Is Crystal Light Ok to drink during pregnancy?

jcttfn00

A coworker just freaked out that I was mixing a crystal light packet in my water bottle.  She said someone told her not to drink crystal light during her pregnancy because the artificial sweeteners can cause birth defects.

Has anyone else heard of this?

trinakb

They tell you to limit your artificial sweetener intake. Some people think it's horrible to have any at all when you are pregnant and others continue eating/drinking it throughout. It is really what's comfortable for you.

I know i'm still enjoying my diet pepsi. Not as frequently but definitely enough!

happy-honey

It contains Aspartame so it depends how you feel about it.  I avoid it.  If you are looking for an alternative and are okay with Splenda 4C makes one with Splenda.

Soon_2B_MrsM

After readying the book "Sexy B*tch Bun in the oven" I would really try not to use anything with artificial sweeteners in it...I am just saying I would not, I am not going to flame you for it at all, but do some research and come to your own conclusions.

JhawkCE

It's fine in moderation although I was having a lot of braxton hicks and re-hydrating using crystal light.  My OB suggested cutting back because the acidity can cause bladder irritation which can increase the BH.

618mom22boys

Last pregnancy I had low fluid (as well as with this one) and my doc told me Crystal light was ok so I was not drinking plain water all the time.

day lilies 08

Propel also makes individual packets for bottled water and it is made with Splenda. I try to use it or the Walmart equivalent instead of Crystal Light now that I am pregnant, but if I absolutely can't stomach plain water and CL is all I have, I'll drink it.

jisabella04@hotmail.com

I drank it quite a bit with DD because I had GD and could not have fruit juice, and she was fine, but I'm not sure, now you have me wondering if maybe I shouldn't drink it either... I would bring it up at your next appt, I think I will

Allie30

I have also heard to avoid artificial sweeteners during pregnancy. I hate artificial sweeteners anyway, so it was no big deal for me.

I don't understand the "Crystal Light is all I have" argument, though. What is wrong with mixing a little fruit juice or lemon into your plain water? You can also make herbal fridge tea (lemongrass or ginger -- yummy!) or other caffeine free ice teas that have zero calories!

cybergal5184

I drink it.  Best to block out coworkers who "freak out"!

Tapsalteerie

It contains Aspartame.  Taken from the American Pregnancy Association: According to the Food and Drug Administration(FDA), Aspartame is safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. It is recommended to limit consumption to a moderate level.

niccole_e

Allie30:

I have also heard to avoid artificial sweeteners during pregnancy. I hate artificial sweeteners anyway, so it was no big deal for me.

I don't understand the "Crystal Light is all I have" argument, though. What is wrong with mixing a little fruit juice or lemon into your plain water? You can also make herbal fridge tea (lemongrass or ginger -- yummy!) or other caffeine free ice teas that have zero calories!

I had severe m/s and the only liquid I could hold down was water with crystal light ice tea. I tried it all and this was all I could tolerate. 

W&J'sMommy

Artificial sweeteners are chemicals.  I avoid ingesting chemicals as much as possible. 

Someone posted about a new "natural" crystal light, I think they said Walmart carried it.

jcttfn00

I haven't had Crystal Light or diet soda since I became pregnant to avoid the artificial sweeteners.  There was one packet left in my desk at work so I figured what the hell, I already drank a quart and a half of plain water today.  Moderation is key to everything at this point but I probably won't buy a new box of them unless my doctor says it is ok.

SpartanChick88

W&J'sMommy:

Artificial sweeteners are chemicals.  I avoid ingesting chemicals as much as possible. 

Someone posted about a new "natural" crystal light, I think they said Walmart carried it.

The new Crystal Light contains Stevia.  The FDA is currently unsure of the effects of the Stevia plant while pregnant

Future Mrs. Varwig

I drank a ton of diet soda, crystal light etc before my BFP.  I cut down slightly when I got my BFP.  Once I hit 2nd trimester I started getting the worst headaches imaginable.  My doctor told me pregnancy headaches were normal in the 2nd trimester.  I noticed on day that I hadn't had a headache all day untill about 15 minutes after I started drinking my Crystal Light Iced Tea.  I thought maybe it was the aspertame.  So I've cut it out and my headaches are gona!  Just something to think about!!

dixee.deluxe

I nix'd Crystal Light and switched to Arizona Half&Half.  It contains Splenda rather than Aspertame.  Mostly because I've read in more places that Splenda was OK.  Plus, diet sodas are made with Aspertame.  So, trying to avoid it gives me a great excuse to splurge on a regular delicious amazing Coke.

I am also dilligent in my plain old water intake.  I drink at the very least 1.5L per day.  That doesn't count any consumption after I leave work (which is also a lot). 

"Sucralose: (Splenda) This is non-caloric sweetener that is made from sugar. Sucralose has been approved for use in baked goods, baking mixes, non-alcoholic beverages, chewing gum, coffee and tea products, confections and frostings, fats and oils, frozen dairy desserts and mixes, fruit juices, sugar substitutes, sweet sauces, toppings and syrups. It can also be used as ?table-top sweetener.? Sucralose has no effect on blood sugar, offers no calories, and is deemed safe during pregnancy and lactation. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sucralose is safe for everyone to consume, including pregnant women."