Usage of Olive Oil During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

Pregnancy, although beautiful, can make a woman sceptical regarding various dietary choices. So, if you are contemplating whether to include olive oil in your pregnancy diet or not, we recommend that you browse through the following article. Here, we shall be discussing everything you may need to know about adding olive oil in your pregnancy diet.

Is Olive Oil Safe During Pregnancy?

Before you add olive oil to your pregnancy diet, you should know whether it is safe for you or not. Well, olive oil is very safe for you to consume during your pregnancy and, thus, you may safely add it to your pregnancy diet. It has many benefits for a pregnant woman. In fact, it is not only good for the to-be-mommy but it also has immense benefits for the unborn baby too. We shall learn about its benefits in the following section.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Pregnant Women

Olive fruits grow on an olive tree, which is mostly found in the Mediterranean region of Europe and Africa. Olives are power-packed with various health benefits. Apart from being rich in dietary fibre, olives are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, Vitamin E and iron. Olive oil is extracted using a process called maceration from the olive fruit. Olive oil is very gentle on the stomach and, thus, very safe for consumption during pregnancy. Here’s how it helps you and your unborn baby during pregnancy.

1. Vitamin E:

Olive oil may not be a high source of vitamin E. However, because of its resistance to oxidation, the quantity present offers ample benefits to a pregnant woman. Vitamin E is one of the components that help your baby to adapt better in 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 kidney and pancreas.

2. Beneficial in Foetal Development:

If you consume olive oil during pregnancy it may greatly benefit the growth and development of your unborn baby. The substantial amounts of omega-3 fatty acid are extremely beneficial for your baby’s heart. It has also been observed that consumption of olive oil during pregnancy improves the brain function and development and it also improves learning skills of your baby, as he grows. Also, if a mother consumes olive oil on a regular basis during her pregnancy, it may positively impact the height and weight of her unborn baby.

3. Helps in Reducing Stretch Marks:

Developing stretch marks is a very common phenomenon during pregnancy and most woman 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 in use 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 either become light or in some cases, even disappear after regular usage. However, the only mantra that you need to follow while using olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy is to use it on a regular basis.

4. Beneficial in Improving Reflexes in Babies:

It has been observed that mothers who consumed olive oil regularly during their pregnancy journey gave birth to babies who had better or improved psychomotor reflexes in comparison to 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 source of Vitamin A, which helps in building a strong immune system. This, in turn, 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 of the would-be mother but it may also be beneficial for the foetal eye development.

It is important to remember that olive oil, like any other oil, should be consumed in moderation. You may safely consume and apply olive oil on your skin during pregnancy but refrain from going overboard with its consumption and usage. In any case, we also suggest that you 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 for the other. Thus your doctor may know what is best for you during your pregnancy.

Also Read: Tea Tree Oil during Pregnancy – Benefits and Side Effects