Sugar in Soda and Its Effect During Pregnancy
When it comes to consuming soda while pregnant, sugar is another factor to take into account.
Because the main sweetener in “regular” soda is typically a type of sugar, it is categorized as a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB).
Numerous studies over the years say that mothers who drink SSBs during their pregnancy are more likely to have a preterm birth, give birth to a low-birth-weight infant, suffer from preeclampsia, and develop gestational diabetes (source: Proceedings of the Nutrition Society).
In addition, drinking SSBs during pregnancy has been associated with the child going on to carry excess weight later on in their childhood (source: Pediatrics).
Although the effects of drinking SSBs on the course of a pregnancy and the health of the baby may seem concerning, the adverse effects were only noticed when the mother consumed more than five servings of SSBs per week on a regular basis.
Soda should only be consumed occasionally as a treat and in moderation for mom and the baby’s safety.
Caffeine in Soda When You’re Pregnant
Most women are familiar with the advice to limit their caffeine intake while pregnant and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a limit of 300 mg caffeine daily for pregnant women (source: WHO).
These sodas won’t hydrate you as effectively because of the caffeine in them because it makes you urinate more frequently.
A greater need to use the restroom may be a compelling reason for pregnant women with incontinence to choose decaffeinated varieties.
Because the caffeine content of sodas varies, it’s important to read the label to determine how much caffeine you may be consuming.
The caffeine content of a few popular sodas per 12 oz (355 mL) is listed below. More details on caffeine-free sodas are found below.
| Soda | Caffeine (mg/12 oz) |
| Coca-cola- original | 34 mg |
| Barq’s root beer | 24 mg |
| Mountain Dew- original | 54 mg |
| Pepsi- original | 38 mg |
| Dr. Pepper | 41 mg |
As you can see, the majority of soda drinks can contain a significant amount of caffeine, which can accumulate if you consume them frequently.
Keep in mind that specialty sodas like energy drinks can contain even more caffeine; in this article, we discuss whether or not they are safe to consume while pregnant.
Is It Okay To Drink Soda During Pregnancy?
It’s unlikely that drinking a glass of soda every now and then while pregnant will harm you or your unborn child. However, its frequent consumption could be a cause for concern. Carbonated water, sweeteners like sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, caffeine, and natural flavors make up soda (1). Limiting soda consumption is preferable because the majority of these ingredients can have detrimental effects on health. Related: