Anne Hathaway Declined Hot Ones Over Pregnancy Concerns
The actress bypassed the spicy challenge to avoid potential pregnancy discomforts and labor risks.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Pregnancy
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Anne Hathaway, currently pregnant with her third child, recently turned down an invitation to appear on the popular web series Hot Ones. She cited professional medical advice as the primary reason for declining the challenge of consuming increasingly spicy chicken wings.
Why it matters
The decision underscores the common pregnancy-related caution surrounding spicy food, which can exacerbate third-trimester digestive issues like heartburn and acid reflux. While the actress specifically feared the potential for triggering early labor, the move highlights how physical sensitivities influence daily choices during pregnancy.
Medical experts confirm there is no evidence that spicy food induces labor, despite the popular myth. While capsaicin acts as a bacteriostatic agent, its consumption is associated with intestinal hypermotility and gastrointestinal distress during pregnancy.
The players
Anne Hathaway
The Academy Award-winning actress who is currently pregnant with her third child.
The details
The Hot Ones format requires guests to consume chicken wings seasoned with progressively hotter sauces containing high concentrations of capsaicin. For a pregnant individual, this intensity can significantly increase intestinal contractions and accelerate food movement through the digestive tract. These physiological responses frequently lead to severe heartburn and discomfort, prompting many to avoid such irritants during the third trimester.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: Anne Hathaway discussed her decision with E! News.
The Home Front
The public discussion around these dietary choices highlights the persistent, anecdotal nature of many pregnancy health myths. Medical experts generally advise that while diet affects comfort, it rarely impacts the timing of labor onset.
If you are in your third trimester, prioritize meals that minimize gastrointestinal distress and heartburn. Always consult your obstetrician or a licensed medical professional before making significant changes to your diet or responding to common health-related rumors.
The takeaway
While the fear of spicy foods triggering labor is widely discussed, clinical experts maintain there is no direct link between wing-challenge levels of heat and the start of childbirth. Use this as a reminder to focus on digestive comfort by keeping a food journal to track specific triggers during your pregnancy.
Further reading
For guidance on navigating third-trimester nutrition and comfort, explore our Pregnancy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TODAY.
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Do you adjust your diet based on common food-related pregnancy myths?
