Olive oil is widely known for its many health benefits. In addition to being used in cooking, it is often included in beauty routines, including prenatal care. So, what benefits can olive oil offer during pregnancy?

Benefits of Olive Oil for Pregnant Women

Olive oil is produced from the extracted fat or oil from olives. Many studies have shown that olive oil supports health in various ways, such as helping with weight management, lowering cholesterol levels, and reducing blood pressure. According to Medical News Today, olive oil could also provide protection against cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, stroke, and cancer. For pregnant women, some of the benefits of olive oil include the following:

1. Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a common skin changes in pregnancy. They usually develop because the skin stretches as body weight increases. Although stretch marks are not dangerous in pregnancy, their appearance can sometimes make pregnant women feel less confident.

Stretch marks are generally difficult to remove without cosmetic procedures, but pregnant women can soften the appearance of stretch marks by staying well hydrated, following a healthy diet, and regularly applying olive oil to the affected skin. The linoleic acid in olive oil helps maintain skin moisture, while its polyphenol content is rich in antioxidants that support skin regeneration.

2. Regulate Blood Pressure

Monitoring blood pressure is very important during pregnancy. High blood pressure can be one of the warning signs of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication that can endanger both mother and baby. According to WebMD, regular consumption of olive oil may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. You can add olive oil to various dishes, for example as a salad dressing or as a substitute for regular cooking oil. However, for your safety, it is best to discuss this with your doctor and a nutritionist before making olive oil a routine part of your daily diet.

3. Used as a Massage Oil

Many pregnant women complain of leg cramps and myalgia. These problems can occur because weight gain puts additional pressure on blood vessels and muscles. To relieve these symptoms, besides doing gentle exercise and stretching, massaging the cramped muscles or painful area can be useful. Olive oil has moisturizing properties, so using it as a massage oil can not only help relieve cramps, but also prevent dry and flaky skin during pregnancy.

4. Support Fetal Development

Olive oil contains omega-3, a healthy fat that plays an important role in fetal development. Some potential benefits of omega-3 for the fetus include lowering the risk of premature birth, supporting brain development, helping prevent low birth weight, and lowering the risk of certain birth defects. For pregnant women, olive oil is also thought to help relieve stress and reduce symptoms of depression during pregnancy.

5. Help to Prevent Diabetes

Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. This condition can increase the risk of birth defects, stillbirth, and premature birth. Some studies have found that consuming olive oil may help lower the risk of diabetes. Because of this, pregnant women are encouraged to include olive oil in their diet as part of efforts to reduce the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes.

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