Hi -
Does anyone know if there are any warnings against using sugar substitutes (Splenda, maltitol, etc) during pregnancy? We just found out we're having another baby, and have been low carbing for about 9months (really helped getting baby weight from first baby off!). I"m in pre-maintenance (about 30-50 carbs per day) but I am planning to change my eating habits so I have more like 80-100 carbs per day (more good carbs than I have been eating - whole grains, fruits, etc) but want to avoid sugar, and know that my sweet tooth will haunt me during pregnancy. If I have alternatives to Dairy Queen that would really help!

Thanks for any news....

Blueowl's wife....

Just some friendly advice.

You should consult your Ob/gyn or family doctor. When it comes to the health of you and your child, you shouldn't take the word of anyone on the internet.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

I'd think the malitol would cause problems if it gave you diareah. Kind of like when my friend told me she took a huge thing of caster oil to induce labor. It gave her diareah and the cramps form that set of labor. My only thought was that would be the absolute worse time to have bowl problems

I agree ask your doctor and ger his/her opinion. You might also do some studying on your own. Just be sure if you find an article on the dangers that it is backed by sound scientific study. There are so many scare articles out there it's rediculous.

You might also find that you can cure your sweet tooth with fruits. Maybe instead of going to Dairy Queen have a fruit parfet with homade whipped cream. That or get some plain whole milk yogurt and mix in fruits for a sweet treat.

I'll echo the "ask your doctor" sentiment, but I would avoid scaring myself silly by looking for much useful info online! There are enough horror stories to keep you busy alright...

I think, as with anything, moderation is the key. I used artificial sweeteners semi-regularly with both pregnancies and the kids SEEM normal, although with ME for a mother...THAT'S a miracle.

If the doctor ok's splenda, or stevia, try making your own sweet treats to avoid the sugar alcohols Make yourself a italian soda (yummmy). Or make some homade fudge or candy.

Try making an LC cheesecake, or mock danish with some cocoa added.

I just had a beautiful baby girl Jan 27. I did LC throughout. I used only Splenda as a sweetner and had no problems what so ever. I did not use Aspartme (Sp?) or any sugar alcohols.

Sometimes I used fruit to provide sweetness. i.e. fruit in plain yogurt. (In fact Yogurt was my dessert)

Stay LC, 60-100 carbs. Whole foods... You will be fine!

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am pregnant and staying LC too. I am keeping between 70 and 90 net carbs a day. My doctor said splenda and stevia were fine during pregnancy but she would rather my 'sweets' be fruit if I was having a craving. She also said that 70 to 90 net carbs was perfectly safe and that my menus looked great. She asked me to add back whole grain bread, and brown rice, whole yogurt and to add a little more fruit and nuts than what I was eating before. That was pretty much all I changed for pregnancy other than adding back fish just while I am pregnant. Oh I was also asked by my doctor to drop the protein shakes and bars she said that my protein should come from 'real' foods. Anyways, goodluck with your pregnancy and staying LC! I hope you will find a doctor that is as supportive as mine!

Jenn

Edit <oh what helps with my cravings most the times are smoothies. I make a blueberry cheesecake one with 1 cup of enhanced soymilk, 1 4oz vanilla dannon LC yogurt, 1/2 cup of FROZEN blueberries, 1 TBL of cream cheese, 4 ice cubes... blend until smooth.> Sometimes I add different fruits for the blueberries and keep the rest the same. I am sure you could use the LC regular or chocolate milk if you don't like soy but even my soy hating husband likes them just like I make them.

Use Stevia. This is all natural plant extract that is completely health with no side effects. Also it is the best tasting in my opinion.

Christian

I've read that having aspartame during pregnancy increases the risk of brain tumors and cancer in the baby. My uncle is a Dr. and he always counsels women to avoid aspartame during pregnancy like the plague because it's so bad for the baby.