Later in the pregnancy, heartburn for an expecting mom can get progressively worse. While some OB-GYNs prefer that their patients do not take OTC heartburn antacids, such as Tums or Rolaids, others are ok with it. Still some moms are reluctant and seek natural remedies. For example, some women swear by Papaya Enzyme or Papain. However, most Papain products have a warning on the label that says, "Discontinue use if pregnant." But why would some midwives and pregnant moms swear by this enzyme as an organic, natural treatment for heartburn?
Though it's hard to discern if there is any merit to these claims, some sites say that Papaya can induce labor but there is not a lot of information. There are also many skincare products that boast the benefits of Papaya Enzyme. When asked about ingesting or use of the ingredient in skincare, Dr. Rubin of Belli skincare responded:
I haven't personally heard anything about Papaya, and it wouldn't surprise me if this was another example of a warning that's based on Indian Ayurvedic folklore...[As far as Papain as a skincare ingredient,] it can take weeks to teratology screen a new ingredient, but to fully disprove a warning such as this it can take many months as I track down copies of each book that mentions the claim, and all the books and articles that each book uses as their reference.
There is a quick screening tool that I often use: the Skin Deep database. It's not always accurate or complete, though. This database doesn't list any concerns for PAPAYA, but it does say that PAPAIN is a developmental/reproductive toxin:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient/721315/PAPAIN/
Interestingly, all of the references they list point to articles from India which is where the Ayurvedic folklore usually begins. I wouldn't be surprised if the articles use the folklore as their primary reference, not realizing (or failing to mention) that it has no scientific evidence behind it.
Bottom line: whether it is an ingredient you ingest or one you apply on your skin, it's better to be safe than sorry. To ensure safe ingredients during pregnancy, check with your OB-GYN before you ingest anything and as far as skincare products, ensure that it is teratology screened.
If you want to play it safe, many women find the scent of lemon and peppermint to be especially soothing to an upset stomach during pregnancy. The uplifting aromatherapy of lemon is featured in Belli Pregnancy's All Day Moisture Body Lotion. The invigorating aromatherapy of peppermint is featured in Belli Pregnancy's Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator, and Belli Pregnancy's Foot Relief Cream. All three of these products are teratology screened and formulated with only safe ingredients during pregnancy.
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