Chocolate and Pregnancy: Some Good News
During my first pregnancy I generally abstained from chocolate because I had heard about the possible dangers of caffeine consumption while pregnant. After all, chocolate has a bit of caffeine, doesn’t it? I wanted to be as careful as possible.
When my second pregnancy came along I was a little more relaxed about the whole thing. I indulged in chocolate occasionally, but still stayed away from caffeinated drinks. I don’t know if it had any effect on my son, but I guarantee you I was a happier lady.
Now a study has been released that makes the claim that chocolate might actually reduce complications during pregnancy.
Hallelujah! Finally some good news.
I’ve heard about the merits behind moderate dark chocolate consumption, but never associated with pregnancy. Now it sounds like eating dark chocolate during pregnancy can actually lower the odds of preeclampsia.
Let me get this straight: I get to eat dark chocolate and avoid preeclampsia? Sounds good to me!
The study concentrated on dark chocolate, so if you’re a fan of milk chocolate then you might not derive the same benefits as people like me who could seriously eat dark chocolate all day long. Still, I’m always happy to hear about anything the justifies my love of chocolate.
As with anything else, though, my guess is that moderation is key with this. Don’t take this news as permission to eat dark chocolate instead of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
If you need any more justification for indulging in some chocolate during pregnancy, don’t forget that some researchers suggest that chocolate during pregnancy can result in a happier baby.
Just as I’ve always thought…chocolate is awesome.
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