Artificial sweeteners during pregnancy?

[sallysmith]

I'm not sure which forum this question belongs in. But i figure everyone reading this forum is pregnant, so i'm hoping someone can help me out. Which sweeteners are considered OK? I know my doctor rattled off an "OK" list and a "not OK" list, but I can't remember what was on which list. Thanks!

[turtledove]

From what I understand, saccharin and aspartame are definitely not good to have while pregnant. Splenda is OK, but still not the greatest. According to my nutritionist for my GD, you should stay away from all of the artificial stuff as much as possible, but if you have to have something, choose Splenda.

Others may have more info. HTH!

[hautemama15]

my doc said Splenda is okay, but nothing else.

[jammytoast]

It differs by doctor -- mine said Spenda is too new to know what the effects were, and to avoid all if possible. One packet every now and then can't hurt, though.

[AZMom2Be]

I was told to stay away from artificial sweeteners completely.

[CiderLogan]

I've heard the same things as other posters. Some books say Splenda is ok, but I am wary because it is so new - how much research could have been done? My approach is to avoid artificial sweeteners entirely to be on the safe side, but if I find something I ate had some in it, I don't freak out either.

Jenny
Mom to Julia, 8/03
...and another GIRL due 5/29/06!

[jenjenfirenjen]

Hmmm...my midwife gave me a brochure on eating during pregnancy published by the March of Dimes and it said that they were all fine (the only one it didn't mention was Stevia, which isn't technically artificial...it's an herb but I'm not sure if it's OK.)

I tried to find this info on the March of Dimes website but no luck.

[jray]

I believe this is something that is controversial. You'll find both extremes on this topic, and some people have very strong opinions.

However, my OB told me artificial sweetners were fine, too. I use them in moderation, but the only one I really try to avoid is saccharin (Sweet n' Low).

Everything I've read from the FDA, BabyCenter, etc say in moderation, artificial sweetners are fine.

Here are some articles you may find of interest:
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/artificialsweetner.htm
http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/psafe/0,,3wdg,00.html
http://pregnancytoday.com/experts/n-dietsodas.htm
http://www.babycenter.com/expert/pregnancy/isitsafe/9213.html

[holtzmorris]

Hi,

"What to expect when you're expecting" also has a chapter on these. They point out that Splenda is also safe for diabetes. IMHO and experience, sugar is best unless you have diabetes. I've been using Splenda in moderation since being diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Good luck
AHM

[Bean606]

I went to a healthy pregnancy seminar at my hospital last night, and they said everything except saccharin is OK, except that some pregnant women have bad reactions to Nutrasweet. Of course, you should check with your doctor in case they have a different recommendation. I have made the decision that unless they diagnose me with gestational diabetes (I get tested today), I am going to try to stick to natural sugar until after I am done breastfeeding. Something about all those chemicals scares me.