Soft drinks are loved by people all over the world, especially in America. Aside from being tasty and refreshing, they’re basically available everywhere and inexpensive, too.
However, due to its high sugar content, nutritional experts have scrutinized it to contribute to the increase in people with heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Because of this, diet soda has found its place in the soft drink industry. Sugar-free but still tasting somewhat like real soda, diet soda is like a dream come true for soda-loving people who are still health-conscious. Beverage companies are claiming that these sugar-free drinks are the healthier choice
Is diet soda, then, a healthy choice for pregnant women as well?
Pregnancy entails a lot of concern for health and nutrition. When you have a baby on the way, you have to be more careful with the things you take in because some food and drinks may or may not harm your little one. There has been an ongoing debate as to whether or not diet sodas are safe to drink while pregnant. Diet soda contains caffeine and artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.
Studies show that these ingredients, as long as they are taken in regulated amounts, are safe in pregnancy. It has been suggested then by many that drinking no more than one diet soda a day during pregnancy is safe.
Can I Drink Diet Soda While Pregnant? Answer: Should Be Avoided
However, new research says that regularly drinking artificially sweetened drinks during pregnancy may be linked to an increased risk of preterm deliveries. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has reported that pregnant women who consume at least one diet soda a day are 38% more likely to give birth prematurely; those who drank more than four servings of the beverage are 78% more prone to preterm birth.
Can I Drink Diet Soda While Pregnant? Answer: Not Recommended
Although many experts say that diet sodas are relatively safe if taken in moderation, new findings have come out regarding the risk of premature birth when drinking artificially-sweetened drinks. Out of about 60,000 pregnant Danish women, preterm delivery was more common in those who consumed diet soda than those who did not.
Whether these findings are significantly true for all pregnant women or not, it is still best to consider taking in food and beverage that are healthy and nutritious, especially during pregnancy. Diet soda basically has no nutritional value, which means that you are simply drinking fluid that does not offer any health benefit to your body or your baby.
Artificial Sweeteners and Weight Gain
The sugar substitutes in diet soda are usually aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, and saccharin. Because these contain no calories, the intake of diet soda is said to promote weight loss or maintenance. But as some experts agree, the artificial sweeteners confuse the taste buds and the brain’s sugar satisfaction. This has led some researchers to conclude that drinking diet soda provides even greater risk in obesity. Although these findings are still suggestive and need more evidence, there has been a distinct pattern that shows the link between drinking artificially-sweetened drinks and weight gain.
The Effect of Caffeine in Pregnant Women
Diet sodas do not only involve artificial sweeteners, they also contain caffeine, which has been questioned for its safety in pregnant women. Studies have shown that caffeine has been associated with cases of prenatal risks. Caffeine passes through the placenta and is absorbed by the fetus. Again, if taken in high levels, the caffeine in your baby’s blood may cause his heart rate to increase. This may cause an interference in overall fetal development as well because caffeine causes you to absorb less iron and calcium from other foods.
Safety vs. Healthy Living
You may say that you only drink diet soda occasionally. You may protest against those who do not recommend drinking diet soda during pregnancy. Yes, it is no doubt that it is safe to drink diet soda every once in a while just to satisfy your sweet craving. Drinking an artificially-sweetened beverage a few times during your pregnancy may not significantly harm your body or your baby.
However, always remember that healthy living is a must as soon as you become pregnant. You must always keep in mind the nutritional value you are giving to your little one in utero through the food and beverages you take in. Instead of taking in that can of diet soda, why don’t you gulp a glass of natural orange juice? This does not only refresh you, it also offers vitamins that are good for you and your baby, and natural sweetness.
