Pregnant and drinking diet coke? Your child could pay the price
Think diet drinks are safe during pregnancy? Think again! New research shows they could set your child up for weight struggles.
You reach for a diet coke thinking it’s the smarter choice but what if it’s doing more harm than good?
A shocking new study reveals that daily diet drinks during pregnancy could increase your child’s risk of becoming overweight by age seven.
The surprising truth about diet drinks
Researchers tracked over 66 000 mums and their kids, and the results are eye-opening.
Children whose mums drank one or more diet drinks a day while pregnant were 26 percent more likely to struggle with their weight as teens.
Even worse? The risk wasn’t obvious at birth, it crept up as the kids grew older.
Here’s what you need to know, mom
- Diet drinks aren’t a “free pass”: Artificial sweeteners might mess with your baby’s metabolism and taste preferences later in life.
- Sugar-sweetened drinks were less risky: Surprisingly, mums who drank regular sugary drinks had kids with lower obesity risk—but that doesn’t make them healthy.
- Your genes and habits matter: If obesity runs in the family, diet drinks could make things even tougher for your child.
Put down that diet coke and pick up that…
…glass of water with a slice of lemon or cucumber for flavour, if plain water bores you.
And if you’re craving something sweet, reach for whole fruits instead of artificial sweeteners.
Still not not convinced? Try these healthy yet delicious drinks.
- Infused water: Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries for a refreshing twist.
- Coconut water: Packed with natural electrolytes, it’s great for hydration and morning sickness.
- Herbal teas: Caffeine-free options like rooibos or peppermint tea are soothing and safe.
- Fresh fruit smoothies: Blend banana, berries, and a splash of milk for a nutrient-packed drink.
- Milk or plant-based milks: Almond, oat, or dairy milk provide calcium and protein for you and your baby
As experts from the British Journal of Nutrition warn, what you drink now could shape your child’s health for years.
Earlier studies, like one from JAMA Pediatrics, even found that babies were twice as likely to be overweight by age one if their mums drank diet drinks daily during pregnancy.