Coke v. Caffeine-Free Diet Coke: WDYT?

MPSW

I had a tough time with this in my first pg as well ... I'm not a huge soda drinker, but sometimes I just really really want a fuzzy yummy coke with lunch.

Which do you think is worse for you when you're pregnant: Caffeine or Diet? I could drink regular coke (with caffeine) or the caffeine-free diet coke. I can't find Caffeine-Free (regular) Coke anywhere.

Thoughts? 

GracieLou Freebush

One Coke is not going to hurt anything.  One caffeine free Diet Coke is not going to hurt anything either.  If you're already having a couple cups of coffee in the morning, probably opt for the caffeine free.

notthebride123

The diet soda with the artificial sweeteners is probably worse than the caffeine. But, I still would drink it! I don't like the taste of regular coke. Don't they make caffeine-free regular coke? Hmmm...

Mrs.Leah.Maria

I would opt for regular Coke over DC.

I love getting carbonated waters for that little bit of bubbly!

kateisgreat

I drink the caffeine free regular coke, that sucks you can't find it.  When I have a headache I drink a regular coke. I think there is something like 35 mg of caffeine in 12 oz, and it's safe to have up to 300 mg a day.

I always drank caffeine free though, because I have interstitial cystitis, not because I'm pregnant.  I don't think twice about the caffeine aside from the pain is causes my bladder.   

goteamgo

I'd rather have regular coke than fake sugar. Neither are that terrible, though.

lolliM

Personally I think they are all nasty (but I haven't had a "cola" since 1997) How about sprite or 7up or sierra mist???  I love them when they are extra fizzy from a fountain machine! YUMMY!

bananatiff

Mrs.Leah.Maria:

I would opt for regular Coke over DC.

   I would and do opt for regular Coke.

 I'm not saying artificial sweetener is horrible, I have just made the choice to avoid it whenever possible.  So I occasionally pour myself a half can and offer the other half to a co-worker.  It ALWAYS puts a smile on their face so it's a win-win.

iheartmyllama

I don't drink soda on a regular basis, but sometimes a regular coke (or even better, cherry coke) just tastes so good and really hits the spot. I wouldn't worry about the caffeine if you're not drinking soda everyday.

johnsonia

I am avoiding all diet drinks. I think the fake sugar cr@p they put in diet drinks are way worse that caffeine. I too sometimes need the caffeine but I'd always go regular over diet. 

COMomma81

A little caffeine is not going to do any harm. The no caffeine rule is completely antiquated and unless you have BP problems, pretty much any OB is going to say drinking up to 200 mg per day is fine. Most sodas have anywhere between 35 - 45 mg, and a cup of coffee can have anywhere from 90-250 mg. Caffeine should be limited, but you don't have to cut it out completely.

Personally, I would opt for caffeine over artificial sweeteners, but a little of that probably won't hurt either. 

momtojake

I hate coca cola products.  I'll drink a diet pepsi if I need something to help with a headache, regular pepsi is way to sweet.

DHYGchica3

Sorry, I need to get on my soap box here. Aspartame is not healthy, neither is splenda also known as sucralose (which I've found in NUMEROUS ingredient lists that don't even tell you there are artificial sweeteners on the package).

Aspartame was originally banned by the FDA, and was only later pushed for approval by a member who later resigned to work for the manufacturing company. Splenda is NOT natural, regardless that they tell you it is made from sugar.

Do your research, these are both harmful chemicals that shouldn't be ingested regardless if you are pregnant or not.

There are better alternatives that do come from natural sources and do not cause harm to your body. Stevia is one, and xylitol is actually really good for preventing cavities.

Okay... sorry just had to put my ten cents in. So I would go with the caffiene regular sugar soda.

christa62908

Neither is healthy but they won't hurt you if you have an occasional glass! Don't deprive yourself-enjoy them if you so choose!

txaggie2002

I'm staying away from artificial sweetners, so I've been opting for plain ole Coke.

LyndseyLC

I usually have one Diet Coke once a day. Dr said it is completely fine.

UncleBen

I don't drink soda very often but I have craved it a few times this pregnancy.  I don't think any of them are great for you but Diet Rite is caffeine free and made with Splenda.  I have issues when I consume anything with too much sugar so I stay away from regular soda in general.  Diet Rite is the best option I can find that I feel ok about drinking while pregnant. 

Hopeful11

I opt for the regular coke.  Infrequently, I'll have a diet soda that is not caffeinated like Diet 7up.