If you are currently pregnant, coconut oil is a fantastic addition to your natural health arsenal. With your doctor’s permission, you can use coconut oil to benefit in the following ways.
Substitute Coconut Oil For Dairy
Many women find that they have a hard time drinking or eating anything with dairy products during pregnancy, as well as while breastfeeding. If this applies to you, then coconut oil can be a great addition to your diet. You are able to swap out your milk and butter for coconut oil in various recipes, which is perfect if you are lactose intolerant but want certain recipes calling for dairy products. It is also good for getting more nutrients in your beverages and meals when you have your baby and your baby shows signs of having a dairy intolerance.
It is an Excellent Supplement
When you are pregnant, a simple way to use coconut oil is by using it as a supplement. There are a lot of benefits for your health in coconut oil, including help to lower your cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and protecting you against bacteria and viruses. You don’t want to have to struggling with an illness during pregnancy, and your physical health is really important to ensure you have a healthy baby. So start taking a coconut oil supplement, or have a tablespoon of coconut oil every morning when you are taking your prenatal and other vitamins or supplements.
You Can Reduce Irritation
Pregnancy changes your hormone levels and causes quite a few changes in your body, and especially your skin. That might include getting dry and cracked skin, sometimes with red and irritating rashes. Coconut oil can soothe your skin to reduce itchiness, get rid of red patches, and help with those dry areas of skin. You can rub it on any itchy or dry areas of skin during pregnancy, then also use it after you have the baby to apply on your cracked nipples while breastfeeding.
Ease Your Side Effects
Don’t forget that a lot of your other pregnancy side effects can get relief by using coconut oil. For example, adding a little coconut oil to your food or drinks each day can help with digestion and bacteria in your esophagus. This can help to reduce morning sickness, heartburn, and nausea that are common during pregnancy. You can also make a natural headache balm to use for relieving your headaches, since you can’t take regular pain killers while you are pregnant.