Why would 'liquid paraffin' be good to ingest during pregnancy?

Question

My mother in law insists that I take liquid paraffin during my pregnancy in order to 'improve the condition of my complexion as well as the baby's complexion" and also 'so that the baby comes out smoothly and without white stuff on it?'

Has anyone heard of this??

Answer 1

I think you know what's best for your body and your baby. Don't let your mother in law make you feel pressured into doing anything you don't feel comfortable with. If it is something you are interested in trying, I strongly suggest you discuss it with your Dr first.

The 'white stuff' is called vermix and is normal (the midwife cleans any blood and vermix off the baby shortly after birth anyway. They also dress it and wrap it up in a blanket for you too!). The changes in your complexion is a result of pregnancy hormones.  I have 2kids and am pregnant with my 3rd. Personally, I wouldn't take liquid paraffin while pregnant as to me it doesn't sound safe or necessary. Once again, if the idea does interest you discuss it with your Dr first.

Answer 2

That sounds incredibly harmful for you and and baby.  As far as I know, liquid paraffin isn't intended to be ingested, especially not by pregnant women.  It sounds like the worst kind of old wives' tale to me.  Don't do it.  

And the white stuff on the baby is important to protect the baby's skin from the amniotic fluid.  Without it, your baby's skin complexion would be much worse.

Answer 3

Wow, never even heard of that.

P.S. Your name is Steve and you're pregnant?

Answer 4

Paraffin belongs to the group of medicines known as Osmotic laxatives.

This medicine is used for the temporary relief of constipation, as a faecal lubricant.

Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the bowel, which softens stools. It also contains a lubricant that makes them easier to pass out of the body.

This medicine is available in oral liquid form.

I wouldn't take it because as far as I know you are not constipated... It lubricates your bowel not your v****a.. Just deliver the natural way you plan to and ignore your crazy mother in law..

Good luck and congrats! :o)

Answer 5

i have never heard of that... only thing ive heard is that medical liquid paraffin relieves constipation.