During Pregnancy, Is Diet Coke Harmful Or Not?

Love diet coke? You need not stop drinking this drink during pregnancy period. This is because there is no strong evidence that suggests that it poses harm to either the mother or baby during pregnancy. But yes, but you need to drink it in moderation; there is no doubt about that!

What Does Diet Coke Contain?

It contains aspartame, better known as "NutraSweet", which is a sweetener without calories. It is used in various diet sodas and foods. This substance has two amino acids. Till now, there has been no proof that suggests that diet coke and pregnancy do not go together. However, makes sure to have ONLY ONE per day.

The best pregnancy diet would not suggest taking more than one can per day as they are devoid of any nutrition. It is better to indulge in fruit juices, milk, and water instead of it. But, for those pregnant women who cannot live without gulping a can of diet coke a day, a little indulgence does not pose any harm.

Diabetic Women, Beware!

Although there is no concrete evidence of any harmful effects, it's advisable for diabetic women to stay away from such beverages. It has been found that aspartame disturbs the blood sugar level. Hence, it may pose a threat to diabetics. The right pregnancy diabetic diet would never recommend the intake of such drink.

Consuming large amounts of aspartame leads to memory loss in diabetics, as phenylalanine and aspartic acid become neurotoxic in the absence of other amino acids present in protein. They break the blood brain barrier and impair the neurons in brain, leading to brain damage, depression, seizures, panic attacks, manic depression, violent behavior, and rage.

The Deadly Saccharin

Although moderate amount of pregnancy diet coke containing aspartame is not harmful in healthy women, soft drinks containing saccharin are best to be avoided. Studies have shown teratogenic effects in rodents who had been given saccharin. Teratogenic effect means that they were the cause of birth defects and abnormal development of fetus.

Saccharin has also been found to be carcinogenic in rats. So, if you are fond of picking those pink sachets that are commonly found lying on coffee shop tables, you need to change this habit fast. They are saccharin packets!

If you are pregnant, it's best to cut down on diet coke. However, if you are crazy about cokes, you need not stop it altogether for the full nine months.