Bromelain and Pregnancy

Using Bromelain During Pregnancy: An Overview

Bromelain is a dietary supplement taken for a variety of different uses, such as for treating arthritis or cancer. At this time, it is not known if it is safe for pregnant women to take bromelain. Bromelain has not been adequately studied in any pregnant women or even pregnant animals. There is simply not enough information available to know if bromelain is safe (or unsafe) for pregnant women.

 

It should never be assumed that natural products are automatically safe for pregnant women. This is a mistake many pregnant women make. Pregnancy often limits the prescription and non-prescription drugs that are available for a woman to take. As a result, pregnant women often seek safe alternatives, sometimes assuming that herbal supplements are always safe. This is simply not the case. Herbal supplements can be marketed in the United States without any evidence that they are safe (or even effective) for anyone, including pregnant women.

 

You might be tempted to think that bromelain must be safe, as it is made from pineapples. However, bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding (which is dangerous during pregnancy) or might have unpredictable, unknown effects on a pregnant women or her fetus.

 

Recommendations on Pregnancy and Bromelain

If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to have a discussion with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement, including bromelain. This is very important, even if you think your healthcare provider will not understand your choice or will discourage the use of alternative medicines.