Considering the physical and emotional stress that accompanies the third trimester of pregnancy, it’s understandable that many parents wonder if eating pineapple to induce labor actually works. I mean, common, if all it takes is eating pineapple to go into labor, this information needs to be made public and pineapples need to be dolled out en masse during that final month of pregnancy.

But does pineapple to induce labor really work? And if it does, should pineapple be avoided during pregnancy to avoid miscarriage or preterm labor? Also, how much pineapple needs to be consumed in order to cause contractions? Which is best for natural induction purposes – fresh, frozen or canned pineapple? Does the core need to be consumed? Can the same effect be achieved by juicing a pineapple, drinking it, and calling it a day?

This and much more than you ever wanted to know about using pineapple to naturally induce labor is discussed in this blog post. Let’s get started!

Benefits of Using Pineapple to Induce Labor

Using pineapple in attempt to naturally induce labor is pretty non-invasive, especially when compared to using Pitocin. Even if eating pineapple does not start labor, there are some pretty great benefits to eating this tropical fruit! (SOURCE)

• Because pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, it is an anti-inflammatory food. There are many benefits to an anti-inflammatory diet during pregnancy!
• Pineapple is extremely high in vitamin c, which is great for the immune system. Nothing is worse than being in labor with a cold or flu.
• Pregnant women sometimes struggle with constipation, and oftentimes increasing liquids and fiber can remedy this situation. Pineapple offers both!
• Pineapple is also high in manganese and thiamin, which are essential nutrients for a pregnant woman.
• The barriers to obtain pineapple are pretty low, as most grocery stores sell it.
• Compared to traditional medicine, pineapple is pretty inexpensive (although in some areas (Alaska!) I can imagine a higher price tag).

The Research on Pineapple to Induce Labor

Unfortunately, there is little research on the topic of using pineapple to induce labor. But the same time, ask any woman you know, anywhere around the world, and she’ll likely know someone, somewhere, with a story about using pineapple to “get the baby out”. For example, ripe pineapple has been used orally as traditional medicine in inducing abortion in India while the juice of the unripe fruit was used for abortion in Bangladesh. (SOURCE)

Canned, Fresh, or Frozen Pineapple to Induce Labor?

“Juicing a pineapple worked for me – I went into labor that night. I had been having prodromal labor for weeks though.” Katie G.

“I had been craving pineapples and pineapple juice for weeks before I delivered. The day my water broke, I had eaten a whole pineapple and drank about 3 cups of pineapple juice – it was all that I wanted. Not sure if there was a correlation, since I had already been craving it. I never ate the core and went back and forth between fresh and canned.” Shawna M.

(SIDE NOTE: I think it would be cool if this phenomenon (pineapple juice coming into contact with a uterus and causing contractions) was extensively researched and an alternative to Pitocin was created. Just sayin’.)

Pineapple Recipes and How To

The following is some practical advice for preparing a pineapple to attempt to induce labor. Have fun!

How to Cut a Pineapple

So, you bought a pineapple and it’s on your kitchen counter. What’s next? Watch the following video for the easiest way to cut a pineapple.

Pineapple Induction Smoothie

Check out Mother Rising’s recipes for green smoothies during pregnancy. Not only are they delicious and nutritious, but THEY CONTAIN PINEAPPLE. Woohoo!

Castor Oil and Pineapple Juice

If you’re also considering castor oil as a method to induce labor naturally, hop on over here to learn more.