IS CEREMONIAL CACAO SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
Sacred nourishment for the mothering journey
Ceremonial cacao is one of the most grounding, heart-opening, and nourishing plants we know. But if you’re pregnant — or preparing to be — it's normal to wonder:
Is ceremonial cacao safe to drink during pregnancy?
The short answer is: Yes. When consumed in moderation and with intention, ceremonial cacao is generally considered safe during pregnancy — and in many cases, beautifully supportive.
Let’s go deeper.
Cacao Is Safe in Pregnancy—When Used Mindfully
If you’ve already been working with cacao and your body knows it well, you can typically continue enjoying it in smaller, more intuitive doses throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
If cacao is new to you, we suggest checking with your care provider before introducing it — and perhaps waiting until the 37-week mark to try it gently and see how your body responds.
Used with care, ceremonial cacao can be a powerful ally during pregnancy. It’s rich in minerals, calming to the nervous system, and deeply supportive for emotional wellbeing.
That said, every body is different. We always recommend tuning into your body’s wisdom and consulting your practitioner before making any decisions — especially if cacao is new to you.
Why So Many Pregnant Women Choose Ceremonial Cacao
Ceremonial cacao holds a long-standing place in rites of passage — including motherhood. It’s not just nourishing to the body, but soothing to the heart, nervous system, and spirit. Here’s why it’s so beloved during pregnancy:
• Mineral-rich nourishment: Cacao is packed with magnesium (to ease cramping, support sleep, and relax muscles), iron (to support blood production), calcium (for growing bones), potassium, zinc, and other trace minerals — all essential for your body and baby.
• Theobromine: Unlike caffeine, cacao contains theobromine — a gentler stimulant that opens blood vessels, supports circulation, and offers grounded energy without the jitters.
• Bliss compounds: Natural neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, phenylethylamine (PEA), and anandamide (the “bliss molecule”) can lift mood, ease emotional fluctuations, and support mental well-being.
• Flavanols: These antioxidant-rich compounds may promote placental blood flow and support vascular health during pregnancy (UTSW).
• Digestive support: Cacao is a natural source of fiber, which can help relieve common issues like constipation.
• Blood pressure regulation: The vasodilating effects of cacao may help lower blood pressure and reduce swelling or fluid retention.
• Emotional grounding: Many women find cacao helps them feel more connected — to their bodies, their babies, and the deep initiatory process of becoming a mother.
• Possible protection against preeclampsia: In one large observational study, chocolate consumption during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of preeclampsia, especially when consumed during the first and third trimesters (PMC4273632).
Ceremonial Cacao Dosage During Pregnancy
Cacao is a powerful heart medicine — and during pregnancy, it’s especially important to approach it with presence, moderation, and reverence.
Here’s what we recommend:
• If your body already knows cacao:
If you’ve been drinking ceremonial cacao prior to pregnancy and your body responds well, you can usually continue with smaller, intuitive doses. Many women find it deeply nourishing during this time — and incredibly supportive postpartum.
• If cacao is new to you:
We don’t recommend introducing ceremonial cacao for the first time during pregnancy unless that feels deeply aligned in your body and is approved by your care provider. Some mothers choose to introduce it gently around 37 weeks, when the body is more familiar with its shifts and rhythms.
• Stick to lower doses:
We suggest 25–33 grams of WANA HEY cacao — well below a full ceremonial dose. Each spiral bar or rose-shaped piece is designed to be easy to portion and adjust. Start small. Sip slowly. Let your body lead.
• Listen to your body — always:
If you feel expansive, grounded, and soft — that’s your yes. If you feel contraction, hesitation, or nausea, honor that. The intelligence of your womb and nervous system is wiser than any protocol.
• Consult your care team:
Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals and cannot provide personal health advice. Please consult your midwife, OB-GYN, or a trusted healthcare provider before making any decisions involving ceremonial cacao, supplements, or plant medicines during pregnancy. Every body and every pregnancy is different — your practitioner can help you make the choice that’s right for you.
A Personal Note from our Founder, Ksenia
I drank ceremonial cacao throughout my entire pregnancy — and it became one of the most beautiful parts of my postpartum healing too, reminding me who I was during the darkest night of forgetting. My son is currently 2 and LOVES sharing my ceremonial cacao ritual with me!
Cacao Ceremony for the Mother
A light dose of ceremonial cacao can be a beautiful addition to:
• A baby blessing or motherhood ceremony
• A sacred, heartfelt baby shower
• A private ritual to connect with your baby and your changing self
We offer private WANA HEY cacao ceremonies for individuals and groups — including those honoring pregnancy and postpartum thresholds. You can learn more and book one on our Private Ceremony Page.
A Heart-Opening Gift for Mothers
WANA HEY cacao is crafted with ethically sourced, wild strain Peruvian beans and offered in two beautiful forms — spiral bars and rose-shaped pieces — designed to sip or nibble. It’s made with reverence and care, created to meet you in the tender thresholds — whether you’re anchoring into your body, softening into motherhood, or simply remembering yourself again.
Let your cup be a ritual. Let your body lead.
