Eating chocolate halves life-threatening risks during pregnancy

London, July 9 (ANI): A study has suggested that eating chocolate at least three times a week can help reduce life-threatening conditions from developing in pregnant women.

The study found that women who regularly eat chocolate are less likely to suffer from pre-eclampsia, one of the most common causes of complications during pregnancy, the Telegraph reported.

Pre-eclampsia can cause pregnancy complications after blood vessels in the placenta fail to develop. The major symptom of the condition is elevated blood pressure in the mother.

The condition also affects the unborn child by disrupting the transfer of nutrients, leading to premature birth and other complications.

Researchers at Yale University in the US questioned 2500 women on their dietary habits during pregnancy as part of the study.

Nearly half the women who did not develop high blood pressure reported that they had eaten chocolate regularly.

The research is due to be published in the American journal Annals of Epidemiology. (ANI)