Stevia is a plant native to Brazil and Paraguay. It is commonly used as a natural sugar alternative thanks to a substance in the leaves known as stevioside, which is as much as 300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia now is added to some beverages and juice products. Check with your midwife or obstetrician prior to using stevia to make sure you have no underlying conditions that prohibit you from using this herbal sweetener.
FDA Stance
Although stevia hasn't been extensively studied in pregnant women, the FDA does recognize it as safe for use during pregnancy. Officially, the FDA gave it the GRAS rating, or "generally recognized as safe." Pregnant women should be cautious of natural and artificial sweeteners used during pregnancy. Some, such as saccharin, are not safe and should not be used. Stevia, however, is a good option for many pregnant women who seek a no-calorie sweetener.
Benefits
As a natural, no-calorie sweetener, stevia sweetens without the extra caloric intake that sugar and honey provide. During pregnancy, the recommended weight gain is 25 to 35 lbs. for most women. If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy desserts and sweet beverages, stevia might be able to help you enjoy those foods without adding extra calories to your diet and eventually, extra pounds. Women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes also might benefit from using stevia. This sweetener does not cause spikes in blood sugar like cane sugar, so might help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Uses
Stevia can be used to sweeten beverages such as tea, fruit juice and coffee, and also in place of sugar in desserts. Anywhere you would use sugar, you can substitute stevia. It does have a slight aftertaste that might take getting used to. Stevia can be purchased in powdered form in large bags, or in individual-serving size packets. It also is available in liquid form, although liquid extracts are harder to find and generally not available in grocery stores.
Considerations
Stevia might have an effect on the cardiovascular system, with a possible side effect of lowering blood pressure. The University of Pittsburgh notes that medical studies have been performed to evaluate stevia's effect on the cardiovascular system, but results have been inconclusive. If you have a history of cardiovascular disorders, speak with your doctor regarding the safety of stevia for your situation.
