Medical and nutrition experts have firmly debunked the widely circulated myth that eating spicy foods during pregnancy can cause blindness in newborns. According to multiple professionals, no scientific research or clinical data supports the idea that spicy meals harm a baby’s vision in the womb.

In recent discussions with health correspondents, experts emphasized that while spicy foods may trigger heartburn or stomach discomfort in expectant mothers—especially those with pre-existing ulcers—they do not pose any risk to fetal eyesight.

No Medical Link Between Spices and Baby Blindness

Professor Ignatius Onimawo, a seasoned public health nutritionist and former Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, stated unequivocally that there is no link between spicy food and infant blindness.

“It’s a total misconception,” he said. “There is zero evidence—not a single scientific study—that supports such a claim. This is simply a cultural myth, not grounded in medical fact.”

Onimawo, also a past president of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, stressed that dietary choices involving spices are mostly cultural preferences, and not issues of health risks during pregnancy.

“I’m unaware of any spice that is contraindicated in pregnancy,” he added. “What doctors warn against are substances like alcohol and certain drugs, which are known to harm the fetus—not pepper or ginger.”

Focus on Balanced Nutrition During Pregnancy

Both Onimawo and other health experts advised pregnant women to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and to avoid harmful substances, rather than obsessing over spices.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also underscores the importance of food safety for expectant mothers, unborn babies, and children under five.

In line with this, BabyCentre, a respected US-based online resource on pregnancy and early childhood development, supports the safety of spicy foods in pregnancy.

“Spicy meals are absolutely safe during pregnancy,” the portal states. “They don’t appear on the list of foods to avoid while expecting. Although some people wrongly assume spicy food is dangerous, the only possible downside is heartburn, especially in later trimesters.”

Doctors Urge Caution for Women With Gastric Issues

Echoing these views, Dr. Austin Aipoh, President of the Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN) and a public health expert, also dismissed the blindness claim as a baseless rumor.

“For all known spices, none have been found to affect a baby’s vision,” Aipoh said. “That said, pregnant women should avoid unfamiliar spices, especially if they trigger stomach problems.”

He explained that spicy foods can worsen conditions like ulcers or gastritis, which may flare up during pregnancy.

“For women who have ulcer history, eating foods with heavy pepper, ginger, or alligator pepper could lead to severe heartburn or dyspepsia,” he noted.

Heartburn: The Real Issue With Spices in Pregnancy

According to BabyCentre, heartburn is one of the most common side effects of spicy food during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.

The platform explains that pregnancy hormones relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus, allowing acids to backtrack, resulting in that familiar burning sensation.

“While it can occur at any time, heartburn is most frequent in the final trimester when the growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach,” BabyCentre said.

To manage these symptoms, experts recommend eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down right after eating, and limiting extremely spicy foods if discomfort becomes persistent.

Research Confirms Importance of Proper Maternal Nutrition

In a 2018 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients, researchers emphasized the vital role that nutritional balance plays during pregnancy. A healthy diet not only promotes the baby’s development but also supports the mother through physiological changes.

The study highlighted the need for:

• Proper intake of macro- and micronutrients

• Appropriate weight gain

• Adherence to food safety practices

• Avoidance of harmful substances like alcohol or unsafe medications

The paper concluded that eating well during pregnancy goes beyond food myths—it’s about nourishing both mother and baby through well-informed dietary choices.

Bottom Line: Myths Should Not Dictate Maternal Nutrition

Despite persistent rumors, spicy foods do not cause blindness in babies, and no credible medical evidence supports such claims. Health professionals urge pregnant women to focus instead on evidence-based nutrition and to consult their doctors if they experience digestive discomfort after eating certain foods.

So while expectant mothers can safely enjoy their jollof rice or pepper soup, moderation—especially for those with ulcers—remains key. Ultimately, informed decisions backed by professional medical guidance should guide what goes on their plates during pregnancy.