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You are here: Home / Coconut Oil / 11 Benefits of Eating Coconut During Pregnancy

11 Benefits of Eating Coconut During Pregnancy

By Jennifer Updated: December 20, 2019. First published: August 4, 2016. This post may contain affiliate links. 18 Comments  

In tropical countries all over the world, coconuts have long been praised 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. Pregnant women from tropical countries consume large amounts of coconut water, hoping to increase their unborn child’s strength and vitality.

In addition to these traditions, there is now scientific evidence of the numerous benefits of eating coconut during pregnancy. While the benefits of eating coconut extend to everyone, they can be particularly beneficial to pregnant women. I have scoured all of my coconut resources and created a list of some of the powerful ways the coconut can be a pregnant woman’s ideal food product to consume.

Quick disclaimer – I am required to clearly state that I am not a licensed medical professional nor do I pretend to be one on this site. Take what I write as a launching off point to do your own research. My advice, experience, and suggestions are not to be considered medical advice.

Coconuts, coconut oil on a wooden spoon, and a glass bottle of coconut milk on a baby blue wooden porch.

Benefits of Eating Coconut During Pregnancy

1. As nature’s “sports drink,” coconut water keeps the body well hydrated. In fact, coconut water not only replaces fluids and minerals lost during physical exertion but it provides those extras needed to help support pregnancy and expanding blood volume.

2. Drinking coconut water during pregnancy may alleviate vomiting. Coconut water has long been used to support recovery from illness-induced vomiting. It also helps with a bad case of morning sickness.

3. Along those same lines, coconut water soothes the stomach. In addition to offering some relief from actual vomiting, coconut water can quell a queasy tummy and lessen the symptoms of nausea. This is why you will find quite a few women drinking coconut water during pregnancy.

4. Coconut is known to be a mild laxative. Drinking moderate amounts of coconut water or consuming at least 4 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil daily can help to keep things running smoothly and relieve the constipation so common during pregnancy.

5. It keeps the body cool. With excess weight, progesterone, and anxiety, it’s easy to get overheated during pregnancy. Drinking coconut water may help to regulate body temperature and keep you cool.

6. Virgin coconut oil has been shown to balance blood sugar and support diabetes. This also helps keep morning sickness in check and offers some protection against gestational diabetes.

7. Eating coconut oil during pregancy helps 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.

8. 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.

9. Drinking coconut water during pregnancy helps cleanse the kidneys and offers protection against Urinary Tract Infections. UTIs are very common during pregnancy and can be dangerous if antibiotics are not used to treat them. Of course antibiotics during pregnancy have a whole host of potential risks!

10. Coconut is amazing for skin. 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. When applied to the perineum in the weeks leading up to labor, it may 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. Coconut oil is also great for acne.

11. Coconut 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, eating coconut during pregnancy may also help to ensure successful lactation.

Clearly, coconut, coconut water, and coconut oil are something every pregnant woman should try to incorporate into her lifestyle. Of course, if you are allergic to coconut or latex, you need to avoid it like the plaque. I am constantly amazed at the wonders of coconut.

Be sure to check out my favorite brands of coconut oil! Don’ t forget to read the other posts in my Coconut Health series!

Various types of coconut products (coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut water) on a distressed teal color wood tray. Fresh coconut shaving surround the items.

Sources for this article include:

  • Kuberski T, Roberts A, Linehan B, Bryden RN, Teburae M. Coconut water as a rehydration fluid. N Z Med J. 1979 Aug 8;90(641):98-100.
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261561419331164
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Filed Under: Coconut Oil Tagged With: Coconut Oil For Women's Health, Pregnancy
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About The Author

Jennifer, author of Hybrid Rasta Mama, is a former government recruiter turned work-at-home mama to a daughter brought earthside in early 2009. She is passionate about and writes about holistic health and wellness, natural/green living, toxic mold awareness, and the benefits of coconut oil. She frequently shares allergy friendly recipes on her site as well as DIY herbal remedies, DIY natural body care, and natural cleaning recipes.

Jennifer graduated with honors with a Bachelor's Degree in Ethnic Studies. In January 2019 she became a certified mold and moisture intrusion inspector. She has completed coursework in the naturopathic series offered by the Avicenna Institute and accredited through the Board of Natural Medicine Certification Council.

Jennifer is a member of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors as well as the International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness.

Stuff I Have To Tell You

Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and/or information are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to do their own research and make decisions in partnership with your health care provider. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medication, please consult your physician. Nothing you read here should be relied upon to determine dietary changes, a medical diagnosis or courses of treatment.

I may receive a commission if you purchase through links in this post.

Hybrid Rasta Mama is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliates sites. For additional information, please visit my Terms & Conditions page and/or my Affiliate Disclosure page page.

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Comments

  1. panda says

    June 30, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    I work with a lot of Indians, and one of the older ladies told me to drink and eat Coconut when I was having problems with lactating. It worked! : )

    Reply
  2. Ezzy Guerrero-Languzzi says

    June 30, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    I love everything coconut. During pregnancy I used one of those heavy body creams laden with coconut oil. I’m convinced that’s the only reason I didn’t get stretch-marks.

    Reply
  3. Momma Jorje says

    July 2, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    Where do I find coconut water? Is that different than coconut milk? I don’t care for the meat of a coconut, but I like the liquid. I’m pregnant *and* breastfeeding, so I can use all the help I can get!

    I’m not worried about stretch marks, though. After 3 kids, I’ve got them everywhere and wear them with pride! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Hybrid Rasta Mama says

    July 2, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Jorje – you can get coconut water at any health food store. Totally different than coconut milk. Amazon also sells it and if you sign up for a recurring monthly shipment you get a good deal. There are all kinds of brands out there so I would check a local store first and see what one you like best.

    Reply
  5. amy says

    December 21, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    I’m just wondering if 2-3 tablespoons are safe to take with elevit. I was taking coconut oil prior to pregnancy and I swear that’s what got me pregnant. I have bad kidneys and this helped soo much prior to pregnancy. I’m in my first trimester so I want to make sure its fine with elevit.

    Reply
  6. Hybrid Rasta Mama says

    December 22, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    @amy Coconut oil is completely safe and harmless. In all of my research I have never stumble on anything mentioning a drug interaction. However, I am not a medical professional so you may want to do further research. But if it were me, I would take the two together without worry! Good luck to you mama!

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    January 21, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    I’m wanting to increase my milk supply should I use refined or unrefined? Does drilling coconut water & eating coconut meat help too! Cuz I do loooove coconut!!! 🙂

    Jenn

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    January 21, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    Drinking** 😉

    Reply
  9. Hybrid Rasta Mama says

    January 21, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    @Jenn – yes – drilling/drinking (couldn’t resist) coconut water and eating meat helps! The coconut water is a powerful hydrator and the meat in rich is good fats. Unrefined is always the better choice so I suggest that! Check out my resource page for the brands I endorse!

    Reply
  10. Robo says

    March 16, 2012 at 4:13 PM

    hi! love this website.. I’m 6 weeks pregnant and found a recipe for coconut milk…I’m confused if it’s safe to use this coconut milk from a can since it’s different than coconut water. thank you!

    Reply
  11. Hybrid Rasta Mama says

    March 16, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    @Robo You can use coconut milk from a can but be weary of the BPA in the actual cans. This goes for any canned good. There are some products in BPA free cans and those are preferable. Coconut milk is super easy to make though so if you can, try your hand at it!

    Reply
  12. Joanna says

    August 24, 2012 at 7:52 AM

    Hello, I just read that this helps with breastfeeding – I’ll start tomorrow! I’m just wondering how long do I consume the coconut oil before seeing results? A week or two? Also, my babe is almost 5 months old, will it still help with increasing breastmilk at this point? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      September 25, 2012 at 3:51 PM

      The key to increase milk supply is to feed, feed, feed. And pump in-between feedings. Do not supplement with any formula. I know it will feel like a lot of work but it’s worth it. I’ve just started consuming coconut oil so not sure how it works with milk supply but what always worked for me is fenugreek. 2-3 capsules 2-3 times per day and in about 2 days I had more milk, plenty. I’m currently 6 wks pregnant and still nursing. Good luck and hope something works for you 

      Reply
  13. Joanna says

    September 25, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    @Anonymous
    Thanks, but I’ve tried all of that, with no success. I fed and pumped every 2-3 hours for weeks on end. Took fenugreek upto 14 tabs 3 times per day with no change. Took blessed thistle and didn’t do anything. Now I’m taking domperidone and still not full supply and MUST supplement with formula. Hoped coconut oil would help but doubtful

    Reply
  14. nilan pell says

    October 24, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    It is a mild laxative. Drinking moderate amounts of coconut water or consuming at see that least 4 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil daily can help to keep things running smoothly and relieve the constipation so common during pregnancy.

    Reply
  15. klimaistanbul.org says

    April 24, 2014 at 3:42 AM

    It’s difficult to find well-informed people in this particular topic, however, you seem like you know
    what you’re talking about! Thanks

    Reply
  16. PKP says

    January 21, 2016 at 10:59 PM

    It’s really a cool and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you simply
    shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this.
    Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  17. Rafiki says

    July 28, 2017 at 12:54 AM

    this usefull for my wife and me, preparation before the preganant program. thankss mam 🙂

    Reply

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