Why Pregnant Women Should Avoid Aspartame

Pregnant Women Should Not Eat Or Drink Any Type Of Artificial Sweeteners Of Any Type

Artificial sweeteners are highly composed of chemicals. The fetus always eats and absorbs what the mother consumes. Diet drinks are not recommended during pregnancy. These drinks contain aspartame.

It is highly recommended that pregnant women avoid aspartame products during pregnancy due to increased levels of phenylalanine on the fetal side of the placenta. And also increased levels of phenylalanine may interfere with the growth of the fetus brain.

Dr. Louis J. Elsas, II, Director of Medical Genetics at Emory University School of Medicine, "recommends that pregnant women avoid aspartame sweeteners" because it is unknown what quantity is considered safe (qtd. In Assc. Of Birth Defect Children 2).

Research shows that aspartame breaks down to methanol, phenylalanine and aspartic acid which may raise a risk for possible birth defects. Methanol is wood alcohol and there is no place for alcohol in a pregnant women's diet.

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame are not just unhealthy and dangerous for the fetus but they have been known to cause severe side effects including migraine headaches, stomach discomfort, high blood pressure, and extra weight gain. There are products with natural sugars in them. You will probably have to start shopping at your local health food store or a local natural food coop. Start reading labels. Stevia and xylitol are much better for you than products with aspartame.

If you really want to live a more healthier lifestyle for you and your baby then start educating yourself about healthier choices.

K.St.louis is the Host of Holistic Moms Talk Radio. Mothers interested in raising their children with a more natural, holistic approach are encouraged to signup for her newsletter.