Many people find soda energizing and refreshing, and some pregnant women use it to cope with pregnancy fatigue, but frequent consumption can do more harm than good.
If you are still wondering what soda is, it's the regular soft drinks you consume daily like Coke, Pepsi, etc. Soda is a mixture of sweeteners like sucrose, fructose corn syrup, caffeine, and carbonated water. Drinking soda once a while during pregnancy is unlikely to cause any problems, but since most of the ingredients can cause adverse health outcomes, abstaining totally may be the best option.
How caffeine in soda can affect your baby
Studies on the effect of caffeine on pregnant women haven't been concluded, but caffeine has been linked to miscarriage, low-birth weight, and stillbirth. Pregnant women that consume caffeine also have heightened nausea, indigestion, dizziness, and insomnia.
How sugar in soda can affect your baby
During pregnancy, your baby needs to maintain a healthy weight, so for this reason, experts advise pregnant women to limit foods containing excessive amounts of sugar. Soda can make pregnant women lose appetite for healthy foods and lead to maternal weight gain.
What of carbonated water and flavorings?
Carbonated water is comparable to plain water because it provides hydration, and it is a good alternative when ordinary water is unavailable. However, carbonated water often contains flavoring agents like citric and phosphoric acid. These acids can be a serious issue during pregnancy as they can increase the risk of oral health issues.
Soda alternatives that are safe to consume during pregnancy
The best beverage to keep you hydrated is water; pregnant women should drink around 8-12 cups of water daily for optimal hydration. However, drinking plain water can get boring sometimes, but you don't have to resort to soda.
Great tasting liquids that are healthy hydration alternatives include; milk, coconut milk, fruit juice, coconut water, and tea. Be careful not to consume just any kind of herbal tea since some of them contain ingredients that are not appropriate during pregnancy. You can consult your doctor if you have any inquiries.