Essentials Oils and Pregnancy

January 25, 2019 3

Essential oils can gently enhance an expectant mothers’ journey, both physically and emotionally, during this special time of change in her life. Aromatherapy can be used in all stages of pregnancy from easing morning sickness and aching muscles to labour preparation and support during the delivery. The oils listed below are considered safe and beneficial for pregnant women.

Essential oils that are safe to use during pregnancy

Choosing the right essential oils for you can be a challenge, even outside of pregnancy, so below we have listed the essential oils that will help with some of the common complaints during pregnancy.

COMPLAINT	HELPFUL ESSENTIAL OILS	APPLICATION
Muscle ache	Lavender, Ginger, Black Pepper, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, Clove	Massage and bath (except clove)
Constipation	Lavender, Black Pepper, Orange, Mandarin	Massage abdomen clockwise and lower back
Indigestion	Roman Chamomile, Mandarin, Ginger, Orange, Black Pepper, Lime	Massage over abdomen in a clockwise direction
Morning sickness	Ginger, Lemon, Orange	Inhalation
Stress	Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium	Massage, Bath, Diffuser
Uterine Tonic for labour preparation	Peppermint, Jasmine, Clary Sage, Clove, Palmarosa, Fennel, Nutmeg	Massage abdomen and lower back during last 2 to 3 weeks of pregnancy
Labour Pains and contractions	Lavender, Clary Sage, Black Pepper, Geranium, Marjoram, Clove, Nutmeg, Jasmine, Frankincense, Peppermint, Ginger	Inhalation, Massage.

Why is there conflicting information about the essential oils I can use during pregnancy?

Even amongst very prominent and respected aromatherapists there are different opinions about the safety of using certain essential oils during pregnancy. Some essential oils are thought to have the effect of promoting menstruation or regulating hormones and although there is no evidence to suggest that these oils would affect a pregnancy we cannot be sure so for now avoiding these essential oils is prudent. The following includes commonly used essential oils to avoid but is not a definitive list. For safe self-care choose essential oils from the list above.

Essential oils to avoid during pregnancy

Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
Basil
Clary Sage*
Eucalyptus
Fennel*
German Chamomile (Chamomillia recutita)
Juniper Berry
Marjoram*
Myrrh
Nutmeg*
Peppermint*
Rose*
Rosemary
Sage
Spearmint
Vetiver
Wintergreen
Yarrow

*Safe to use in the last few weeks of pregnancy and during labour if desired.

The Golden Rules of Aromatherapy during Pregnancy

If you have had difficulties falling pregnant or if you have had a history of complicated pregnancies or miscarriages avoid using essential oils during the first trimester unless you are under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.
Dilute essential oils to 1% in a massage blend. Low dilutions are recommended because the expectant mother may experience a heightened sense of smell and find a stronger blend too overwhelming. Secondly, there is good evidence to suggest that essential oil molecules can cross the placenta and some essential oils in large concentrations may not be healthy for the baby.
Use your increased sense of smell to advantage and inhale each essential oil before use. You will know immediately if the oil is suitable for you as it will smell obviously wonderful or unpleasant. Note: essential oil preferences may change throughout your pregnancy.

About the author: Alissa Geddes is a qualified Aromatherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist with over 13 years experience in the wellness industry. She is passionate about the healing properties of essential oils and positive impact on emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing.

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