Black pepper has a range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits. Eaten moderately, meaning the regular amounts you would add to food, it is safe to eat black pepper in pregnancy. However, too much black pepper may cause miscarriage.

You can eat black pepper in normal amounts with your food after you give birth. With its healing properties and antioxidant effects, black pepper could promote faster postpartum recovery.

Go ahead and sprinkle that black pepper over your omelette or other meals while breastfeeding. It is completely safe to consume. Just make sure not to touch your baby's face or eye after eating something with pepper in it, without washing your hands.

When baby starts eating solids at around 6 months of age, it's okay to add a tiny quantity of black pepper to his or her meals - but if you wish to omit, that is fine, too. Too much black pepper could cause irritation in your baby due to the "heat" of it. Remember, no added salt, even if you give your baby pepper.