Life
If you're looking for a product to replace a vast majority of the ones you use daily, look no further than your pantry. Coconut oil is a multitasking product that puts other beauty and health staples to shame and, as a pregnant woman, that's exactly what you need in a product. Although there are hundreds of products claiming to work miracles on your skin, help with aches and pains, and fix other pregnancy woes, coconut oil is one product that actually works. All of the ways pregnant women can use coconut oil can be a but overwhelming, but they're proof that calling it a "fix all" item to add to your beauty, health, and wellness regimen is more than fitting.
Pregnancy changes just about everything — from the way your skin and hair acts, to the foods you crave, to the way your body feels. Coconut oil has a use for just about every change your body will go through during the next nine months, and believe it or not, it does it all without the use of additives, chemicals, dyes, medicines, and anything else you're hoping to steer clear of while you're pregnant. Coconut oil use during pregnancy isn't just safe — according to Fit Pregnancy, it's a pregnancy "superfood" that is beneficial for just about everything. Here are just a few ways to use the miracle product over the next 10 months.
1
Take It As A Supplement
Whether you add it to your favorite smoothies, tea, baked goods, or simply as it is, taking coconut oil as a supplement during pregnancy is a great way to reap all of it's many benefits all at once. Wellness Mama noted that coconut oil is packed with healthy fats which are essential for you and your growing baby. It also has immune boosting properties, supports your baby's brain development, and is a helpful aid for healthy breastfeeding.
2
Use It To Prevent Stretch Marks And Soothe Itchy Skin
According to New Health Advisor, coconut oil penetrates deeper into your skin, which makes it great for preventing stretch marks from forming (and maybe helping them disappear later on). It's amazing for your skin, so whether or not you get a few new stretch marks, lathering it on your growing belly, and the rest of your body, will help prevent pesky pregnancy itchiness.
3
Add It To Your Favorite Meals
Much like taking it as a supplement, cooking with coconut oil adds an important boost of nutrition to the meals you already eat. According to the Dr. Axe website, coconut oil contains high levels of natural saturated fats, which are great for preventing high blood pressure and promoting healthy growth for both you and your baby. It also can promotes healthy liver function — a godsend for pregnant moms who struggle with urinary tract infections — can boost your energy levels, and prevent yeast infections.
4
Combat Dark Under Eye Circles
Women's Health noted that coconut oil, aside from being a great make-up remover and moisturizer, can also help prevent those annoying dark circles under your eyes that might crop up from lack of sleep during pregnancy (and especially after baby comes.)
5
Fight Pregnancy Acne
Not everyone experiences the coveted "pregnancy glow." If you struggle with pregnancy-induced acne, coconut oil may help. Using a thin layer on your skin might help treat your hormonal acne, according to Belly Belly — and the antibacterial properties certainly won't hurt.
6
Soothe Acid Reflux
The Dr. Axe website also noted that coconut oil promotes healthy digestion and is anti-inflammatory, both essential in helping sooth painful reflux during late pregnancy.
7
Use It As Massage Oil
Pregnancy comes with its fair share of muscle aches and pains. With all of the skin benefits of coconut oil, using it as a massage oil instead of conventional lotions or oils will help your skin reap all of its benefits while simultaneously working out your aches.
8
Relieve Dry Hair And Scalp
Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your hair. If your luscious locks have turned dry and brittle during pregnancy, a coconut oil mask will be just the thing to turn it around. Either apply it directly to your hair and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out with your normal shampoo, or follow this recipe from the Every Girl for a homemade coconut oil honey hair mask. Your hair and scalp will thank you.
