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Is dark chocolate good during pregnancy?

We moms are a desperate lot! We will do anything to ensure we have a healthy baby. If you are a going-to-be mom, you must have researched what to eat and what not to eat. We all know how that affects our developing babies, so you always want to eat the right things. And, of course, you also want to stay away from the wrong ones!

Interestingly, one thing you can eat without guilt has turned out to be chocolate. Many of us have seen articles touting chocolate as the next big thing for a safe pregnancy. You will also be able to find some actual studies that show chocolate to be beneficial.

Needless to say, that has made many among us gobble down bars of dark chocolate. 

However, you might want to abstain from joining the team! Eating too much dark chocolate during pregnancy is not at all a good idea. Although, that is not to say dark chocolate is devoid of any benefits, especially for pregnancy. 

We will not confuse you any more! Rather, we will get down to business and give you the truth behind eating dark chocolate during pregnancy.

The benefits of dark chocolate for pregnant women

Let us tell you, what you read about the contributions of dark chocolate is not unfounded. The studies were true. You do have some benefits of eating dark chocolate during pregnancy. However, most sources on the internet are a bit of exaggeration. 

Let’s discover the truth together!

What research says

We have many studies that measure the effects of dark chocolate on health. However, you will not find too many studies that focus solely on pregnant women. Here is what we found from analyzing the current research on the topic.

1. Dark chocolate for a healthy baby

Medical News Today reported a study that tested the effects of high and low-flavanol chocolate on some 130 mothers.

Now, flavanol is the substance in chocolate responsible for many benefits. Dark chocolate has more flavanols compared to normal milk chocolate. 

Now, all the women received either a high-flavanol chocolate or a lower one. After the trial was over, researchers found both types of chocolate to improve placental, uterine, and fetal blood flow.

The scientists concluded chocolate with flavanols can improve fetal development and growth. 

2. Reduces risks of preeclampsia

The researchers in the above study found chocolate to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. This is a complication women develop during pregnancy. Patients experience high blood pressure that can damage the liver and kidneys. 

Needless to say, preeclampsia can also prevent you from having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. 

Research around this topic seems to agree with the claims. Apart from the above study, we also have other clinical trials that found dark chocolate to lessen the risks of preeclampsia. 

We picked up a study called ” Chocolate Consumption in Pregnancy and Reduced Likelihood of Preeclampsia.” Let’s see what it says. 

According to the researchers, cocoa in chocolate reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. 

Specifically, theobromine found in dark chocolate can facilitate placental circulation.

Here are some more findings from another study, “Does Chocolate Intake During Pregnancy Reduce the Risks of Preeclampsia and Gestational Hypertension?”

The researchers found chocolate to reduce the risks of preeclampsia by 50% or more. 

The women in the study had 1 to 3-servings of chocolate every week. The researchers also noted the beneficial effects of cocoa to extend from 1st to 3rd trimester.

Now, these two benefits of dark chocolate during pregnancy are the most important. Along with that, you also get other benefits that improve the to-be mom’s health. We will take a brief look at how dark chocolate can help you have a safe pregnancy.

Health benefits of dark chocolate during pregnancy

Here is how dark chocolate paves the way to have a healthier baby-

3. Improved heart health and circulation

You know dark chocolate helps control your blood pressure. It also dilates your blood vessels and improves blood flow across your body. 

Along with making you healthier, chocolate also helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your womb. 

Additionally, chocolate, especially dark chocolate, improves cardiovascular health. You can eat dark chocolate to lower risks of developing heart diseases. The antioxidants in dark chocolate are to be thanked for this role!

4. Elevates your mood

Dark chocolate makes us feel good- nobody can deny the fact! If you want to look at it scientifically, we would say it’s due to a reduction in stress. 

Dark chocolate increases the levels of endorphins in our brains. As a result, we experience a feeling of pleasure or wellbeing. 

Additionally, eating dark chocolate during pregnancy can elevate your mood. 

As our grandmas used to say, a happy you means a happy baby! We have no way to deny this.

5. Happy babies

What we said above has been now proved by studies! Eating dark chocolate during pregnancy can indeed reward you with a happy baby.

In one survey, mothers who had chocolate during pregnancy rated their babies more happy compared to those who didn’t eat chocolate. 

The same thoughts are echoed in a study published in Early Human Development. Mothers who ate chocolate during pregnancy showed lower levels of stress. 

Interestingly, they also gave birth to babies with less fear.  

On the other hand, women who never ate chocolate had higher levels of stress. They also had babies who were more fearful.

We guess you now have enough evidence to believe the role of dark chocolate for a happy and healthy baby!

6. Improves overall health

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that fight free radicals to prevent cell damage.

The darker version of chocolate also comes with anti-inflammatory properties. You can reduce risks of events like stroke and have a safe pregnancy.

Dark chocolate even reduces cholesterol. 

7. Helps meet nutritional needs

Dark chocolate during pregnancy can help mothers meet some of their nutritional needs. You can get a moderate dose of magnesium and iron, which are important during pregnancy.

Chocolate can also add to your calorie consumption and provide some amount of fat.

Till now, everything seems to be too good about dark chocolate. You must be thinking of eating dark chocolate during pregnancy for a fit and joyous baby. However, remember we said eating too much chocolate is not really beneficial?

Let’s find out why!

Is too much dark chocolate unsafe for pregnant women

Dark chocolate during pregnancy is not always safe. Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D, Obstetrics & Gynecology, talks about a peculiar case. 

She had a woman in her third trimester with a case of prenatal constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus. The fetal ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that diverts blood away from the fetal lungs as they are not functional. Once a baby is born, the blood vessel closes, allowing the blood to flow to the baby’s lungs.

Now, this woman did not seem to take any medication to cause the problem. However, the doctors found out she was eating dark chocolate during pregnancy. 

After a thorough analysis, the doctors determined the cause to be polyphenols in chocolate. Robyn suggests consulting your doctor about how much chocolate you should have later in your pregnancy.

Moderation is the key

Robyn says chocolate may be good, but in moderation. You should never go overboard and lose control over eating chocolates. 

Having a bit of dark chocolate every day is beneficial, but too much can be counterproductive. 

All experts seem to agree on the point. Associate director for Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric & Environmental Epidemiology, Elizabeth Triche, talks on the same line. 

She suggests not to eat too much dark chocolate during pregnancy. You may end up gaining weight and developing other adverse effects.

Next, we will go over a few reasons to manage your dark chocolate consumption.

Why too much dark chocolate is bad

Caffeine overdose

Loading yourself with caffeine is never a good idea, especially when you are pregnant. It can seriously affect your sleep and even cause heartburn. Consuming too much caffeine can even lead to miscarriages.

Try to limit your caffeine intake to 200mg per day. 

Tip for measurement: I.5-ounces of dark chocolate has around 31mg caffeine. 

Obesity and diseases

Dark chocolate is not short on calories or fat. A single ounce of dark chocolate during pregnancy can deliver 150-calories and about 9-grams fat.

Having a few bites of dark chocolate won’t do any harm. But overloading yourself puts you in danger of developing obesity. Too much fat can lead to various diseases and even cause C-section complications.

We say it always pays to remain within limits!

Sugar load

Crossing your limits of sugar intake can lead to diabetes and dental problems. Some also say sugar feeds cancer. 

It’s best to know your limits, once again!

Next, we will help you choose the best dark chocolate for a safe pregnancy.

What to look for in your dark chocolate

Less processed

Triche from Yale University recommends buying organic dark chocolate. Why?

The answer is really simple. Chocolates that are highly processed generally contain too much sugar and fat. 

Additionally, they are also low on theobromine. As a result, you will be doing more harm to yourself by having highly processed dark chocolate during pregnancy.

Less sugar

We already said how eating too much sugar is bad for your health. You surely don’t want to take any risks during pregnancy. So, have control over your chocolate cravings!

Non-GMO

Look for natural or organic dark chocolate to prevent any unpleasant surprises. 

Final Thoughts

Eating any type of chocolate can be beneficial in pregnancy. You can eat milk chocolate, white chocolate, and have similar results.

However, the darker the chocolate, the better are the results, says associate director Triche. It’s rich in compounds that improve you and your baby’s health. Eating dark chocolate during pregnancy can even boost the baby’s happiness and reduce your stress.

Be sure to practice moderation when you eat dark chocolate during pregnancy. Only then can you have the most optimum and safest results! 

Try our Fete Chocolate, and enjoy a rich and creamy experience. Add Fete dark chocolate to your diet and ensure smiles for yourself and your baby.