In many tropical countries, coconuts have long been lauded as having fertility and pregnancy enhancing properties. In India, for example, a woman hoping to conceive will go to her priest for a special coconut; Thai babies receive, as their first solid food, three spoonfuls of soft coconut meat from their priests; a Balinese woman is forbidden to touch a coconut tree for fear she will drain its fertility into her own; and pregnant women from tropical countries consume large amounts of coconut water, hoping to increase their unborn child’s strength and vitality.
Folklore aside, there is now scientific evidence of the numerous health benefits of coconuts. While these health-boosting properties extend to everyone, they can be particularly beneficial to pregnant women. Here are some of the amazing ways the coconut can be a pregnant woman’s best friend:
• It alleviates vomiting – coconut water has long been used as a remedy for typhoid, malaria and other illness-induced vomiting. Thus, it should also help mitigate a bad case of morning sickness.
• It soothes the stomach – in addition to offering some relief from vomiting, coconut water can quell a queasy tummy and lessen the symptoms of nausea.
• Virgin coconut oil balances blood sugar and controls diabetes – this also helps keep morning sickness in check and offers some protection against gestational diabetes, a potentially dangerous condition common among pregnant women.
• It alkalizes the body - high in potassium, magnesium and other alkalizing minerals, coconut water can help to create an environment more conducive to conception and perhaps even reduce the risk of miscarriage.
• It keeps the body hydrated – nature’s “sports drink”, coconut water replaces fluids and minerals lost during physical exertion as well as those extra needed to help support pregnancy and expanding blood volume. Dehydration can be particularly threatening during pregnancy.
• It is a mild laxative – drinking moderate amounts of coconut water can help to keep things running smoothly and relieve the constipation so common during pregnancy.
• It cleanses the kidneys and offers protection against UTI’s – Urinary Tract Infections are very common during pregnancy and can be dangerous if antibiotics are not used to treat them. Best to avoid them all together!
• It keeps the body cool – with excess weight, progesterone, and anxiety, it’s easy to get overheated during pregnancy. Drinking coconut water helps to regulate body temperature and keep you cool.
• It is great for skin - virgin coconut oil can be applied to soothe the dry, itchy skin associated with pregnancy; it may also help to reduce the occurrence of stretch marks; and, when applied to the perineum in the weeks leading up to labor, can help reduce tearing during birth. Coconut water applied to the face helps to clear blackheads and acne that many women experience with the surge of hormones during pregnancy.
• It boosts the immune system – virgin coconut oil is comprised of nearly 50% lauric acid, which has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. This can help protect a mother-to-be from a host of potentially threatening infections as well as boost her immunity, which is naturally weakened during pregnancy.
• It promotes healthy lactation – the only other significant source of lauric acid is human breast milk. Research has shown that lactating mothers who consume virgin coconut oil and other coconut products have higher levels of lauric and capric acids in their breast milk; this increases its antimicrobial and immune boosting properties, while promoting both brain and bone development in the infant. Since the body stores lauric acid in the adipose tissues, consuming coconut during pregnancy may also help to ensure successful lactation.
With all that in mind, pregnant women would be nuts not to go for coconuts!
-Ardis
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Sources:
“The Coconut Article.” Coconut Haven. 1 May 2008 <http://www.coconuthaven.com/article01.htm>.
Fife, Bruce, N.D. “Diabetes and Virgin Coconut Oil.” Coconut Connections. 1 May 2008 <http://www.coconut-connections.com/diabetes.htm>.
Fife, Bruce, N.D. and Dr Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell M.D. “Understand the Benefits of Coconut Juice – Why does it Feel so Good?” Coco Tap. 1 May 2008 <http://www.cocotap.com/nutrition.htm>.
“Seven Benefits of Coconut Water.” Medical Health Articles. 1 May 2008 <http://google-sina.com/2008/04/26/seven-benefits-of-coconut-water/>.
“What is Coconut Milk?” Wise Geek. 1 May 2008 <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-coconut-milk.htm>.
Young, Cori. “Coconut Oil and Babies! Coconut Oil Increases Beneficial Properties in Human Breast milk.” Natures Juices. 1 May 2008 <http://www.naturesjuicecoop.com/map4.php>.
Thank you for compiling such useful and exciting information about coconuts!! Very useful for this first time mother-to-be!
Thanks, Suzi! Glad you enjoyed the article. I’ve been loving young coconut water throughout my pregnancy. The coco butter has been amazing on my skin - and it smells and feels so luxurious too!
xoxo,
Ardis
Thanks for the article. I came accross coconut water by accident a few weeks ago (I’m now 32 weeks pregnant) and I absolutely love it! It’s so refreshing and now I really crave it with a few ice cubes on a regular basis. Interesting to find out it’s so good for me…my body/baby obviously knew this already as it’s so keen on it! :o)
Older mom trying to conceive. I use on skin once to twice daily, take in a smoothie and eat in macaroon. Any suggestions?
Chinese says that coconut juice is too windy and cold for preggers. Might lead to miscarriage. Am craving for coconut juice, but worried sick! Browse thru some webpage (like this one) says C.J is exceptionally beneficial to preggers. Any real experience to share dear mums? I am 12weeks pregnant now.
Hi, I was very interested in reading this article, especially since my biggest problem is my fluid intake. I get nauseous very fast and can barely get any fluids down. So this coconut stuff sounds fantastic. The only question I have is: where can I find this magical juice? I’m in desperate need of getting my fluids going.
Thank you for your help!!!
Try any Indian or asian grocery store
I am 21 weeks pregnant and have been drinking coconut water every day for the last 2-3 weeks. I get mine at Whole Foods. It’s a great way to keep hydrated. I’ve never heard anything bad about pregnant women drinking it. Apparently Dr.’s in India recommend it to pregnant women: http://www.babycenter.in/pregnancy/nutrition/coconutwater_expert/
Yes I agree Coconut water is good in keeping you hydrated than just drinking water or softdrinks. And also it is a good treatment on UTI(Urinary Tract Infection).
Great Article!
I’m from Thailand and my the old folks always recommend drinking coconut water after 5 months pregnant. It’ll clear the baby’s skin when it comes out from your womb and of course apart from other huge benefits you read above… I live in LA., and it’s easy to get them fresh in a coconut (not in a carton box) at Asian markets… Love it…
We love coconut water, especially cold!! amazing taste, thanks for sharing this helpful info.
I love the cocout oil as well i take 3 teaspoons a day, i pur it in my orange juice, i put it on my belly, back andjust whole body and you can definately tell the difference in skin looks like a baby. The author is definately right i have not had one measure of morning sickness and it keeps your system smooth and regular. I use the organic virgin coconut oil, i have not tried the water but i will now. thanks for an informative site God bless you.
Do you think it’s safe to eat RAW organic coconut oil when pregnant? I cooked with it before I was pregnant. I also added it to my smoothies. My only concern is the raw part now that I am pregnant.