Pregnancy is a beautiful thing – and it’s also unquestionably challenging. Your body is going through dramatic changes to bring new life into this world. That’s a big deal! The effects of what you do, feel, and eat is far greater when you have a baby bump in mind. This may lead to making certain lifestyle changes, so you and your baby are as healthy as possible during and after the pregnancy.
So, what do you do when you get those infamous pregnancy cravings for chocolate? Chocolate is one of the most common pregnancy cravings, and you’re likely to experience a ravenous desire for that delicious treat at one point or another. While chocolate is known to have some health benefits, what does it mean for women who are expecting? The answer might surprise you.
Chocolate and You During Pregnancy
Chocolate consumption in general has been known to correlate with healthy blood pressure levels and other factors linked to cardiovascular disease. One study examined the link between eating chocolate during pregnancy and how it might reduce the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. The results showed that having chocolate during pregnancy reduced the occurrence of both conditions, which is a relief for expecting moms looking for a sweet bite.
It’s great to know that chocolate can help reduce these conditions if you’re pregnant, but since you’re eating for two, you might wonder how it affects your baby.
Chocolate and Your Baby
Another study on the benefits of having chocolate during pregnancy looked at chocolate containing different amounts of compounds rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which live naturally in many fruits and vegetables…and chocolate.
Researchers gave a group of pregnant women low-flavanol chocolate and others high-flavanol chocolate, and then looked at the outcomes in placental function and weight, and preeclampsia risk between the two groups. They found that the flavanol content of the chocolate did not seem to matter, but women who consumed chocolate during pregnancy showed improvements in these areas compared to those who did not have chocolate when they were pregnant. If you’re worried that chocolate may affect the environment your baby develops and thrives in while they’re inside your stomach, research shows how beneficial it may be.
While chocolate during pregnancy has its benefits, moderation is key. So, while you should continue to monitor your sugar and caffeine in your diet throughout your pregnancy, a bite of chocolate to curb that sweet tooth here and there is good for you and your little one.
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Disclaimer: PerkinElmer and ViaCord do not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medications, or treatment. All information is provided for informational purposes only.
Resources:
ScienceDirect. Does Chocolate Intake During Pregnancy Reduce the Risks of Preeclampsia and Gestational Hypertension? https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1047279710001213
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. High-flavanol chocolate to improve placental function and to decrease the risk of preeclampsia: a double blind randomized clinical trial. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(15)01352-6/fulltext
