Essential oils are safe for pregnancy. There is a misconception that they are not safe, but we need to follow a few rules when using essential oils for pregnancy and beyond.
We also need to use the safe essential oils for pregnancy and follow dilution methods and contraindications rules for essential oil during pregnancy.
In this article, we are going to look at:
- Benefits of Aromatherapy during pregnancy
- Safe oils to use
- Unsafe oils for pregnancy
- Common conditions and oils to use
- Five oils recommended for pregnancy, and
- Five golden rules to follow
Five Golden Rules of using Essential Oils during Pregnancy
- Low dilution to 1% or less. As pregnant mothers have a heightened sense of smell and are also super sensitive. There is also evidence to suggest essential oil molecules can pass through to the placenta.
- Avoid most essential oils in the first trimester. If you have any difficulties falling pregnant or a history of miscarriage, you need to be safe and hold off until you’re through the critical period.
- Avoid the contraindicated oils for pregnancy that could be harmful or toxic for a pregnant mother and growing fetus.
- Do not ingest or take the oils internally. This could cause injury or risk miscarriage of the growing fetus.
- Use essential oils for inhalation, mostly diffuser or burner is best. If used topically on skin, follow dilution recommendations.
Five Essential Oils Recommended for Pregnancy
Lavender : good for relaxation of mother and baby, helps ease pain and tension, safe for massage during pregnancy
Rose : helps with pregnancy insomnia, alleviates anxiety around labor and birth, encourages calm and centered relaxation
Chamomile (Roman) : calming for mother and baby, helps with the appearance of stretch marks, muscle aches and pains
Geranium : reduces anxiety during labor, promoting circulation, boosts energy levels when fatigued.
Frankincense : skin support for breakouts and stretch marks, promote relaxation
Some Benefits of Essential Oils during pregnancy:
- Natural healing
- Calming
- Soothe tired muscles
- Pain relief
- Minimize nausea
- Improve sleep
- Reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- Help with anxiety during labor
Safe oils for Pregnant Women
- Roman Chamomile
- Bergamot
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Sweet Orange
- Neroli
- Sandalwood
- Ylang Ylang
- Cypress
- Patchouli
- Rose
- Peppermint
- Tea Tree
- Mandarin
- Ginger
- Petitgrain
- Rosewood
Essential Oils to avoid during pregnancy that are contraindicated:
- Cedarwood
- Basil
- Eucalyptus
- Clary Sage
- Fennell
- Juniper
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Tansy
- Wintergreen
- Hyssop
- Aniseed
- Camphor
- Oakmoss
- Thyme
- Sage
- Parsley Seed
Common Condition during Pregnancy
- Nausea and morning sickness
- Depression and anxiety
- Stress
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Muscle aches
- Hemorrhoids
- Insomnia
How to use essential oils safely:
- Use only safe oils
- Dilution is 1% or below for topical application in a carrier oil.
- Contraindications
- Avoid essential oils in first trimester of pregnancy