Essential Oils for Pregnancy
Essential oils can gently enhance an expectant mothers’ journey, both physically and emotionally. Aromatherapy can be used in all stages of pregnancy from easing morning sickness and aching muscles to labour preparation and support during the delivery.
We've just launched the Eco. Pregnancy Collection to make it easier for you to use essential oils during your pregnancy or give as a gift.
Essential Oils Safe for Pregnancy
- Bergamot
- Black Pepper
- Clove Bud
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lime
- Sweet Orange
- Mandarin
- Neroli
- Sandalwood
- Ylang Ylang
These oils are considered safe and beneficial for pregnant women. Always consult your general practitioner before purchasing.
|
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 of experience in the wellness industry. She is passionate about the healing properties of essential oils and their positive impact on emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing.
Article reproduced from ECO. with permission.
You can shop essential oils at Flora & Fauna and find the Eco. Pregnancy Collection at Flora & Fauna.
