Usage of Olive Oil in Pregnancy – Is It Safe & Benefits

Pregnancy is a time of significant change and heightened awareness regarding health and nutrition. Expectant mothers often scrutinise their diets to ensure the well-being of both themselves and their developing babies. One common question is the safety and benefits of using olive oil while pregnant. Olive oil, renowned for its health-promoting properties, has been a staple in Mediterranean diets for centuries. So, if you are contemplating whether olive oil is good for pregnancy, we recommend browsing through the following article. Here, we shall discuss everything you may need to know about adding olive oil to your pregnancy diet.

Is Olive Oil Safe During Pregnancy?

Before adding olive oil to your pregnancy diet, you should know whether it is safe for you. Olive oil is very safe to consume during pregnancy, and you may safely add it to your diet. It has many benefits for a pregnant woman. It is good for the to-be-mommy and has immense benefits for the unborn baby. We shall learn about its benefits in the following section.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Pregnant Women

Olive oil, derived from the olive fruit, is a staple in the Mediterranean region. It’s not just a dietary addition, but a health booster. Packed with dietary fibre, monounsaturated fats, Vitamin E, and iron, it’s a gentle and safe choice for pregnant women. Let’s explore how it can support you and your baby during this crucial time.

1. Vitamin E

Olive oil may not be a high source of vitamin E. However, because of its oxidation resistance, the quantity present offers ample benefits to a pregnant woman. Vitamin E is one of the components that help your baby to adapt better to the oxygen-filled environment soon after birth. If the mother of a premature or preterm baby consumes olive oil during the breastfeeding stage, it may help her baby to develop better kidneys and pancreas (4).

2. Beneficial in Foetal Development

Consuming olive oil during pregnancy may greatly benefit your unborn baby’s growth and development. Substantial omega-3 fatty acids are highly beneficial for your baby’s heart. It has also been observed that the consumption of olive oil during pregnancy improves brain function and development, and it also improves your baby’s learning skills as he grows. Also, if a mother consumes olive oil regularly during her pregnancy, it may positively impact the height and weight of her unborn baby (3).

3. Helps in Reducing Stretch Marks

Developing stretch marks is a common phenomenon during pregnancy, and most women may experience it. This may happen because as your baby grows, your pelvic muscles and abdomen stretch to accommodate your growing baby, which in turn may lead to stretch marks. Olive oil has been used for a long time to overcome the problem of stretch marks during pregnancy. If you keep applying olive oil on your tummy area every day, it is possible that you may not have stretch marks during pregnancy. And even if you do develop stretch marks, they may become light or, in some cases, even disappear after regular usage. However, the only mantra you need to follow while using olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy is to use it regularly.

4. Beneficial in Improving Reflexes in Babies

It has been observed that mothers who consumed olive oil regularly during their pregnancy gave birth to babies with better or improved psychomotor reflexes than women who did not consume olive oil during their pregnancy.

5. Helpful in Fighting Various Infections

Pregnancy may make your immune system sluggish and, thus, may make pregnant women more susceptible to falling ill with various kinds of infections. However, including olive oil in your pregnancy diet may prove to be beneficial. This is because olive oil is a rich Vitamin A source, which helps build a strong immune system. This may help in keeping various infections at bay. Also, Vitamin A is very beneficial for the eyes, and including olive oil in your pregnancy diet may not only ensure good eye health for the would-be mother but may also be helpful for the foetal eye development (5).

Side Effects of Olive Oil During Pregnancy

While olive oil is celebrated for its numerous health benefits, pregnant women must understand potential side effects. Although generally safe, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.

1. Weight Gain

Excessive consumption of olive oil can contribute to unwanted weight gain due to its high caloric content.

2. Digestive Issues

Some pregnant women may experience gastrointestinal discomforts, such as diarrhoea or bloating, when consuming large quantities of olive oil.

3. Allergic Reactions

Though rare, olive oil can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, potentially leading to skin rashes or respiratory issues.

4. Blood Pressure Fluctuations

Olive oil has a mild blood pressure-lowering effect, which might concern those with already low blood pressure (6).

5. Nutrient Imbalance

Relying too heavily on olive oil for dietary fat can lead to an imbalance, depriving the body of other essential nutrients in a varied diet.

6. Interaction With Medications

Olive oil can interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting blood pressure and blood sugar levels, necessitating careful monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider.

FAQs

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

Yes, olive oil can be used for perineal massage. This practice may help increase the elasticity of the perineum and reduce the risk of tears during childbirth (1).

2. Is extra virgin olive oil better than regular olive oil during pregnancy?

Extra virgin olive oil, often preferred, is less processed and retains more nutrients and antioxidants, making it a healthier choice for you and your baby (2).

3. How much olive oil should a pregnant woman consume daily?

Olive oil should be consumed in moderation, generally around 1-2 tablespoons per day, as part of a balanced diet to avoid excessive calorie intake.

4. Is olive oil massage safe during pregnancy?

Yes, olive oil massage in pregnancy is generally safe. It can help alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and moisturise skin. However, it’s essential to use gentle pressure and avoid certain pressure points that could trigger contractions. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new massage therapy during pregnancy.

Olive oil and pregnancy can be a beneficial combination. It is important to remember that olive oil, like any other oil, should be consumed in moderation. You may safely apply olive oil on your skin during pregnancy, but refrain from going overboard with its consumption and usage. In any case, you should get a go-ahead from your doctor before doing so, especially if you’re using it for the first time. This is because every pregnancy is different, and what may be beneficial and healthy for one woman may not be healthy for another.

References/Resources:

1. Almefarfesh. A, Ahmed. E, Hasan. N, Al Qahtani. N; Effect of applying extra virgin olive oil versus obstetric gel on the second stage of labor outcomes among primiparous women; IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336603196_Effect_of_applying_extra_virgin_olive_oil_versus_obstetric_gel_on_the_second_stage_of_labor_outcomes_among_primiparous_women

2. Consumption of extra virgin olive oil during pregnancy increases the level of antioxidants in breast milk and in infants; University of Barcelona; https://web.ub.edu/en/web/actualitat/w/consumption-of-extra-virgin-olive-oil-during-pregnancy-increases-the-level-of-antioxidants-in-breast-milk-and-in-infants-

3. Coletta. J. M, Bell. S. J, Roman. A. S; Omega-3 Fatty acids and pregnancy; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046737/

4. OLIVE OIL, PREGNANCY AND CHILDHOOD; INTERNATIONAL OLIVE COUNCIL; https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/olive-oil-pregnancy-and-childhood/

5. Puertollano. M. A, Puertollano. E, Alvarez de Cienfuegos. G, et al.; Olive oil, immune system and infection; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20204249/

6. Flynn. M, Wang. S; Olive oil as medicine: the effect on blood pressure; UC Davis Olive Center;  https://olivecenter.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk14776/files/media/documents/olive-oil-as-medicine.pdf

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