Essential Oils During Pregnancy

27 Apr Essential Oils During Pregnancy

Aromatherapy using essential oils has been around for centuries as a natural cure to a multitude of ailments. Pregnancy is a joyous time, but it also comes with its share of troublesome symptoms like nausea, pains, indigestion, and more. Essential oils can be used to help with these symptoms and even with managing natural labor. 

While using natural remedies is usually considered safe, you should always consult with your healthcare provider first.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are derived from plants and are what give plants their characteristic smell and character. These are evaporative aromatic oils and are often used for their healing properties.

Essential oils are extracted by pressing and distilling plant extracts. You can use them by rubbing them onto your skin or putting them in a diffuser.

Why are essential oils used during pregnancy?

Essential oils are used in pregnancy to naturally help with symptoms without any medicines. They are mainly used to help with symptoms of anxiety, muscle aches, insomnia, nausea, and stress.

Different essential oils can be used for different purposes, here are some examples:

• Rose and rosewood oil: can help reduce stress and may also help with a relaxing sleep
• Lemon oil: can help uplift and improve mood
• Cardamom oil: may help reduce morning sickness and nausea
• Neroli oil: may help with a relaxing sleep and can also reduce stress and anxiety
• Lavender oil: may help with stress and anxiety
• Geranium oil: helps uplift the mood
• Ginger oil: may help with morning sickness and nausea
• Sandalwood oil: may help improve the mood
• Patchouli oil: may help uplift the mood
• Peppermint oil: may help with headaches and nausea

Are they safe?

The general consensus is that most essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy. However, there are some oils that are associated with some negative side effects like premature contractions, and are best avoided completely.

Other than this, it is stated that one must stick to a certain dosage or amount when using essential oils. Exceeding that amount may lead to toxicity which can again cause a variety of negative symptoms like vomiting and sickness.

The general rules one must follow regarding essential oils during pregnancy are:

1. Avoid them completely during the first trimester
2. Don’t ingest them unless specifically stated by your healthcare provider
3. Dilute them in carrier oils such as coconut or jojoba oil if you can
4. Do not exceed a certain safety dosage

Are there ones I should avoid while pregnant?

Yes, some oils are contraindicated for use during pregnancy since they’re associated with a higher allergy risk, or they are associated with negative effects on the pregnancy. 

However, most oils that are said to be avoided during pregnancy are ones that don’t have enough data on them to be deemed pregnancy safe. Better be safe than sorry!

Some of these include:

• Aniseed 
• Mugwort
• Basil
• Tansy
• Rosemary
• Camphor
• Thyme
• Tarragon
• Thuja
• Oakmoss 
• Sage 

Essential Oils During Labor

We discussed how essential oils can be used as an alternative for pain management during pregnancy, but they can also help during labor and birth! If women are wanting to achieve a natural birth experience, essential oils can help with nausea, stress, and anxiety as they progress through the stages of labor.

If you are interested in trying aromatherapy during pregnancy or at your labor, be sure to ask your healthcare provider about the best ways for you to use them!