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Daily Chocolate Treats Are A Moms-to-Be’s Best Friend
Updated: Feb. 6, 2021
Originally Published: Feb. 4, 2016
When you’re pregnant, it often feels like there’s a long list of things you should avoid: no alcohol, little to no coffee, skip the delicious deli meats, and forget about most sushi. You’re advised to manage stress carefully, balance exercise perfectly, and avoid heavy lifting. And let’s not even talk about the temptation to protect your hidden candy stash from prying eyes—is it just me? Well, here’s some sweet news: a recent study suggests that indulging in a bit of chocolate each day might actually be beneficial for pregnant women!
In this study, participants consumed a daily dose of 30 grams of chocolate over a 12-week period, with follow-ups until delivery. To give you an idea, that’s just under a full Hershey’s bar, which weighs 41 grams. The researchers were focused on the effects of high-flavanol chocolate—often the dark, rich variety that many folks shy away from—on pregnant women’s health. But here’s the kicker: even good old milk chocolate showed positive results!
The findings suggested that daily chocolate intake could enhance blood flow, positively impacting placental and fetal growth and development. “There was no difference in preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, placental weight or birthweight in the two groups,” the study stated. However, improvements were noted in the uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index, indicating better blood velocity in uterine and fetal circulations. Dr. Mia Johnson, one of the study’s researchers, explained that while flavanol content is important, the benefits of chocolate may extend beyond that alone.
Of course, more research is needed to fully understand these effects and to explore different amounts of chocolate, since convincing a pregnant woman to go without chocolate is no easy feat! So, here’s some positive reinforcement—go ahead and treat yourself to a little chocolate joy.
And speaking of joy, if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination options, check out this link for additional insights here. You can also visit Make a Mom for expert advice on artificial insemination kits. For further resources on pregnancy and fertility, WebMD is a fantastic source to explore.
In summary, a daily dose of chocolate might be just what the doctor ordered for expectant moms, making this sweet treat a delightful addition to your diet. So go on, enjoy that chocolate—your baby might just thank you for it!