How Artificial Sweeteners Could Negatively Impact Your Newborn

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Could drinking soda or other products with artificial sweeteners, while you are pregnant, have an impact on your unborn child? A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics Edition has found that moms who consume artificially sweetened drinks may influence the body mass index of their infant.

The scientists took a close look at the relationship between consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and the BMI of the child at 1 year of age. What they found is that when compared with women who did not drink the beverages, drinking these products on a daily basis were associated with an easily measurable increase. These unborn babies were significantly more likely to be overweight at 1 year of age.

So, what do you do with this information? My recommendation is always common sense: if you must have these drinks do so in moderation.