Can I eat papaya while pregnant?

Moderate

Ripe papaya: safe. Unripe / green papaya: avoid (contains latex that can stimulate uterine contractions).

Medically reviewed by Dr. Example, OB-GYN, MD Last reviewed: January 15, 2025Editorial process

What's safe

Ripe papaya (flesh is orange/yellow, soft)
Papaya smoothies made with ripe fruit

What to avoid

Green/unripe papaya (common in Thai papaya salad / som tam)
Papaya enzyme digestive supplements

Sources & citations

Every verdict on this page is grounded in an authoritative source. If you spot outdated guidance, email [email protected].

Healthy Eating During Pregnancy (FAQ)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy
Mayo Clinic

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat Thai papaya salad while pregnant?

Thai green papaya salad (som tam) uses unripe green papaya — traditional guidance across many cultures is to skip it during pregnancy. Substitute with a mango salad or request cabbage instead.

Track your meals with SafeBites

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More foods to check

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This page is informational only and is not medical advice. Always consult your OB-GYN, midwife, or registered dietitian about your specific pregnancy nutrition questions — particularly if you have gestational diabetes, food allergies, or other complications.