No papaya in pregnancy???

[newbie_mary]

I just looked up Rite Aid on the web, to see if they carried papaya enzymes, as I am almost out and they have been my saving grace...and got their "patient information" booklet for papaya and enzymes, and it said that PAPAYA MUST NOT BE USED IN PREGNANCY!!!! AAHHH! What is this about?? Anyone know??

Mary

[Outofmymindyo]

This is the only reason that I could find that might be why they just recommend it not be taken at all (to cover their butts).

It is best to avoid fresh papaya early in pregnancy unless you are 100% certain of complete ripeness. Later in pregnancy a ripe papaya can assist with heartburn control. If your Dr. has recommended natural methods for induction after 38 weeks of pregnancy, eating a slightly unripened papaya may be just the ticket.

This is why they say that:

A fully ripe papaya is not considered dangerous, however a papaya that is the least bit unripe contains a latex substance that is believed to trigger uterine contractions and may lead to early labor or miscarriage. Researchers have noted that unripe papaya latex acts like prostaglandin and oxytocin, which the body makes to start labor. Synthetic prostaglandin and oxytocin are commonly used to start or strengthen labor contractions.

[carla72]

my midviwes recommended papaya to me last time around. I think to be safe everything says avoid during pregnancy and breasfeeding theese days.

[Panthira]

Not in your DDC, but wanted to respond. I took papaya enzymes all throughout pregnancy due to stomach problems and neither I or my baby had any ill affects. I took the Whole Foods Brand.

[newbie_mary]

Phew, feeling a little better! Thanks, outofmymindyo!! Interesting about the unripe papaya...something to think about if baby is "late"...

[celestialdreamer]

I'd never heard that before. My midwives recommended papaya and papaya tablets to me for heartburn and nausea. I just wish I could actually get a ripe organic papaya (or a mango!)...I love those things!

[nighten]

Papaya enzymes are safe -- I wouldn't have a clue where to find an actual papaya (my healthfood store doesn't have any that I've ever seen).

But if it worries you in the least, try eating raw carrots for heartburn.

[JenniferC]

Yep, my papaya enzymes say not to take them if preggers or bfing either, but I'm like - what it's just papaya! And all the other preggers moms I know online are taking it .

[mamimapster]

Yeah, if it weren't for papaya pills I suspect my Dp might STILL have Morninng sickness three years after .

[AdinaL]

Yeah - the enzymes are different than the fruit and have different properties. So while avoiding the upripe fruit would be a good choice for fear of triggering labor, the enzymes only act on you digestion.

I love my papaya enzymes! I would be sad without them!

[lena1984]

Originally Posted by AdinaL

Yeah - the enzymes are different than the fruit and have different properties. So while avoiding the upripe fruit would be a good choice for fear of triggering labor, the enzymes only act on you digestion.

I love my papaya enzymes! I would be sad without them!

me too! they are my newest best friend.....

[jul511riv]

any idea how much are safe to take and what the best times for taking them are in relation to the morning sickness? For example, if I have morning sickness in the evenings and throughout the night, when would be best to take them and how much?

Thanks.

[PinkPixie]

Wow, who knew this fruit was so popular

I never took some, but have seen some papaya extract pills that were used as a natural form of birth control. Brand name was Menstruphen, or something similar.