How to Safely Use Essential Oils to Experience the Joys of Motherhood During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a beautiful, special time for mothers. It can also be challenging to cope with all of the physical and emotional changes that happen over those nine months. One technique to help you connect with the joys of motherhood, before delivery, is through the use of essential oils.

If you are healthy and your doctor gives you the go-ahead after the first trimester, there are many beneficial ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your pregnancy wellness program. In fact, essential oils have been used for many years by midwives, doulas and nurses to offer comfort to mothers-to-be.

Safety First!

However, there are some essential oils you will want to avoid while expecting. Read ahead to get your full guide to enjoying essential oils during pregnancy, and remember to use caution, essential oils can be very potent. Always, consult with your doctor before using essential oils, and it is recommended that women with a history of miscarriage, diabetes or blood clotting should play it safe by not using oils while carrying child.

How Can Essential Oils Help During Pregnancy?

There are two main methods to enjoy aromatherapy during pregnancy, by breathing in the scents and benefits through inhalation or used topically by diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil, or added to a cream or lotion. 

Both methods can off support to expectant mother through all sorts of pregnancy-specific conditions such as:

• Morning sickness, nausea and vomiting
• Swollen ankles and fluid retention
• Sore, Achy muscles
• Sleeplessness
• Stress-induced tension
• Mood swings
• Stretch marks
• Dry Skin and
• Acnes flareups

With so many medications off-limits when you’re expecting, using certain essential oils can be a great alternative to provide some relief uncomfortable symptoms arise.

5 Essential Oils to Safely Use During Pregnancy 

• Chamomile Roman – If you have a backache, helps ease the discomfort of aches and pains. Chamomile is also helpful to get the mind and body ready for bed.

• Frankincense – Helps to calm feelings of anxiety during labour and improves concentration when experiencing “pregnancy brain” or “momnesia”. Put a few drops mixed with Orange into your diffuser.
  
  
• Grapefruit – Helps to lift the mood. It also can be used in a blend of other oils to alleviate feelings of fluid retention in the lower leg and ankle that occurs during the third trimester.
  
  
• Lavender – Known as the Universal Oil, it has many uses. Can help with feelings of nausea, headache, and low spirits. Use to prevent the look of stretch marks and to hydrate dry, inflamed skin. Also can be used to ease the discomfort of labor pains.
  
  
• Mandarin – Combined with Lavender, useful in relieving the feelings of morning sickness. Combine with Lavander and Chamomile Roman to help ease the discomfort of heartburn.

For more oils and how they can offer comfort during pregnancy visit our knowledge center here.

Essential Oils to AVOID Using During Pregnancy

The following essential oils should be avoided while you are pregnant: 

• Aniseed
• Arnica
• Birch
• Camphor
• Cedarwood
• Cinnamon
• Fennel
• Hyssop
• Mugwort
• Parsley (leaf or seed)
• Pennyroyal
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Sweet Basil 
• Tansy
• Tarragon
• Thyme
• Thuja
• Wintergreen
• Wormwood

You should also avoid blended oils that contain these ingredients. A professional aromatherapist will be able to advise you on the best use of essential oils and tell you which oils you should avoid during pregnancy or while you are breast feeding.

Safety Information
Essential oil use during pregnancy is only recommended during the second and third trimesters.

It is best to utilize essential oils for when you really need it, as repeated intense daily use is not suggested.

It is important to always take the proper precautions when handling essential oils. They can be extremely powerful. Always read any warning labels before using an oil. Also, make sure to use 100% pure and natural oils, free from any chemicals, pesticides, parabens, synthetic perfumes or fillers.

Remember, essential oils are potent, and it’s important to be mindful of essential oil dosage. A little bit goes a long way. Some essential oils are highly concentrated and can have harmful effects if used in abundance.