itching, and sometimes respiratory issues.

Uterine Contractions

Papaya, especially unripe or semi-ripe, contains latex that can increase the risk of uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or preterm labour.

Hormonal Imbalance

Consuming an unripe papaya during pregnancy can cause hormonal imbalance by affecting progesterone levels and increase the risk of miscarriage.

Bleeding

The compounds in papaya, especially in unripe or semi-ripe ones, can cause the uterine blood vessels to dilate, potentially leading to internal bleeding.

Upset Stomach

The enzymes present in the papaya can disrupt the digestive system, leading to diarrhea, bloating, and cramping.

Information Credits

According to PubMed, eating papaya during pregnancy can cause uterine contractions and cause internal bleeding. It is advisable to consult a dietitian before making any dietary changes.