On The Subject of Pineapple

There was a lot of interest yesterday in my mention of eating pineapple right now, so I wanted to take a second to address that and tell you what I do know.

My last cycle I had never heard of the pineapple thing. As such, I didn’t eat any. I like pineapple. If I had known, I probably would have bought one. But I didn’t.

It wasn’t until after my cycle had failed that I started hearing about pineapple and implantation. First I heard about it from one of the girls who was cycling at the same time as me (the one who was blessed with a twins pregnancy), then I began reading about it on blog after blog after blog.

Multiple women – all attesting their pregnancies to the fact that they ate pineapple to encourage implantation.

And in my quest to do everything different this round; I resolved to eat pineapple.

(Courtesy of Google Images)

On top of doing acupuncture before and after my transfer, and staying on bed rest for 48 hours post transfer.

It wasn’t a decision I put too much thought into to be honest. Like I said – I like pineapple. This was a no brainer.

I didn’t even realize pineapple could have any bad effects at all until yesterday – when I read it on the sheet that was given to me at the clinic.

Here is what was written on that sheet (Item B on a single sided page with suggestions for after an IVF Transfer or IUI – the first suggestion was to engage in warm foot baths twice a day, and the last was only for those suffering from OHSS. Leading me to believe that if pineapple made the 3 item cut – there must be something to it):

B) Pineapple: Within pineapple, there are many properties, of these; there is an enzyme that has drawn some interest in regards to the implantation process. There is evidence that the enzyme “bromeleine” aids the implantation process. A little bit of the enzyme is advantageous, too much has the opposite effect. Because each individual is unique, the amount per person is unclear. The amount of this enzyme within each pineapple may also vary. Quantity suggestion:

1. Find a fresh (ripe) and if possible organic pineapple
2. Remove the top, bottom, and skin
3. Cut through the core, dividing the fruit into six or 8 wedges or slices (circle)
4. Eat one to two wedges/slices each day
5. Include the core as the consideration is, the enzyme resides within the core as well (and perhaps in greater quantity.

This is honestly the most information I have seen on the subject of pineapples for implantation to date. What I do know is that I have read several bloggers who have gotten pregnant after incorporating pineapple into their cycles, and so it was something I was more than willing to try myself. Furthermore, I have not heard of any who have attested spontaneous miscarriages or lack of implantation to pineapple.

Hearing about it at the clinic on the day of my cycle really only solidified in my head the fact that this could have potential.

Thankfully (and since I only bought one pineapple) I had already been following the quantity suggestions for eating the last few days. I wanted that pineapple to last after all!

It does appear to be true that too much pineapple could have ill effects, but I’m not entirely sure what would constitute too much. I would assume it would probably be a great deal more than I could ever eat in one sitting anyway.

After all, if it were an amount most people would eat normally - one would think pineapple warnings would be a little more prominent. Up there with soft cheeses and deli meats.

So yes, I am trying pineapple. Despite the fact that too much could lead to problems.

I kind of figure it’s like anything else that’s good for you – moderation is still key.

And if this cycle does wind up working for me, I’m going to be counting on some pineapple company out there cutting me a check.

Because my guess is, there may just be a rise in pineapple sales!