A new study conducted by scientists from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has revealed the potential dangers of excessive consumption of sugary drinks by pregnant women. The results were published in the journal Nutrients, gazeta.ru reports.
The study involved 4824 pregnant women, mostly under 35. Scientists analyzed their diets, paying special attention to the amount and types of drinks consumed, including juices, soda, plant-based drinks and others.
Participants were followed from the time of the survey until one year after the end of pregnancy. The results showed that drinking drinks with natural sugar even three times a week significantly increased the risk of developing gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension.
Additionally, the study found a link between high sugary drink consumption and an increased risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth and congenital abnormalities in the fetus.