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.
Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clove Bud, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Sweet Orange, Mandarin, Neroli,
Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), Basil, Clary Sage*, Eucalyptus, Fennel*, German Chamomile (Chamomillia recutita), Juniper Berry, Marjoram*, Myrrh, Nutmeg*, Peppermint*,Rose*, Rosemary, Sage, Vetiver, Wintergreen, Yarrow.
*Safe to use in the last few weeks of pregnancy and during labour if desired.
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.
Author: Alissa Geddes
Aromatherapist
Alissa is a fully qualified Aromatherapist with further qualifications in Remedial Massage & Myotherapy. She qualified as an Aromatherapist in 2005 and has worked in hospitals, day spas and in clinical practice. Alissa contributes her extensive knowledge to ECO. and helps with detailed education to our ECO. community. Alissa is passionate about assisting and teaching others how to restore and maintain their health and wellbeing.
