The Effects of Sugar on Pregnancy

Topic: The Effects of Sugar on Pregnancy

A lot of sugar is not good for anyone, but health experts have urged that this is especially true in regard to pregnant women. What a woman eats during pregnancy not only impacts her, but impacts the child, and sometimes this impact continues even after birth. Thus, keeping an eye on how much sugar is consumed is highly recommended by physicians.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet and Moderation During Pregnancy

Dr. Gloria Bachmann, an OB-GYN who also serves as the director for the Women’s Health Institute at Rutgers University, maintains that keeping a balanced diet is ideal at all times – whether an individual is pregnant or not. As for pregnant women, she recommends less than 30 grams, or approximately 7 teaspoons, of sugar. Importantly, this does not include sugar that is obtained naturally, such as in the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Instead, this pertains to added sugar, such as in desserts or fruit juices.

However, it is also important to remember that an individual’s unique situation and other factors, such as gestational diabetes (which occurs in 2-10% of pregnancies), may further limit how much sugar should be consumed. If gestational diabetes is a factor, one of the primary ways to manage it is to either follow a meal plan prescribed by a physician or to embrace a low-sugar diet. If that is not enough, insulation or other medications may be needed.

In addition, Bachmann addresses artificial sweeteners, saying certain ones are okay and pointing to moderation as the key. However, there are certain artificial sweeteners pregnant women should completely avoid, including saccharin. This is because saccharin has the ability to cross the placenta and take up residence in the fetal tissue. Foods and drinks that have saccharin in them include canned fruit, baked goods, chewing gum, diet sodas, certain vitamins, and more.

Along with moderation, consulting your physician is key to identifying what you should and should not consume. Everyone’s body is different, and other factors or medical issues may play a role in certain dietary needs. Thus, the safest thing to do is to seek professional medical advice while pregnant. In general, however, moderation and a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals are important for everyone, and especially for pregnant women.

Key Takeaway

Too much sugar can negatively impact anyone, and especially may have an effect on pregnant women. Consulting your physician who can account for your specific needs and medical history is key to staying on track and being the healthiest you can be during pregnancy.

Topic Discussed: The Effects of Sugar on Pregnancy