Let me start off by saying that I am a big fan of dark chocolate, eat some every day, including when I was pregnant. Also, regularly take ibuprofen. So, I like these data and hope there is a true causal connection. But, I am a skeptic by nature and profession. So, I worry about the "third variable" problem.

In other words, could these apparent relationships be explained by something else, like a genetic predisposition that promotes a taste for the bitterness of chocolate is also protective against preeclampsia. Or maybe we don't need to get that fancy, maybe women who like the bitter-alkaline taste of chocolate also like other foods with similar taste characteristics (e.g., spinach, broccoli) which are protective for preeclampsia. Or maybe it is the fat in chocolate, or that eating dark chocolate is a marker of high SES and better prenatal care. I could go on and on here. What we need is a double blind placebo controlled trial-with chocolate supplements (science can take the fun out of anything!).

Ibuprofen-wash, rinse, repeat.

I am going to have some chocolate now!

I'm 13 weeks pregnant. I thought the same thing... but I also got up and got some Hershey's Kisses from the candy dish at reception!

Hey, if nothing else it makes you happy to eat it! So, it can't be all bad!