All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Spicy food in pregnancy
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
It is generally accepted that spicy food during pregnancy can trigger premature birth, however, studies have not confirmed this, and women who ate spicy foods during pregnancy gave birth to healthy children on time.
During pregnancy, a woman's taste preferences often change. As a rule, pregnant women develop a tendency towards salty or sweet dishes, but in some cases, there is a strong desire to eat something spicy.
As numerous studies show, the health of the expectant mother depends on her baby’s nutrition.
According to doctors, the desire to eat something spicy is not associated with a lack of vitamins or minerals in a woman’s body.
If you do not abuse this kind of food, then it is quite useful, since spicy dishes improve blood circulation, normalize sleep, and increase stress resistance.
In addition, hot peppers reduce the risk of thrombosis, cholesterol levels, and improve heart function.
Chili peppers contain copsaicin, a substance that reduces the risk of developing cancer, turmeric (in small quantities) reduces pain during arthritis, improves bone density, which is extremely important for the expectant mother, since during pregnancy bones and joints are subject to maximum stress.
Spicy food, especially in the last three months of pregnancy, can in some cases cause severe discomfort in the digestive system (heartburn, pain, etc.), but these symptoms are strictly individual and it is recommended to listen to your body, especially at this important time for every woman.
[ 1 ]
Pregnancy and spicy food
Many women during pregnancy want salty or sweet foods, this is explained by the change in hormonal levels that begins during this period.
Spicy food during pregnancy, as some experts note, can even be beneficial for pregnant women, but only if you do not overindulge in it.
Spicy dishes stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and improve blood circulation, and such dishes can also promote the production of serotonin, or as it is called the “happiness hormone,” which helps to cope with depression, bad mood, and other unpleasant manifestations of pregnancy.
In some cases, women note that after spicy foods, toxicosis, which often plagues women in the first three months of pregnancy, decreases.
Also, hot peppers in small quantities can reduce the risk of developing blood clots.
A woman during pregnancy can indulge in eating spicy foods if there are no contraindications, however, in any case, it is worth remembering that you should not overuse such dishes.
You should give up the desire to eat spicy food if you have problems with your digestive organs. Spicy dishes can cause heartburn, which often accompanies pregnant women, or swelling.
The harm of spicy food during pregnancy
Spicy foods during pregnancy can be harmful, especially if you overindulge in such dishes.
Spicy foods and dishes can cause heartburn, intestinal disorders, nausea, and flatulence.
Women who had problems with their digestive organs before pregnancy should completely avoid eating spicy foods (or eat them with extreme caution).
Also, spicy foods cause a strong feeling of thirst, and excessive water consumption increases the load on the heart and kidneys, which leads to swelling, heaviness in the stomach, etc.