Cold drinks in small quantities are not harmful during pregnancy. Prolonged consumption of these unhealthy food choices can negatively impact the health of the mother and the developing fetus. The soft drink’s caffeine, sugar additives, and preservatives can potentially cause gestational diabetes in women and congenital disabilities in the baby.
Consult a nutritionist to consider healthy eating options during pregnancy.
Cold Drink During Pregnancy
Soft drinks often contain caffeine, sugar additives, preservatives, and carbonation. These constituents are high in calories and have harmful effects during pregnancy.
Caffeine in Soft drinks
Caffeine is a substance that warrants caution during pregnancy. Research conducted by the American Pregnancy Association highlights the risks of excessive caffeine consumption for expecting mothers.
- Taking more than 200mg of caffeine daily can significantly increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Increased intake of caffeine during pregnancy causes blood pressure to rise. Hypertension during pregnancy can result in congenital disabilities, preterm labor, early delivery, and babies with low birth weight.
- Caffeine also reduces uterine blood flow, which can lead to complications during pregnancy and delivery.
- Caffeine crosses the placenta and, therefore, can affect the growth and development of the baby.
Sugar Additives
Sugar from sweetened beverages consumption in the maternal stage affects the cognitive functioning in children.
- Sugary sodas can make you feel full without providing any nutritional advantages. This can be particularly concerning during pregnancy, where every nutrient can count towards the healthy development of your baby.
- If you have or are at risk of developing gestational diabetes, sugary drinks can worsen the condition due to their high caloric values.
- Diabetes during pregnancy can abnormally increase the baby’s size, thus increasing the chances of preterm labor and complications during delivery.
Preservatives
The preservatives present in the cold drink can cause various side effects.
- Benzoic acid can cause stomach upset, leading to discomfort and heartburn, a common complaint among pregnant women.
- Some preservatives might interact with medications commonly taken during pregnancy, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
- Certain preservatives might act as endocrine disruptors, affecting hormonal balance. This impacts fetal development.
Risks Associated with Consuming Cold Drinks During Pregnancy
Consuming cold drinks such as sodas is linked to a few risks affecting the mother and the developing baby. A few of the adverse effects produced due to prolonged use of cold drinks during gestation include;
Sugary Beverages Cause Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition during which the blood sugar level of the pregnant woman rises. The intake of sugary beverages plays an important role in developing type 2 diabetes.
Consuming drinks high in sugar can increase blood sugar spikes, which may affect the body’s insulin-producing cells. Pregnant women are advised to minimize their consumption of sugary beverages to maintain blood sugar levels within normal ranges. This reduces the risk of GDM.
Risk of Obesity and Weight Gain
Sugary beverages, such as cold drinks, are among the leading contributors to added sugars in the diet. High sugar intake is closely associated with weight gain and obesity due to excessive calories and a lack of essential nutrients.
The risk of obesity during pregnancy can lead to complications both in the mother and the fetus. Neural tube and heart defects are quite common in children born to obese mothers.
Caffeine Increases Risk for Miscarriage Risk or Preterm Labour
The health authorities recommend that pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to around 200-300 mg daily, equivalent to a 12-ounce coffee.
Caffeine, commonly found in cold drinks, can cross the placenta and affect the fetus. While moderate caffeine consumption is considered safe during pregnancy, excessive intake may be linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth.
Affected Bone Health Due to Phosphoric Acid
Sodas, especially colas, are rich in phosphoric acid. Excessive consumption of these beverages results in decreased calcium levels in the blood.
Phosphoric acid results in the imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the body. It reduces calcium deposition in the bones, leading to bone weakening and deterioration. This also increases the risk of bone breakdown. Prolonged use of sodas can lead to weaker bones and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Heartburn or Indigestion Due to Carbonation
Carbonated drinks, such as sodas, have carbon dioxide, creating bubbles when you open them. This can make you feel gassy, leading to bloating, burping, and a full feeling. This is especially true during pregnancy when the digestive system is more sensitive.
Healthier Alternatives to Cold Drink During Pregnancy
Substitute sugary cold drinks with healthier alternatives to stay hydrated during pregnancy. Some of these mindful choices include;
- Pure water
- Herbal teas
- Milk
- Fresh juice
- Carbonated calcium supplements
Conclusion
Mindful eating during pregnancy is recommended to avoid pre and post-natal complications and fetal abnormalities. Drinking cold drinks and other sugary beverages affects the blood sugar levels, heart and results in gestational diabetes. Use healthier alternatives to these drinks. You can also consult a nutritionist to seek recommendations for mindful eating during pregnancy.
FAQs
1. Can you drink Coca-Cola during pregnancy?
Drinking cold drinks like Coca-Cola occasionally during pregnancy is safe. However, overconsumption can lead to side effects, including preterm labor and congenital disabilities.
2. Is Sprite caffeine free?
Sprite does not contain caffeine, as the manufacturer and the product label indicate. It is a safe choice for people looking for a good source of stimulants.
3. Which side effect is common in soft drinks?
Cold drinks contain a variety of preservatives, with sorbate being the major. Rare side effects associated with sorbate include allergic reactions and mouth sores.