Eating papaya during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage.

VerdictNot proven

Checked against NHS

There is no proof that eating papaya causes miscarriage. Most fruits and vegetables are safe in pregnancy if washed well, but papaya has not been shown to cause miscarriage.

What experts say

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks.2
Many miscarriages happen because of a problem in how the pregnancy develops.2
Things that may raise the chance of miscarriage include smoking, alcohol, a lot of caffeine, diabetes, thyroid problems, being very overweight or underweight, and air pollution.2
Most fruits and vegetables are safe to eat during pregnancy if washed thoroughly.1
Washing fruits and vegetables removes soil that can carry bacteria.1

What to do

Eat most fruits and vegetables as normal; wash them well first.1
If you eat cut or packed fruit, keep it chilled and eat it before the date on the pack.1
If you are worried about what to eat in pregnancy, talk to your doctor.1

See a doctor if

Bleeding from the vagina before 24 weeks of pregnancy.2
Pain or cramping in the lower tummy.2
Pink, grey or white lumps coming out of the vagina.2
Fluid suddenly coming out of the vagina.2
If you are pregnant and have vaginal bleeding with severe tummy pain, shoulder pain, feeling sick, faint or dizzy, loss of consciousness, or heavy bleeding that soaks a pad soon after putting it on, get emergency help.2