Pregnant women can eat chili peppers and there is no scientific evidence proving that chili peppers can cause birth defects or miscarriage, but it is important for women to be aware of certain issues and discomfort that may arise from consuming this stimulating food. What makes chili peppers not very recommended in the diet of pregnant women is their ability to alter the stomach’s pH, and during pregnancy, women already experience problems such as: slower intestines, heartburn, reflux, and a sensation of bloating caused by fluid retention. Therefore, spicy food could cause more harm to digestion in pregnant women and particularly intensify heartburn discomfort. It’s worth noting that fresh chili peppers are rich in nutrients1, including vitamin C, but that doesn’t mean they can be consumed without limits.

Warnings and Problems Related to Chili Peppers

Hemorrhoids – In cases where the woman has a history of hemorrhoids or has already had hemorrhoids at some point during pregnancy, it is best not to include chili peppers in her diet at all. Especially at the end of pregnancy, hemorrhoids are common and the situation can worsen even more if the woman eats a lot of chili pepper. History of heartburn – If the woman already suffered from heartburn even before pregnancy, she has probably been warned that eating chili peppers aggravates stomach irritation and causes further discomfort. Premade or pickled peppers – If the woman likes the taste of chili, it’s best to stick to a daily amount of no more than 5 grams a day, which equals a small piece of the actual pepper. Ready-made chili sauces, packed with preservatives, or preparations containing chili, oil, salt, and vinegar should be avoided by pregnant women. The seeds are what make chili peppers spicy, so ideally, remove the seeds if eating fresh peppers. Black pepper – Pregnant women can eat black pepper if they don’t have problems or discomfort from ingesting this spice, but even so, it is recommended to use it sparingly to prevent discomfort. Combination of sodium and chili – One of the greatest discomforts in pregnancy is fluid retention and swelling. Sodium consumption is already a health villain because it increases thirst and encourages fluid retention. But the harmful effects of sodium can be intensified if combined with chili pepper, and especially on hotter days, women may feel even more discomfort due to increased swelling.

Dietary Care in Pregnancy

Balanced diet – For many years, it was a myth that pregnant women could eat whatever they wanted or eat for two, but today, it is globally known that pregnant women need to cultivate healthy eating habits2. Lifestyle changes – An unhealthy lifestyle including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can only harm the health of the pregnant woman and the baby, and in fact, represents a significant risk that the pregnancy may not go to term due to gestational death. Excess processed foods – Ideally, pregnant women should avoid processed foods as much as possible, such as processed meats, boxed juices, sodas, canned food, and others3. The recommendation is to eat as many natural foods as possible (fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, whole wheat pasta and bread, etc.). Prefer water – Boxed juice contains excess preservatives and sugar; soda, too, is rich in harmful substances and can affect calcium absorption. Many nutritionists warn that it is best to consume fresh fruit and, when making juice, the fibers are usually strained out and vitamins and minerals are quickly lost, leaving mainly fructose (fruit sugar). For pregnant women with diabetes, be aware that strained juice that is not freshly prepared will only harm your health, as when consumed it quickly turns into blood sugar, potentially causing blood sugar spikes. Too much of anything is harmful – Ideally every pregnant woman should have nutritional monitoring and a specific diet, and even so, at some point the diet may be broken, and other foods may be consumed, but what’s important is not to make it a routine. Also See: What Can and Can’t Pregnant Women Do?