Brilio.net - When you are pregnant, you tend to be fed various myths ranging from recommendations to wear safety pins, bring scissors, prohibitions against cutting, to prohibitions about food. Including the prohibition that pregnant women should not eat spicy food, it will speed up contractions.
This belief has long been circulating in society, and is often taboo by families. Some associate it with the risk of premature labor and digestive disorders for pregnant women. It is no wonder that many pregnant women feel hesitant before eating their favorite spicy food.
However, is it true that spicy food can directly affect pregnancy? Or is it just a myth that has not been scientifically proven? Well, according to the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), there has been no basic research related to the prohibition of pregnant women from eating spicy food.
But what needs to be considered is the nutrition of the food consumed by pregnant women. Eating spicy food is okay as long as it is not excessive. In addition, for pregnant women who have a history of stomach acid, it is better to avoid eating spicy food.
Apart from that, there are various other myths related to the prohibition of pregnant women eating spicy food. What are they? Let's see the complete review that brilio.net reported from various sources, Friday (12/20)
7 Meanings of the myth that pregnant women should not eat spicy food
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1. Spicy food can trigger faster contractions
One of the most commonly believed myths is that spicy food can trigger uterine contractions and then cause premature birth. This assumption arises because spicy food is thought to have a stimulating effect on the body.
In fact, until now there has been no scientific evidence that shows a direct link between spicy food and uterine contractions. If consumed in reasonable portions, spicy food is generally safe for pregnant women, although each mother may have different sensitivities to certain foods.
2. Endangers the health of the baby in the womb
Some believe that spicy food can affect the development of the baby in the womb, such as disrupting growth and making the baby fussy after birth.
However, this myth is more rooted in concerns without scientific basis. In fact, spicy food does not directly affect the baby because the nutrients absorbed come from the mother's blood, not from the taste of the food consumed.
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3. Can cause severe digestive disorders
Spicy food can indeed trigger digestive disorders such as stomach acid, especially in pregnant women who already have a history of such disorders. This is often misinterpreted as a special danger to pregnancy.
In fact, the effects of spicy food are more individual and depend on the mother's body condition. If the mother feels comfortable and does not experience problems, spicy food can still be enjoyed.
4. The baby will be born with certain birthmarks
Some parents often associate the consumption of spicy foods with birthmarks in babies, such as red spots to sensitive skin. This is a myth that has no scientific basis at all. Birthmarks are more related to genetic factors and natural processes during fetal development, not because of certain foods consumed by the mother during pregnancy.
5. Can cause miscarriage early in pregnancy
Many pregnant women avoid spicy food in the first trimester for fear of triggering a miscarriage. This myth arises because spicy food is thought to affect hormones or the condition of the uterus.
In fact, miscarriages usually occur due to chromosome problems or the mother's health, not spicy food. Even so, it is still important to listen to your body and avoid foods that make you uncomfortable.
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6. Makes pregnant women feel tired more easily
There is also a belief that spicy food can make pregnant women feel tired more quickly. This is actually more related to the body's reaction to spicy food, such as increased body temperature or sweating. Spicy food does not directly affect the mother's energy, unless consumed excessively to the point of disrupting digestion.
7. Reduces the quality of amniotic fluid
The last myth is that spicy food is thought to affect the quality of amniotic fluid, making it bad for the baby. This belief is not supported by scientific research, because amniotic fluid is produced by the mother's body based on natural mechanisms. Spicy food consumed by the mother does not have a direct effect on amniotic fluid, as long as the diet remains balanced and nutritious.