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Using Almond Oil during Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
Yes, it’s true! One ends up evaluating every food and skincare product a second time around when they are pregnant. Some substances like alcohol and some pharmaceutical drugs immediately become no-nos. Other substances, such as essential oils and herbs; lemongrass, for example, fall somewhere in the middle – to be used with caution, to be used sparingly or to be used moderately.
So, where in this spectrum does almond oil fall?
Can Pregnant Women Use Almond Oil?
Three types of almond oils can are commonly found in the market. We will look at the use and safety of all of these:
1. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil has been used by pregnant women both for consumption and for external use, as moisturising oil for centuries. It is a “carrier” oil – it is usually used in large quantities (as opposed to “essential” oils). In common parlance and throughout this article, when “almond oil” is mentioned, it refers to sweet almond oil.
2. Bitter Almond Oil
Bitter almonds are fruits (almonds are fruits, not nuts!) of a separate breed of the almond tree from sweet almonds. Bitter almond oil is an essential oil, and it is moderately toxic to ingest.
3. Roasted Almond Oil
Roasted almond oil is made of sweet almonds. It is used for cooking purposes only. The roasting is done to ensure a hint of nutty almond flavour to the oil. This flavour is mild or absent if no roasting was done prior to crushing for oil.
Benefits Of Almond Oil During Pregnancy
The nutrition in sweet almond oil makes it beneficial for heart health, controlling diabetes, colon health and for providing antioxidants for your body.
However, during pregnancy, it is the benefits of external application of almond oil that make it so widely popular.
1. Stretch Marks Prevention
Stretch marks appear when the body is expanding faster than the skin can regenerate to accommodate for the fast growth.
Almond oil moisturises skin and increases flexibility and suppleness of skin.
Application of this oil, daily, over stomach, thighs, breasts and other parts of the body that are prone to develop stretch marks can prevent their appearance.
2. Dealing With Dry Skin
Circulation of blood to extremities such as hands and feet could reduce during pregnancy, due to the heavy demands on the body. This causes dry skin in hands and feet.
Sweet almond oil is easily available and can be used in place of expensive moisturising creams. It is one of the safest moisturising oils for external use during pregnancy.
3. Treatment For Perineal Area
The perineal area is the area between the vagina and the anus. Perineal skin is prone to tearing during childbirth.
Massaging your perineal skin with almond oil for five minutes daily can help make the skin supple enough to withstand the pressure of childbirth.
How Is Sweet Almond Oil Different From Natural Almond Oil?
Since almonds are rarely sold with the description of “sweet” almonds or “bitter” almonds, there is a deal of confusion among consumers as to what the differences between the two types are. They are both naturally found. However, natural almond oil a.k.a bitter almond oil is different from sweet almond oil in the following ways.
1. Source
Sweet and bitter almonds come from two different varieties of the almond tree. The sweet almond tree produces white flowers while the bitter almond tree produces pink flowers.
2. Edibility
Bitter almonds contain traces of cyanide and other toxic compounds, making them inedible. Sweet almonds, on the other hand, are famed for their health benefits.
3. Appearance
Bitter almonds are slightly broader and shorter than sweet almonds. However, the surfaces of both are similar, and it would be difficult to distinguish one in the absence of another type for reference.
4. Use
Sweet almond oil lubricates and revitalises skin. It is a light oil and is absorbed quickly by the skin, making the use of sweet almond oil for stretch marks during pregnancy famous all over the world.
Bitter almond oil is an “essential” oil. It has a pleasant aroma, but no health benefits. It should only be used in its processed form, where all the harmful compounds have been removed.
Precautions To Take While Using Almond Oil When Pregnant
Do not use almond oil if you are allergic to it.
If the use of almond oil causes itchiness, stop immediately.
Be careful when using almond oil in conjunction with other supplements or medications. The oil and the supplements may interact and cause harm to your body. Always consult your doctor about before adding supplements or medicine.
Almond oil is a mild-acting laxative. Ingesting it in the later stages of pregnancy could induce uterine wall contractions, so avoid it.
Does Using Almond Oil During Pregnancy Cause Preterm Birth?
The area of study on what foods may or may not be safe for pregnant women is quite lacking in information as it would be unethical to induce pregnant women to adopt lifestyle choices that may endanger their foetuses.
A study conducted in Italy, where 700 mothers were interviewed on their use of herbal supplements during pregnancy concluded that the regular application of almond oil on the skin might increase the chances of Preterm Birth.
A large percentage of the women were noted to have been taking herbal supplements during their pregnancy. While there was a definite co-relation between spreading of almond oil on stomach and chances of preterm birth, the amount of data was not considered adequate for a definite conclusion.
Always consult your doctor before adding any herbal supplements to your nutrition or skin care during pregnancy. With the lack of data, we cannot be sure about the results of almond oil interacting with other herbal supplements. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence of the use of almond oil during pregnancy with only positive results. Hence, much more research data is required before facts can be established.
Also Read: Castor Oil during Pregnancy for Labour Induction Read more
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7 Ways to Avoid Birth Defects Before and During Pregnancy
FEATURE IMAGE SSID: (1781044379) (ALT<(7 Ways to Avoid Birth Defects Before and During Pregnancy>)
Birth defects or congenital disorders are structural or functional abnormalities, including metabolic disorders present from birth. It occurs in 61 to 69.99/ 1000 live births in India, and some of the most common include neural tube defects (NTDs), congenital heart defects, Down syndrome and more. There are several factors leading to birth defects, with environmental factors being 10-25 per cent of the cause, 20 per cent being genetic, and 70 being unknown. To learn more about ways to avoid birth defects before and during pregnancy, continue reading the article.
How to Prevent Birth Defects?
Here are some of the ways to prevent birth defects while pregnant:
1. Take Your Folic Acid Supplement
FEATURE IMAGE SSID: (1968268438) (ALT<(7 Ways to Avoid Birth Defects Before and During Pregnancy>)
If you are wondering what vitamin prevents birth defects, the answer is Folic acid. An essential B vitamin, the deficiency of folic acid causes neural tube defects (NTDs). The two most common NTDs are spina bifida and anencephaly, which are related to a malformed brain and spinal cord. It is estimated that about 70 per cent of NTDs can be prevented if women who are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant have adequate amounts of folates in the body. The recommended daily dose of folic acid is 400 micrograms (mcg) a day before pregnancy for about 3 months. Women need 800 mcg of folic acid once they’re pregnant.
2. Quit Alcohol
FEATURE IMAGE SSID: (2157544553) (ALT<(7 Ways to Avoid Birth Defects Before and During Pregnancy>)
Alcohol is a well-known teratogen responsible for a range of congenital defects in babies. Since alcohol in your bloodstream crosses the umbilical cord, there is no known safe amount to consume during pregnancy. It’s best to avoid alcohol in all forms, such as an occasional beer or wine, since it is also unknown if there is a safe period to consume it during pregnancy. Drinking excessive alcohol causes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, which is one of the leading causes of intellectual disability in children that is preventable. You also need to be careful with non-alcoholic beer and wine, as most of them contain trace amounts of alcohol.
3. Avoid Tobacco and Illegal Drugs
FEATURE IMAGE SSID: (694480288) (ALT<(7 Ways to Avoid Birth Defects Before and During Pregnancy>)
Smoking during pregnancy comes with the dangers of preterm birth, infant death and birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate. Passive smoking also increases the risk for mother and child; therefore, avoid being around smokers. It’s ideal to quit smoking before you get pregnant, and if you already are pregnant, the earlier you quit, the better. Illegal drugs such as marijuana and others also increase the risk of birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight; therefore, it’s best to opt for treatment for any addictions before you decide to get pregnant.
4. Ensure Proper Intake of Iodine
FEATURE IMAGE SSID: (1685063527) (ALT<(7 Ways to Avoid Birth Defects Before and During Pregnancy>)
While iodine deficiencies are uncommon in women, during pregnancy, your body’s requirement for iodine goes up. Deficiency of iodine can lead to impaired neurocognitive development, increased risk of foetal death and cretinism, which is a birth defect that causes stunted mental and physical growth. The recommended intake of iodine is 150 mcg every day in the form of potassium iodide before pregnancy, during pregnancy and while lactating.
5. Avoid Pollutants and Chemicals
FEATURE IMAGE SSID: (1763152340) (ALT<(7 Ways to Avoid Birth Defects Before and During Pregnancy>)
There are a number of chemicals and environmental toxins that can cross through the placenta and get into your baby’s system. Some of the most common toxins come from solvents in paints, thinners, petrol, lead-based paints, household cleaning agents and even some personal care products such as fragrances, nail polish and hair colour. Reduce your usage of such products before and during pregnancy so you can minimise the risk of exposure. Switch to natural personal care products and household cleaners that use safer, natural ingredients.
6. Talk to Your Doctor About Medications
FEATURE IMAGE SSID: (1415428856) (ALT<(7 Ways to Avoid Birth Defects Before and During Pregnancy>)
Talk to your doctor about any medications you might be on before you get pregnant. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, blood thinners, thyroid and cancer medications, acne medication lithium, antidepressants etc., can cause serious birth defects if you continue taking them during pregnancy. Then there are medications, the effects of which are unknown on the fetus. Therefore, if you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the safety and the option to switch to safer ones. You will also need to talk to your doctor about vaccinations such as the flu shot and the Tdap vaccine recommended during pregnancy. Some of the vaccines protect you from infections that might otherwise cause congenital disabilities in your baby.
7. Plan Ahead and Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
FEATURE IMAGE SSID: (1030631776) (ALT<(7 Ways to Avoid Birth Defects Before and During Pregnancy>)
When you decide to get pregnant, it’s essential that you plan long-term and start living a healthy lifestyle in terms of nutrition, exercise, and cutting out bad habits. Ensure you eat nutritious food so your body has plenty of stores of all the essential nutrients before you get pregnant. Strive to reach a healthy body weight; a body mass index of 30 or higher puts you at risk for pregnancy complications. Therefore set a realistic goal for weight loss by working with your doctor before getting pregnant. Diabetes control is a critical factor that is often overlooked. Not only can it cause complications for you, but also for your baby.
This brings us to the final question; can birth defects be prevented? The answer is Yes and No. When you choose to avoid known risk factors of birth defects, you reduce the chances of birth defects but do not eliminate them completely.
References:
1. 5 Ways to Lower the Risk of Having a Pregnancy Affected by a Neural Tube Defect; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/5-ways-to-lower-the-risk.html
2. 5 Tips to Reduce the Risk of Birth Defects; healthychildren.org; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Reduce-the-Risk-of-Birth-Defects.aspx
3. Commit to Healthy Choices to Help Prevent Birth Defects; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/prevention.html
4. Preventing Birth Defects; S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control; https://scdhec.gov/health/family-planning/pregnancy/preventing-birth-defects
5. Lobo. I.; Birth Defects: Prevention and Treatment; Nature Education 1(1):19; https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/birth-defects-prevention-and-treatment-859/; 2008
6. Motter. C; 5 ways to reduce the risk birth defects; Akron Children’s Hospital; https://www.akronchildrens.org/inside/2022/01/03/join-akron-childrens-to-prevent-birth-defects-and-their-impact-on-families/; January 2022
Also Read:
Does Loud Noises Hurt Unborn Baby?
Dangerous Risks Many Unborn Babies are Facing
Tips to Keep Yourself Comfortable Pre and Post Pregnancy
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Journey of us...
Free bird's to responsible Aai Baba of Advaith❤️❣️
Hello everyone 👋, I m working woman.. being a mother is very special. But it comes with lots of responsibility. Sometimes I m around my child I forgot that I have one more child & that's my hubby. It's very different kind of situation the person who was ur 1st priority becomes secondary. And now everything is about baby. Whether It's grocery shopping or family outing the 1st thing come to my mind is what about Advaith.
My husband shreekant and I was free bird when we were a just husband and wife. Everything was just about us, our love, bonding etc etc but now things are different. Our day starts with preparing tiffin then baby food, getting ready going to office, coming back making dinner, then waiting for Advaith go to sleep the we tried to talk but shreekant aldredy went to sleep. Sometimes we feel really tired after office but then we saw Advaith & his smile. Omg.. I just love that moment and I starts thinking what should I cook for him..

We don't get much tym. Baby his medicine his clothes food everything start with him and ends with him. But still we have great bond. Now as Advaith is 1 & half year old we are thinking about his school admissions.. sometimes I think tym flies so fast it was like yesterday I was holding him cute little baby and now school. I have seen big change in my husband too.. he was more in party and all things but now he is a responsible father. From changing diapers to washing babies 💩 he does everything. And for that I feel very lucky.
My dear, sweet boy
I've seen it all
from your first kicks
to your first kiss.
You might think right now
you know it all,
but I've seen more of you
than you ever knew.
A Mother knows her son
better than anyone ever could
because I gave you life
and help you shine your light.
We Go Together Like Mother and Son
Being parents of this hyperactive baby is rollercoaster ride and we r enjoying alot. Thnks Advaith for blessing us.❤️❣️
I love you son
Like no one else
Only you and I
Verified love personified
Every single
Moment I'm with
You, I feel that love
Sensing you feel it too
Only a mother's love
Nourishes your soul❤️ Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. In my growth scan doctor found that 2 round cord has been partly around baby necks. Is there any problem with this. will I get normal delivery?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. better cesarean. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. I m preganant in 5 month in twin baby. Last lmp is 22/12/2023. my expected due date
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. 29.9.24. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
3 hours ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
3 hours ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. hi,
pls advice , after hcg tigger injection can we do intercourse to conceive and till when we can do ...trying to conceive
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello dear! We understand your eagerness and concern. It is advisable to check with your consulting doctor regarding this matter. Clarify your concerns and follow your doctor’s advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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Riya Sultana
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#babyonboard This is my wife's first birthday. Ours is a love marriage so there was no support from either of our family. So I have decorated our home slightly for my wife and organised a function with only our friends. Wishing her a safe delivery.
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