Is it safe to eat papaya during pregnancy?

Answer:

"If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, avoid eating papaya or using a papaya product. Papaya is sometimes recommended for soothing indigestion, which is a common ailment during pregnancy. Although a fully ripe papaya is not considered dangerous, a papaya that is at all unripe contains a latex substance that triggers uterine contractions and may cause a miscarriage. 1

The papaya enzyme that helps soothe indigestion is called papain, or vegetable pepsin. Papain is found in the fruit's latex and leaves. 1 Researchers have noted that unripe papaya latex acts like prostaglandin and oxytocin, which the body makes to start labor. 2 Synthetic prostaglandin and oxytocin are commonly used to start or strengthen labor contractions."

-from Yahoo Health

In short, if it's ripe it might be ok, but better not to risk it.

First answer by Matthewterhune. Last edit by Matthewterhune. Contributor trust: 154 [recommend contributorrecommended]. Question popularity: 17 [recommend question].

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