Is papaya safe during pregnancy? Gynaecologist shares the benefits and risks of eating this fruit

Why is it that doctors often warn pregnant women against eating papaya during pregnancy? We asked a gynaecologist to explain.

Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement, but it also means paying close attention to what you eat for your own and the baby's well-being. This fruit is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Still, there is always a debate about whether it is safe to eat papaya during pregnancy.

Papaya is believed to be heat-inducing and pregnant women are often told to avoid it. (Adobe Stock)

By Tavishi Dogra

Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust.

Career journey and experience
Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon.

From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?”

Subject expertise
With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions.

In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.

Education and professional background
Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.

Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers.

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Papaya is a very healthy fruit. It contains a lot of folate, potassium, and fibre. It is also a good source of vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system strong and supports your baby's growth during pregnancy. "Papaya can help with digestion, easing common problems such as constipation, bloating, and heartburn", Dr Sonamm Tiwari, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, tells Health Shots.

While papaya has many benefits, it’s important to know its risks during pregnancy. Dr Tiwari warns: "The enzyme papain in papaya can cause uterine contractions, which may lead to miscarriage or preterm labour". Unripe or semi-ripe papaya is even riskier, as it can cause the amniotic sac to rupture, resulting in a loss of amniotic fluid that can harm the feotus.

Dr Tiwari further says that "pregnant women should be cautious, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, when risks can increase. Expectant mothers should stay informed about these risks as they make dietary decisions."

Is unripe papaya better than ripe papaya during pregnancy?

Eating papaya during pregnancy requires caution. Papaya contains phytoestrogens, natural compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body. Even ripe papayas may disrupt hormones and potentially cause problems such as low birth weight or developmental issues for the baby. Dr Tiwari advises, “It is important to be careful and eat papaya in moderation.”

Should you totally avoid papaya during pregnancy?

According to Dr Tiwari, the answer is “not necessarily”. If you still want to enjoy this tropical fruit, the expert shares some tips on how to do so safely:

• Choose fully ripe papayas: Unripe papayas have much higher levels of papain compared to ripe ones, making ripe papayas a safer option for pregnant women.
• Practice moderation: "If you decide to eat papaya, limit yourself to no more than 1 cup of fully ripe fruit per day," the doctor says. Pay attention to your body; if you feel any discomfort, stop eating it right away.
• Consult a healthcare professional: If you have any concerns about eating papaya during your pregnancy, it's important to talk to your doctor for personalised advice. Every pregnancy is different.

What to do if you accidentally ate papaya during pregnancy?

Mistakes happen. If you accidentally ate papaya, stay calm. Eating a small amount usually won’t cause harm. "Watch for any unusual symptoms, such as allergic reactions, stomach problems, or uterine contractions", shares the doctor. If you notice anything unusual or have concerns, contact your healthcare provider. They can support you through this.

(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)