The tastebuds can drastically change during pregnancy. As such, those women who may not have liked spicy foods before expecting may have cravings for them constantly. Because of this, the desire to have everything from jalapenos, pepperoncini, curry, and black pepper, and more on every snack and entrée may exist. Because of this, women may wonder about the effects of spicy foods on their babies. And for those who crave black pepper, eating black pepper while expecting does not have any effects on babies.
While things like sweets and desserts are the most popular cravings during pregnancy, according to Healthline, there is a good population of mothers-to-be who enjoy their spicy food as well. The reason that spice is craved while expecting is not entirely known. However, per publication, the working theories are changes in hormones, ingredient combinations in foods, and lacking specific nutrients while babies are on the way. And for those women, the hotter things are, the better. This is why many will crank up the spice in their foods to levels never enjoyed before pregnancy.
Here is why eating black pepper during pregnancy does not have any effects on babies.
Spicy Foods Do Not Affect Baby
When women eat spicy foods during pregnancy, including black pepper, babies are not affected, according to BabyCenter. The flavor of the amniotic fluid may change, per publication, but it is not something that causes any problems for babies.
The problems that may come are for mothers because of trauma that is caused to taste buds or upset stomachs that can result, according to BabyCenter. And while these things are unpleasant, babies will not be on the receiving end of the unpleasantness. So, from the standpoint of keeping babies safe, they are not harmed in any way by consuming spicy foods.
Benefits Of Eating Black Pepper During Pregnancy
Eating black pepper during pregnancy has a substantial number of health benefits. Some of those benefits, according to Motherland Hospital include:
- Increase immunity
- Aids in digestion
- Helps to combat coughs and colds
- Improves emotional health
- Improves mental health
- Can bring blood pressure under control
- Antioxidant properties fight cancer
Black pepper is an amazing spice that not only adds flavor to foods but also keeps the body functioning properly as well. Something that is especially important during pregnancy.
Side Effects Of Eating Black Pepper During Pregnancy
Along with the benefits, there are also side effects of eating too much pepper during pregnancy. Those side effects, according to Parenting FirstCry include:
- Allergic reaction not present before pregnancy
- Can cause increased amounts of heartburn or acid reflux
- Can increase body temperature
- May cause ulcers in the mouth
While some women eat what they want without abandoning during pregnancy, everything should be eaten in moderation. This includes black pepper. By doing so, the side effects can be mitigated and women can continue to feel the best they can while expecting.
Possible Pregnancy Complications From Black Pepper
There is not a lot of information when it comes to rubbing pepper-based oils into the skin during pregnancy. However, some reports claim that it can cause uterine contractions.
WebMD states that there are not enough reliable sources to know whether this is true or not. But, if there is the possibility of this happening, it may be in pregnant women’s best interest to skip putting anything pepper-based on their skin while expecting to keep their babies as safe as possible while in the womb.
Source: Healthline, BabyCenter, Motherland Hospital, Parenting FirstCry, WebMD