Can Eating Dark Chocolate Make Happy Babies?
Updated: Sep 7, 2021
Possibly! Dark chocolate has been shown to correct imbalances in the body related to stress and may significantly reduce levels of stress hormones. One study showed that women who ate dark chocolate during pregnancy reported that they were better able to handle stress than those who avoided dark chocolate. One Finnish study claimed happier babies of moms who ate dark chocolate during pregnancy.
Another benefit of dark chocolate during pregnancy is the reduced risk of preeclampsia. Pregnant women who eat five or more servings of dark chocolate each week may experience lower blood pressure and risk of developing high blood pressure (white and milk chocolate do not have the same affect!). Researchers found the greatest benefits were when dark chocolate was consumed during the first and third trimesters.
Bottom line? An ounce of dark chocolate daily during pregnancy may be beneficial*.
*Always check with your physician first.