Good news for salsa and curry lovers: spicy foods are not on the restricted list for pregnant women [1]. However, you may want to be cautious regarding how much spicy food you eat.
Is it harmful to eat hot chili peppers during pregnancy?
Every type of chili pepper (the star ingredient in salsa) contains capsaicin, which is the substance that causes the burning sensation you get in your mouth when you eat a jalapeño or one of its cousins. Generally, capsaicin is safe for both baby and mom. However, chili peppers and other spicy foods may cause heartburn [2]; a condition that can be challenging to deal with during pregnancy, when many medications are not allowed. So, if you are prone to heartburn after eating spicy food, you may want to avoid it.
There are also other, less common contraindications [2]:
Allergies to chili peppers
Gastritis
Stomach ulcers
Taking medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, warfarin, aspirin, and theophylline (though these medications are usually not prescribed to pregnant women).
What about cravings for hot and spicy snacks like chips, corn puffs, or those sweet and spicy candies? Are they okay also?
There is no restriction when it comes to spicy foods during pregnancy, but keep in mind that these snacks are likely to contain high levels of sugar and fat, so they can significantly increase your calorie intake while providing zero nutritional benefits. Short answer? It’s best to eat them sparingly [3], otherwise, they may contribute to unwanted weight gain that can trigger health issues for you and your baby. An overly abundant diet can result in a bigger baby, which may complicate delivery [4].
Are there any spicy dishes that are considered healthy?
Of course there are! Here are just a few examples (South Asian dishes can also be healthy and spicy at the same time!):
Grilled fish tacos with salsa. Corn tortillas provide calcium and are rich in fiber, fish is a great source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, and any veggies you top them with add more fiber and micronutrients to your diet. All of them are essential for pregnant women [5].
Salsa verde. This tasty salsa is a great topping for all sorts of dishes, even salad! Each serving provides only twenty calories [6]. You don’t need to worry about the garlic or other ingredients your salsa verde may have. As with other spicy foods, any type of salsa may contribute to heartburn [1].
Guacamole with chili peppers. Avocados contain healthy vegetable fats, and along with classic guacamole ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers provide much-needed fiber (necessary to prevent constipation) [5, 7].
Is it true that spicy food can stimulate labor?
It is believed that in the later stages of pregnancy, up to five percent of expectant mothers indulge in spicy food to try to induce labor [8]. Some people believe that spices can enhance bowel movement, which, in turn, can trigger contractions. In reality, labor begins because of a complex, not fully understood, exchange of signals between the baby, the placenta, and the mother’s brain [9]. Eating tacos with lots of salsa or a spicy curry is unlikely to speed up the process [10], but they can be very tasty!
