Women who regularly drink cola soft drinks before and during pregnancy may increase their risk of developing gestational diabetes, according to the latest research.
The study followed 14,000 women over 10 years and found that by drinking five or more sugar-sweetened cola drinks a week, mums-to-be were 22% more likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
GDM, which causes glucose intolerance in pregnant women, goes away after birth. However, mums with the condition are more likely to have complications during labour, require a caesarean and have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Further research is needed but the increased risk of GDM was only associated with cola drinks, rather than other soft drinks. The researchers therefore believe it could be linked to the caramel colouring used in cola drinks.
Find out more about what is and isn't safe to eat during pregnancy.
