Chocolate during Pregnancy

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

A recent internet survey found that pregnant women do indeed have the oddest cravings. Odd foods craved by pregnant women included pickles and peanut butter, tuna with bananas, and even toothpaste. This year’s survey found 75% of pregnant women had odd food cravings, compared with only 30% five decades ago. Number one on the craving list- chocolate; yet that preganacy craving for chocolate might not be such a bad thing. Good news for chocolate loving mums everywhere, a new study found chocolate is actually good for expecting women.

Although it sounds too good to be true, researchers from Yale University prove otherwise. The study found that dark chocolate may help prevent a dangerous condition known as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia affects about 8% of pregnant women and is characterized by elevated blood pressure and excess protein excretion in urine.

Not all chocolate is created equal; it is dark chocolate that is rich in the chemical theobromine. Theobromine relaxes smooth muscle, dilates blood vessels, and stimulates the heart and has been used to treat high blood pressure as well as hardening of the arteries. In order to further investigate the benefits of chocolate on cardiovascular health, researchers set out to discover if dark chocolate could also help prevent preeclampsia.

Participating is the study were 2, 291 women who had delivered one child. Researchers questioned the women as to how much chocolate they consumed during their first and third trimester as well as measuring the amount of theobromine in the babies’ umbilical cord. The study found that women with the highest amounts of theobromine in the umbilical cord blood were 69% less to develop preeclampsia. In addition, women who ate 5 or more servings of chocolate had a 40% decreased risk of developing the condition than women who ate chocolate less than once a week.

Researchers theorize theobromine could improve placental circulation while blocking oxidative stress. It is possible other beneficial components of dark chocolate may have also played a role in this study including magnesium, flavonoids, and antioxidants. The scientists state when it comes to choosing chocolate, the darker the better. It is important to note that although chocolate may be beneficial, it should be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet and is not meant to replace nutrient dense foods. Be sure to keep regular check-ups with your physician throughout pregnancy.