Pregnant women eat spicy during pregnancy: should or should not?

During pregnancy, you will change your taste buds and begin to enjoy eating or smelling something different, from casual foods like chocolate or cream to weird ones like smelling detergent, acetone ... One of the most controversial dishes is spicy. Many people believe that spicy food is harmful to the development of the fetus, spicy food during pregnancy should not be, but in reality?

Does spicy pregnant women affect the fetus?

Whether pregnant women can eat spicy is not a question of many people. But fortunately, the hot spicy foods do not affect your child. Spicy foods are one of the few foods that babies can taste while still in the womb, thanks to a small amount of spicy foods can enter the amniotic fluid.

In fact, when in the womb, babies prefer to change their taste buds. If your baby is tasted many different flavors before and after birth, he will be less fussy about eating in the future. Research shows that children who enjoy a variety of flavors are more likely to accept new tastes and promote better eating. If your baby tasted many flavors right from the womb, that habit will be strengthened throughout life. If you want your baby to taste more, you can choose foods that can be transported through amniotic fluid or breast milk such as vanilla, carrots, garlic, anise and mint. ( 1 ) ( 2 )

How does spicy food affect pregnant mothers?

It is believed that pregnant women should avoid eating spicy foods because their body temperature is already "hot" and eating hot food can increase heat, causing many risks such as:

Spicy foods that can have a negative impact on your baby is a common stereotype

Consume spicy food as it can lead to premature labor

Spicy eating during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages and birth defects, which are rumored to be the consequences of spicy eating without any solid scientific evidence ( 3 ).

However, there have not been any scientific studies to prove this. Many women who eat spicy every day (like Thai or Indian women) during pregnancy still have no intention of changing their diet and have not had any reports mentioned above.

In fact, spicy foods don't affect your kids, but they can still make you uncomfortable due to some of their side effects. Ideally, mothers should limit spicy food if they feel uncomfortable.

Pregnant women eat spicy in the first trimester

Consuming spicy foods in the first trimester is safe and should not affect fetal development . The risk of early miscarriage is very high in the first trimester and this worries mothers about the side effects of consuming spicy foods.

Spicy foods in the second and third trimesters

Consuming spicy foods during the second and third trimesters increases the likelihood of heartburn and acid reflux. During the third trimester , a growing fetus causes stomach acid to return to the esophagus and eating spicy foods can aggravate the condition.

What are the risks & side effects of eating spicy foods?

Eating spicy foods can cause digestive problems that can lead to discomfort in pregnant women. Here are the risks and side effects of eating spicy foods during pregnancy:

Morning sickness: Morning sickness is very common in the early stages of pregnancy due to changes in hormone levels. Morning sickness can be exacerbated by consuming spicy foods.

Heartburn: Your  chances of having heartburn and other digestive problems are very high when you are pregnant. Spicy foods will increase acid reflux and worsen heartburn, especially in the last months of pregnancy.

If you do decide to eat spicy food, combine it with a glass of milk to minimize heartburn. Honey can also help prevent heartburn after eating a spicy dish.

How spicy pregnancy is good for health?

As long as your body can digest all of those spices, it's safe to consume spicy foods in limited quantities. Avoid spicy foods outside. Instead, buy fresh spices and grind them at home.

Tips for eating spicy foods properly

To ensure that you are not adversely affected by the dangers of spicy foods, you must consume them appropriately.

Consume branded seasonings and approved by food certification bodies.

Do not consume spices that are sold liquid as they can be impurities such as brick powder.

If you are consuming new seasonings, start by taking in small quantities. It's best to buy fresh spices and grind them at home.

Check the packaging and the expiration date before buying spices from outside.

While you are pregnant, you should trust your body to know what is best for you. The best thing pregnant women can do is follow a healthy, varied diet, avoiding foods that make you uncomfortable. If you are still concerned, you can consult your doctor or a registered dietitian to advise on the best diet for you and your baby.

aFamilyToday Health does not offer medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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