A gynaecologist and nutritionist on Monday warned pregnant women against excessive intake of sugary drinks, saying it could hinder the growth of foetus in the womb.
They gave the advice in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia states that “Foetus is a prenatal human between its embryonic state and its birth.’’
In his remarks, Dr Oluwarantimi Moses, who works with a private hospital in Ikorodu, said, “Some drinks are loaded with excess sugar and have less nutrient, and their consumption should be minimal.
“Those sugary drinks, when consumed in excess, have dangerous effects on the foetus.
“Most of those drinks contain caffeine and caffeine can cross the placenta into the foetus’ blood streams.
“A little caffeine will not affect the foetus, but if taken in excess, it will begin to affect the growth of foetus.
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“It can deprive foetus the essential calcium necessary to build the teeth and bones.’’
Moses also said that excess caffeine would increase the risk of miscarriage and make expectant mothers to be dehydrated.
Also speaking, a nutritionist, Mr Jack Idehor, who works with White Waters Hospital, Ikorodu, advised pregnant women to consume plenty of fresh fruit juice to quench their sugar cravings and avoid too much sugary drinks.
“It is understandable that pregnant women crave for sugary drinks at all stages of pregnancy, but it is better to avoid too much artificial drinks.
“Go for natural fruit juice which will give the foetus some essential vitamins, minerals, potassium and iron while growing in the womb.
“ If you crave for drinks, there are better ones which are lower in caffeine, sugar and without additives,’’ he said.
Idehor, however, advised pregnant women to always seek advice from their care givers before consumption of any drink.
