Coconut Oil in Pregnancy: Benefits, Safety, & How to Use

By Aliya Khan | Updated: 22/08/2025

Natural products have always played a crucial role in maintaining our health. Coconut is one such product which has a wide variety of uses. Coconut oil is produced by drying out the coconut in sunlight and then pressing it in machines. Due to the use and the benefits of coconut oil, it is also known as the breast milk of Mother Nature.

Coconut oil has anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help prevent common cold and flu. With the help of coconut oil, you can easily improve your immune system and stay healthy. Coconut oil in pregnancy can help you prevent common diseases. Here’s all you need to know about coconut oil and pregnancy.

How Safe Is Coconut Oil in Pregnancy?

The consumption of coconut oil is to be kept at a moderate level to reap the benefits. Coconut oil has almost 100% saturated fat and according to various health organisations, it is advised to limit the use of saturated fats. But not all saturated fats affect the body adversely. Coconut oil includes lauric acid, which is a medium-chain fatty acid. This fat, unlike others, has positive effects on regulating cholesterol levels. The antimicrobial action of lauric acid is termed as a ‘safe saturated fat’. Hence, moderate consumption of coconut oil will ensure that your pregnant body absorbs fat-soluble vitamins, which could help you and your unborn baby gain maximum nutrition. In other words, you have all the liberty to include coconut oil in your pregnancy diet.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Pregnant Women

You may have doubts regarding the benefits for pregnant mother from coconut oil. Here are some major benefits that coconut oil offers to expectant mothers.

1. Coconut Oil for Getting Pregnant

Have you heard that coconut oil aids fertility? The truth is that it actually does help. Lauric acid has positive effects on the good cholesterol making your health better. It is a great immunity booster to the mother as well as the baby. It maintains vaginal health, which is essential during the process of conception. It can also keep insulin and thyroid in check, which respectively, control the level of testosterone in women and facilitate healthy functioning of the thyroid. This, in turn, promotes fertility.

2. Helps in Weight Loss

Coconut oil is unlike other oils as it is almost entirely made up of medium-chain fatty acids, which are metabolised by your body quite differently. They are converted into energy immediately or into ketones. This promotes weight loss. Make coconut oil a regular part of your diet to see long-term benefits (1).

3. Lightens Stretch Marks

After delivery, one of the major problems faced by women is stretch marks (2). Whatever you do to prevent them, they are an inevitable part of pregnancy and are evident in your postpartum body. Using coconut oil for pregnancy stretch marks is found to help avoid this. Applying the coconut oil on the stretch marks can lighten them or prevent them in some cases. Try using coconut oil for your pregnant belly as a moisturiser to see the effects.

4. Helps Cure Pregnancy Problems

During pregnancy, some women face symptoms like morning sickness, constipation, and heartburn. Coconut oil can provide relief. The usage of this oil will soothe your tummy and flush out any bacteria. It also helps calm acid reflex, which is a cause of heartburn. Another common problem is vaginal dryness, for which the use of coconut oil is recommended to ease discomfort. Coconut oil can offer refuge during the first few months when pregnancy-related symptoms are at their peak.

5. Soothes Skin Irritation

You may face dry and itchy skin during pregnancy due to a change in hormones. Coconut oil can help keep your skin nourished and prevent dryness and itchiness on your skin (3). Post-pregnancy, sore and cracked nipples can bother you and make breastfeeding quite a painful task. Applying coconut oil to the nipples can soothe the cracks.

6. Painless Intimacy

For couples who are looking to conceive, coconut oil is actually a blessing. The vagina is capable of producing a lubricant that makes penetration easy, But not all women are lucky. Hence, they need to look for some lubricants outside the body to have painless intercourse. Many oils can be used for the same, but coconut oil acts as a lubricant for pregnancy as it is safe and has anti-bacterial properties.

7. Supports Oral Health

This is an important benefit of coconut oil in pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis, characterised by swollen and bleeding gums, is a common issue due to hormonal changes. The potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of lauric acid in coconut oil can help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria in the mouth. Practising oil pulling with coconut oil or gently massaging it onto the gums can promote healthier oral hygiene throughout pregnancy (4).

8. Boosts Energy and Fights Fatigue

The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil are a unique source of quick energy (5). Instead of being stored as fat, they are rapidly converted by the liver into fuel. This can be a natural and safe way for expectant mothers to combat the common tiredness and fatigue of pregnancy, providing a steady energy source without spiking blood sugar levels.

9. Enhances Nutrient Absorption

The healthy fats in coconut oil are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K (6). These vitamins are crucial for the mother’s health. Adding a small amount of coconut oil to meals or smoothies can help ensure you are getting the full nutritional benefit from your diet.

How to Use Coconut Oil in Pregnancy

Here are some ways you can use coconut oil while you are pregnant.

Along with your favourite smoothie blend, add some coconut oil. This gives you nutrition as well as acts as a great energy booster during tiring days.
Use coconut oil for regular cooking. It could be best for stir fries and all other kinds of cooking.
Apply on your skin or vagina to prevent dryness and lock some moisture in. You can also prevent stretch marks with this method.
Mix it with some chocolate powder and spread it on bread for a power breakfast.
Use it as a salad dressing.
Mix a teaspoon or two of coconut oil in your coffee or tea.

How Does Coconut Oil Help Your Baby in the Womb?

Coconut oil can be a beneficial source of specific fats that support fetal development. By integrating coconut oil into your diet, you can directly contribute to your baby’s health and well-being in the womb.

Provides Essential Energy and Supports Healthy Weight Gain: Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats, specifically medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily metabolised for energy. This ensures that the sufficient energy required during pregnancy is provided for both you and your developing baby. It also aids in the healthy accumulation of fats necessary for your baby’s growth.
Boosts Immunity and Promotes Healthy Development: The lauric acid found abundantly in coconut oil is a powerful nutrient with antimicrobial properties. As coconut oil and lauric acid are absorbed by your baby through the placenta, they help to increase your baby’s innate immunity and promote healthy cellular growth and development even before birth.
Enhances Nutrient Absorption for Optimal Nutrition: Coconut oil is easy to digest and acts as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins. It helps your body absorb necessary nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K from your overall diet. This enhanced absorption means your baby will gain more vital nutrition and protection from the foods you eat, supporting every stage of fetal development.

Coconut Oil and Breast Milk

The use of coconut oil has a positive effect on your baby during breastfeeding. This is because breast milk will contain antimicrobial properties gained from coconut oil. Hence, your baby will have more immunity to viruses and bacteria. Pregnant women store fat to ensure successful lactation after pregnancy. Lauric acid and capric acid in coconut oil will be part of the adipose store, which is the milk store of a lactating mother in the later stage (7).

FAQs

1. Can coconut oil be used for perineal massage to prepare for childbirth?

Yes, coconut oil can be used for perineal massage in the weeks leading up to delivery. The perineum (the area between the vulva and anus) needs to stretch during a vaginal birth. Massaging this area with a moisturising oil like virgin coconut oil may help prevent tearing. It is recommended to start this massage around the 34th week of pregnancy (or approximately 6 weeks before your due date) for effectiveness. To perform the massage, apply pressure downward and to the sides with oil-lubricated thumbs for a few minutes daily.

2. Can coconut oil help manage haemorrhoids during pregnancy?

Yes, topical application of a coconut oil-based ointment may help alleviate the discomfort of haemorrhoids, a common issue during and after pregnancy. This is likely due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It is most effective for grade 1 and 2 haemorrhoids; more severe cases may require medical consultation.

This was all about using coconut oil when pregnant. Coconut oil is one of the best diet supplements during pregnancy. When a part of your diet, coconut oil provides proper nutrition and protection to your baby. Start using coconut oil at the earliest to ensure that the benefits are gained throughout your pregnancy.

Also Read:

Is It Safe to Use Almond Oil during Pregnancy
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil While Pregnant
Olive Oil during Pregnancy and Its Benefits
Using Oregano Oil during Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

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