Can you drink diet coke while pregnant? All you need to know

Can you drink diet coke while pregnant (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Donald tong)
Can you drink diet coke while pregnant (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Donald tong)

It's fine to indulge in a diet coke every now and again while pregnant. Whether you're exhausted from tossing and turning all night attempting to get comfortable due to your increasing bump, you've probably questioned if it's safe to consume a coke while pregnant.

The truth is, it's complex. Caffeine consumption above a modest level (less than 200 milligrammes per day) is generally discouraged during pregnancy. Coke consumption during pregnancy contains 32–42 milligrammes of caffeine in one cup.

So before you decide to turn to diet coke during your pregnancy, it's important that you weigh out all the potential risk factors.


Diet Coke History

When diet coke was first released in 1982, the American public was just starting to get interested in fitness and health.

In addition to diet drinks, "zero" sodas have lately entered the market. Diet drinks are a means to avoid additional sugars in beverages. Coca-Cola is a well-known brand that comes in "zero" and "diet" forms.

Both regular Coca-Cola and diet Coke are the result of extensive and complex science. Beyond sugar and calorie content, there are distinctions between the two, and on a scientific level.

Is it safe to drink coke zero while pregnant (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Karolina)
Is it safe to drink coke zero while pregnant (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Karolina)

There are numerous varieties of Diet Coke available, including coke zero Plus, lemon, lime, raspberry, black cherry vanilla, and sugar-free. There are other coke zero varieties available in other nations as well.


Diet coke when pregnant

Many chemicals are present in diet and caffeine-free sodas, and generally speaking, it's preferable to stay away from chemicals when you're pregnant, especially since research is constantly being done.

It's possible that people overindulge in extra calories because they feel so good about themselves after consuming diet drinks.

Coke zero disadvantages for pregnant woman (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Leah)
Coke zero disadvantages for pregnant woman (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Leah)

To provide meals and drinks the sweet flavor of sugar without all the calories, artificial sweeteners are utilized. You can find a wide variety of brands in the store. Artificial sweeteners, commonly known as sugar substitutes, are a fantastic option for glucose in the diet.

One coke here and there probably won't hurt you or your child. However, daily soda use of any kind during pregnancy has been linked to negative outcomes.


Relationship between coke and caffeine

Increased caffeine intake may be linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. However, there is insufficient data to make a firm determination.

High caffeine intake and pregnancy don't mix well. Because it is a stimulant, caffeine raises blood pressure and heart rate.

Diet coke cons for pregnant women (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by pixabay)
Diet coke cons for pregnant women (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by pixabay)

Certain plants' leaves, nuts, and berries contains caffeine as well. Limited soft drink consumption will reduce its harmful effects on the developing fetus.

Nonetheless, the majority of expectant mothers who sip on Coca-Cola are concerned that the caffeine in this beverage is harmful to the developing foetus.


Additional risks to keep in mind

A connection has been found between kids diagnosed with autism and their moms ingesting a high amount of aspartame during pregnancy or nursing, or drinking too much coke zero.

Coke zero frequently exchange their low calorie and sugar content for substances that can seriously harm the body. Pregnancy-related artificial sweetener usage may raise the risk of overweight in early infancy

Disadvantages of diet coke for pregnant women (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by roseclay)
Disadvantages of diet coke for pregnant women (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by roseclay)

Diet coke contains sweeteners made of sugar, which provide the body empty calories and make users feel more hungry.

Furthermore, Coca-Cola drinkers throughout pregnancy are more inclined to gain weight and acquire gestational diabetes. Worse, when those substances reach the body, the baby acquires too much weight and becomes obese.


It's fine to indulge in a soda every now and again while pregnant. However, evidence reveals that drinking soda on a daily basis, whether regular, diet, or caffeine-free, is not a healthy choice.

Just make sure you focus on your water intake and other nutritional needs, since pregnancy the time, when your body needs most care.

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