Pregnancy comes with a lot of dos and don’ts regarding food choices. Chocolate is one such food that often leaves expecting mothers wondering: Is chocolate good for pregnancy? The good news is that having chocolate during pregnancy is perfectly fine, as long as you consume it in moderation. You should select high-grade chocolate that has, ideally, low sugar levels. Let’s look at the considerations one should take regarding chocolate during pregnancy.
Is Chocolate Good for Pregnancy?
Here are a few things expecting mothers should note about eating chocolate:
- Chocolate is safe to consume during pregnancy in moderate amounts. The key is moderation rather than binging on large quantities. A few squares of chocolate per day should not cause any harm.
- The main concern with chocolate is its sugar content. Consuming high amounts of added sugar during pregnancy can increase the risks of gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and more. However, dark chocolate contains much less sugar than milk chocolate. Opting for darker varieties can allow you to enjoy the sweet treat without going overboard on sugar. White chocolate has the most sugar and the least caffeine. Knowing the differences allows you to make informed choices.
- One should also keep an eye out for caffeine intake from chocolate. Currently, less than 200mg of caffeine per day is recommended during pregnancy. Though chocolate contains caffeine, a small serving stays well within the guidelines. For perspective - a 1.45oz dark chocolate bar has around 30mg of caffeine, while a 1.55oz milk chocolate bar contains only 11mg.
- Research shows that dark chocolate provides some benefits during pregnancy as well. These include reduced blood pressure, better blood flow to the baby, and lower risks of certain complications. So, enjoying a square or two of dark chocolate every day can be a good way to indulge those cravings.