Why Pregnant Women Are Ditching Lotions for Beef Fat — And Doctors Are Catching Up

When you're pregnant, everything that goes into or onto your body suddenly becomes a bigger deal.

That luxurious moisturizer you used for years? Now you’re googling every ingredient.

That old-fashioned cooking fat your grandmother swore by?

You’re wondering if it’s secretly dangerous for the baby. And if you’ve landed here, it means one thing: beef tallow is on your radar.

So, let’s dive deep into whether beef tallow is a pregnancy-safe powerhouse or a no-go zone for expectant mothers.

This isn’t just surface-level advice — we’re going under the hood, looking at tradition, modern science, skincare, nutrition, and what medical experts have to say.

What Is Beef Tallow and Why Is It Making a Comeback?

Beef tallow is rendered beef fat — specifically, fat that’s been cooked down, strained, and purified into a creamy, stable substance.

It used to be a pantry staple, prized for its high smoke point, nourishing fats, and long shelf life.

But during the fat-phobic era of the 80s and 90s, it was demonized in favor of canola and margarine.

Now, it's back — and not just in cast iron skillets.

Mothers-to-be are using beef tallow in everything from stretch mark balms to bone-nourishing recipes.

But the question still looms: should you?

Nutritional Profile of Beef Tallow: What’s in It?

Let’s start with what tallow contains because this gives us insight into whether it helps or harms during pregnancy.

Beef tallow is rich in:

Saturated fat — which used to scare us, but now we know it plays important roles in hormone production and cellular health.

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat, which is also heart-healthy.

Vitamins that are fat-soluble, such as A, D, E, and K2, are particularly advantageous if the beef was raised on grass.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) — a fatty acid with potential immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties (1).

Stearic acid — a saturated fat shown to support mitochondrial function, a key part of cellular energy. So nutritionally, it’s not just fat for fat’s sake (2).

It’s nutrient-dense — especially for pregnant women who need a higher intake of fat-soluble vitamins.

Is Beef Tallow Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?

Let’s get this out of the way:

Yes, beef tallow can be safe to eat during pregnancy — if it’s part of a balanced diet and comes from a clean, high-quality source.

The key factor is how it's used. Cooking with tallow instead of processed seed oils can be a smart move.

Tallow has a very high smoke point (about 400°F), which means it's less likely to oxidize and form toxic compounds during cooking — a win for inflammation management and metabolic health (3).

It also means fewer free radicals being introduced into your body, which can impact everything from placenta health to fetal development.

However, moderation matters.

Too much saturated fat — from any source — without a proper balance of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, could increase risks tied to cholesterol or blood pressure.

But as part of a whole-foods diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and protein?

It’s an old-school addition that can actually support fertility, hormone function, and even mental health during pregnancy.

Does Beef Tallow Contain Any Harmful Substances for Pregnant Women?

Not inherently. But the quality of the tallow matters more than anything.

Low-quality tallow from conventionally raised cows may contain pesticide residues, antibiotics, or hormones.

On the other hand, tallow from grass-fed, pasture-raised beef can actually offer more Omega-3s, vitamin A, and CLA.

If you're sourcing tallow from the store, make sure it's:

• From a reputable brand that uses 100% grass-fed beef
• Rendered at low temperatures
• Free of additives or preservatives

Better yet, some women make their own tallow at home, especially if they’re sourcing local beef or participating in a regenerative agriculture co-op.

Can You Use Beef Tallow on Your Skin During Pregnancy?

This is one of the most popular uses for beef tallow among pregnant women — and for good reason.

Tallow is structurally similar to the sebum (natural oil) your skin produces.

That means it absorbs well, moisturizes deeply, and doesn’t clog pores.

For women battling:

• Dry, itchy skin
• Stretch marks
• Hormonal breakouts
• Environmental sensitivity

Beef tallow offers a soothing, natural solution.

Unlike synthetic lotions or petroleum-based creams, tallow doesn’t rely on preservatives or artificial scents to be effective.

It’s just pure, fatty goodness your skin recognizes and uses.

And unless you have a beef allergy (rare), topical use of beef tallow is considered very safe — even on baby bumps and breasts.

Is Tallow Better Than Commercial Stretch Mark Creams?

Let’s compare.

Most commercial stretch mark products rely on shea butter, cocoa butter, or vitamin E.

Those are great — but they’re often blended with questionable ingredients like parabens, synthetic fragrances, or mineral oil.

Tallow, on the other hand, is a one-ingredient wonder that deeply nourishes without disrupting your hormone balance.

Many women report fewer stretch marks and softer skin when they use beef tallow-based balms, especially when started early in pregnancy.

It’s not a magic fix. Genetics, hydration, and belly growth all play a role in stretch marks.

But it’s certainly not hurting to use a product that’s nutrient-dense, clean, and ancestral.

What Do Doctors and Midwives Say?

Many holistic midwives and integrative OB-GYNs are completely on board with using beef tallow both topically and in food — with a few caveats.

They recommend:

• Avoiding hydrogenated tallow or any chemically processed forms
• Opting for grass-fed tallow from clean sources 
• Using it in balance with other healthy fats like olive oil and avocado oil

Some even see tallow as a way to support fetal brain development — thanks to its natural fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

That said, it’s not something every conventional practitioner will be familiar with.

If your OB gives you the side-eye, that’s more about mainstream trends than evidence-based concern.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

Here’s where nuance matters.

For topical use:

You’re very unlikely to have side effects unless you have a beef allergy or highly reactive skin.

Some women with extremely oily or acne-prone skin might find tallow too heavy.

Doing a patch test is smart before slathering your whole belly.

For internal use:

If your diet is already high in saturated fat or low in fiber, too much tallow might contribute to sluggish digestion or rising cholesterol levels.

Balance is the name of the game — tallow isn’t meant to be your only fat source.

And if you have gestational hypertension or other pregnancy complications, you should always consult your provider.

Can Tallow Support Postpartum Healing?

Yes — and this is where things get interesting.

Tallow is not just for pregnancy.

Many women use it to:

• Soothe cracked nipples
• Support C-section scar healing.
• Combat postpartum hair dryness or shedding
• Balance out dry, sensitive skin from hormonal shifts

And because it’s shelf-stable and natural, it’s easy to keep around without worrying about spoilage.

Some even create whipped tallow balms with essential oils for added antibacterial benefits — perfect for diaper rash or mama’s skin recovery.

The Ancestral Connection: Tallow and Traditional Cultures

Across time and culture, animal fats have played a crucial role in pregnancy nutrition and body care.

From Native American tribes to early European settlers, rendered fat was:

• Used in healing salves
• Eaten during fertility-building months
• Applied to sun-damaged or weather-worn skin

Tallow was a sign of wealth, nourishment, and preparation for childbirth.

It’s only recently that we've started demonizing these foods in favor of lab-made alternatives.

Returning to traditional fats like tallow isn’t a step backward — it’s a step toward ancestral alignment.

Can You Make Tallow Products at Home While Pregnant?

Absolutely — and many moms-to-be find it empowering.

All you need is high-quality beef fat (often labeled suet), a slow cooker or pot, and some cheesecloth.

Once rendered, you can:

• Keep it in a glass container.
• Combine it with chamomile or calendula.
• Whip it with jojoba or olive oil for a stretch mark cream

Homemade tallow products are a cost-effective way to ensure you're avoiding endocrine disruptors — especially important during pregnancy.

What About Using Tallow While Breastfeeding?

Yes — tallow remains safe for most women during lactation.

Its nourishing fats can actually support breastmilk quality, and topically, it’s gentle enough for babies.

Some breastfeeding mothers even use tallow for dry nipples instead of lanolin — especially if their babies are sensitive to wool or synthetic creams.

And since tallow is technically edible, you don’t have to worry about trace amounts being ingested by the baby during nursing.

Final Remarks

Beef tallow is not only safe — it might actually be one of the most underappreciated allies for pregnant women today.

Whether you’re cooking with it, massaging it into a growing belly, or using it for postpartum repair, it’s a nutrient-rich, time-tested ingredient with benefits that far outweigh the myths.

As with anything during pregnancy, the source matters.

Choose a clean, grass-fed tallow. Use it wisely. Listen to your body.

But know this: your great-grandmother probably used it, and your skin — and maybe your baby — will thank you for bringing it back.

🔥Curious to try beef tallow the clean, traditional way? Grab a jar, whip up your own balm, or test it in your skillet — your body will feel the difference! 🔥

FAQs on Why Pregnant Women Are Ditching Lotions for Beef Fat

Is beef tallow safe for baby skin after birth?

Yes, many parents use it as a natural diaper balm or dry skin remedy with great results.

Can beef tallow clog pores during pregnancy?

Not usually. It’s bio-compatible with skin and less comedogenic than synthetic creams.

Does tallow have any hormone-disrupting effects?

No, in fact, it's free of endocrine disruptors, unlike many commercial skincare products.

Is it okay to eat tallow daily while pregnant?

In moderation, yes — especially if paired with fiber and nutrient-rich foods.

Can tallow help with pregnancy-related eczema?

Yes, it’s been reported to reduce flares due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

Related Studies

1. Title: Conjugated linoleic acid increases skeletal muscle ceramide content and decreases insulin sensitivity in overweight, non-diabetic humans

This clinical trial examines the effects of CLA supplementation on muscle lipid content and insulin sensitivity, highlighting its complex role in human metabolism.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17510671/

2. Title: Stearic acid and its effects on mitochondrial function

This study investigates how stearic acid influences mitochondrial activity, suggesting potential benefits for cellular energy production.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16744887/

3. Title: The metabolism of beef tallow sucrose esters in rat and man

This research explores the metabolic processing of beef tallow derivatives, providing insights into their stability and safety when used in cooking.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/437607/