Does Spicy Food Cause Miscarriage – Myths And Facts

Spicy food, famed for its intense flavors and fragrance, has long been an integral component in many cuisines across the globe. An often-asked question on forums is “Does spicy food cause miscarriages?” The idea that eating spicy food might increase the chance of miscarriage is a persistent myth.

You may be wondering whether the rumors you’ve heard about eating spicy food while pregnant are real or not if you enjoyed spicy cuisine before being pregnant and now you find yourself craving it more.

Do you have to avoid spicy meals now that you’re expecting, or can you still treat your palate and sate your need for the hot sauces you enjoy? Is there a connection between spicy food cravings and baby gender? The facts and myths about spicy food during pregnancy will be covered in this post.

Are Spicy Foods Safe For You?

Eating hot pepper during pregnancy can have some unpleasant side effects for the expecting mother, including heartburn, indigestion, and pain thereafter. When it comes to the unborn child, however, spicy foods pose no direct threat. If you’re not used to eating spicy cuisine and you find yourself craving for spicy food during pregnancy, start cautiously.

Pregnant women shouldn’t include a lot of spicy foods at every meal. Spicy foods can sometimes contribute to dehydration. Water consumption should also be maintained at a steady rate while eating spicy food while pregnant. While preparing spicy dishes, be sure to choose ingredients that meet quality criteria.

Related Reading: Hajmola During Pregnancy- Is It Safe?

While eating spicy meals occasionally may not cause any health issues during pregnancy, it’s important to remember that everyone has a different tolerance level. Each woman’s tolerance for spicy foods is unique, and what may cause discomfort for one person might not affect another.

Pay attention to your body’s responses and adjust your diet accordingly. Likewise, if you have digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux during your pregnancy, you might find that spicy foods make your symptoms worse.

Are Spicy Foods Safe For A Developing Baby?

There isn’t conclusive evidence to suggest that consuming spicy food during pregnancy has a direct negative impact on fetal development. But the foods and flavors you enjoy during your pregnancy will be passed on to your unborn child.

Wondering how babies can taste spicy food in the womb? It is through the amniotic fluid that the flavors of the food that you eat are passed on to the unborn child.

Beginning as early as week 15, the baby’s taste buds are fully developed, and it begins to consume amniotic fluid. It is likely that by then, he or she is beginning to taste the food that their mother is eating.

According to research, the foods a mother consumes have an impact on her infant’s future food preferences. This means that exposing them to a wide range of spices and flavors may help them become more adventurous eaters.

Related Reading: 6 Spices To Eat And 6 Spices To Avoid During Pregnancy

Spice Foods And Your Pregnancy – Trimester Wise 

It’s generally accepted that eating spicy meals in moderation is safe to do while pregnant. Because every woman has a different threshold for spice, it’s important to monitor personal responses and know how spicy food affects pregnancy. The pros and cons of eating spicy food while pregnant are as follows.

First trimester

During the first three months of pregnancy, a lot of women feel nauseous and have morning sickness. This is a time when cravings and food aversions start to appear. Many women who were previously not fans of spicy food may develop a strong desire for it during this time. 

Here are some general pros and cons of consuming spicy food during the first trimester:

Pros

• Spices can make meals more appealing, especially during the first trimester, when a woman’s taste preferences shift. Spicy tastes may stimulate hunger and alleviate nausea in some people.
• Many spicy ingredients, such as chili peppers, contain antioxidants like capsaicin. Antioxidants are important, especially during pregnancy.
• Some studies suggest that spicy foods can temporarily increase metabolism, potentially providing a small energy boost.
• During the first trimester, when hormonal changes can cause mood swings, some women may benefit from eating spicy foods. This is because it is found that spicy food might cause your brain to release endorphins (source), which are substances linked to positive emotions like pleasure and well-being. 

Related Reading: 9 Things To Do When You Don’t Feel Like Eating During Pregnancy

Cons

• Spicy foods can exacerbate morning sickness in some pregnant women. So it can be bad for early pregnancy weeks. 
• The consumption of spicy foods may occasionally result in gas, bloating, and indigestion. As the body adjusts to hormonal changes, these discomforts may be more severe during the first trimester.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to an increased risk of heartburn. Spicy foods may further contribute to heartburn and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Second Trimester

While individual reactions to spicy foods vary, the following are some advantages and disadvantages of eating spicy foods during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Pros

• Capsaicin in spicy peppers may have pain-relieving properties (source). When the woman is getting close to the end of her second trimester and starting to experience cramps and pain, this can help. 
• Some spices have digestive benefits and can aid in digestion
• Consuming certain spices helps stimulate appetite.  It is beneficial for pregnant women who are experiencing a loss of appetite.

Cons

• Spicy foods may contribute to acid reflux, a burning sensation in the chest and throat.
• Spicy foods can contribute to the exacerbation of hemorrhoids (source), a common issue during pregnancy due to increased pressure on blood vessels.
• Spicy foods have the potential to cause sweating, which can be uncomfortable during pregnancy because hormonal fluctuations can already have an effect on the body’s temperature that can cause discomfort.

Related Reading: Eating Betel Leaves (Paan) During Pregnancy

Third Trimester

The third trimester is a time of intense physical change and growing pains and discomforts for the expecting mother. As with any other time during pregnancy, eating spicy food in the third trimester may have some pros and cons.

Pros

• During the third trimester, the enlarging uterus puts pressure on the intestines, which compromises digestion. Some spices may help accelerate digestion, which in turn reduces the usual digestive difficulties that pregnant women have.
• Eating spicy foods can be particularly beneficial during the third trimester as they aid in nasal passage clearance and alleviate congestion, which is common during this time. 
• The anti-inflammatory properties of some spices can be beneficial at this stage of pregnancy.

Cons

• The stimulant effects of spicy foods may interfere with sleep, contributing to insomnia. Pregnant women already have issues sleeping in the third trimester and having spicy food for dinner may aggravate them.
• Pregnant women must take extra care to stay hydrated, and spicy foods can have the opposite effect.  Eating spicy food and not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can cause a lot of problems, including preterm labor during the third trimester of pregnancy. 
• Spicy foods can contribute to digestive discomfort, including heartburn and indigestion, which are common in the third trimester.

So, Does Spicy Food Cause Miscarriage?

No scientific evidence has been found to support the claim that spicy food can cause miscarriage in the first trimester.  During pregnancy, though, the body makes enough heat on its own. Eating foods that are hot or spicy can also cause a rise in core temperature (source). Thus, spicy food could disrupt the temperature balance. During pregnancy, it is not good for your core temperature to rise (source). That is one of the causes of developmental abnormalities, or it may cause miscarriage.  So, it is not a good idea to make spicy food a regular part of your diet. 

Common Myths And Facts On Eating Spicy Food During Pregnancy 

In order to avoid misunderstandings, it’s critical to debunk myths about eating spicy food while pregnant. The reality is that moderation and personal tolerance are key, regardless of the beliefs of those who think it damages the unborn child or causes labor. Pregnant mothers looking to maintain a healthy, balanced diet must learn to distinguish between facts and fables.

You can learn more about the facts and common misconceptions surrounding spicy food while pregnant in the table below. 

Conclusion 

Last but not least, for pregnant women looking for a balanced diet, it is essential to dispel the myths and check the realities about spicy food consumption during pregnancy. Despite ongoing myths regarding potential risks to the fetus, induction of labor, and other issues, research indicates that spicy foods, when consumed in moderation, are typically harmless.

When making nutritional choices during pregnancy, it is crucial for women to consider their own health and tastes, taking into account the role of individual tolerance and preferences.  By separating fact from fantasy, pregnant mothers are able to eat a varied and delicious diet while going through this important time.