Pregnancy & Essential Oils

Pregnancy, one of the most beautiful, stressful, amazing, overwhelming times in a person's life. For around 40 weeks, women not only transition their physical health but also emotional, and spiritual health as they grow this tiny human and bring them earth-side. 

This is a time when many parents start to take a closer look at the food they eat, cleaning products used, and skincare products they apply. It is a time when many over-the-counter meds are no longer safe to take and many start to look at natural alternatives to help ease their aches and pains, and keep their physical and emotional health strong. Many mamas-to-be start to look into aromatherapy at this time as it is known as a natural alternative that can offer many benefits. 

Is aromatherapy safe to use during pregnancy?

It depends on each person’s unique situation and what ailments are being discussed. 

Natural does not always equal safe! Something natural such as poison ivy is not something you want to have rubbed all over your skin. Pennyroyal is known to cause miscarriages (both herb & essential oil). It is important that whatever is put in, and on the body, is safe for mama and baby. Some essential oils that should be avoided during pregnancy include, but are not limited to; clove, cinnamon, fennel, hyssop, oregano, sage, and wintergreen. 

When using aromatherapy in pregnancy, it is recommended to use essential oils topically or aromatically only.

It is NOT recommended to use them internally. 

We have to assume that essential oils cross the placenta to the baby. For this reason, when essential oils are used topically.  It is best to apply them at a 0.5% to a maximum of 1% dilution. This means only 1 to 2 drops essential oil in 10ml of carrier oil. 

Often hydrosols/hydrolats or carrier oils are sufficient in supporting the person, without even using essential oils. Hydrosols are a great way to still get many therapeutic benefits, without the potency of the essential oils. Some great carrier oils to use in pregnancy include avocado, grapeseed, argan, jojoba, and coconut oil (check out our carrier oil blog to learn more). These can be beneficial for dry skin, stretch marks, face cleaning and more. 

What essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy?

When using essential oils during pregnancy, there are only 5 essential oils that have been studied and published to show their safe use.

Safe essential oils include; 

• bergamot, 

• lavender, 

• lemon, 

• neroli, and 

• petitgrain. 

However, there are other essential oils that have shown no known contraindications, such as;

• black pepper, 

• eucalyptus, 

• ginger, 

• frankincense, 

• roman chamomile, 

• mandarin, and 

• vetiver. 

Precautions

It is also important to note that the first trimester of pregnancy is when the pregnancy is at most risk and you should introduce as little as possible that could change the outcome of the pregnancy. 

Essential oils are very powerful substances that need to be respected and used cautiously. Avoiding most essential oils in the first trimester is recommended. As the second trimester progresses, additional essential oils can be beneficial, same as in the third trimester. During birth, some essential oils are recommended to help support labour, especially if it has stalled, such as clary sage and jasmine. 

However, if the pregnancy is at risk, it is paramount that extra caution be taken. Informing your healthcare provider when using essential oils, herbs, and working with a trained aromatherapist to help you use essential oils safely in this most vulnerable time is crucial. It is essential that you inform your healthcare team also of any concerning health issues. For example if there is excess swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, part of it is ‘normal’ pregnancy at the end of the day, but it can also be a sign of preeclampsia which is a big health concern for mama and baby. Essential oils cannot replace the advice of your healthcare team and should not be used as a substitution to medical care.

Reminder:

When using aromatherapy in pregnancy, it is recommended to use essential oils topically or aromatically only.

It is NOT recommended to use them internally. 

We have to assume that essential oils cross the placenta to the baby. For this reason, when essential oils are used topically.  It is best to apply them at a 0.5% to a maximum of 1% dilution. This means only 1 to 2 drops essential oil in 10ml of carrier oil.

If your pregnancy is healthy and routine, most can use several of the safe essential oils for;

• morning sickness, 

• heartburn, 

• insomnia, 

• aches and pains, 

• stretch marks, and 

• many other fun-time pregnancy ailments. 

Pregnancy is a beautiful and empowering time. You will have your best pregnancy with great support. Aromatherapy can allow pregnancy to be as enjoyable as possible when used safely. 

Here are a couple of great formulas that you can try. 

Diffuser blend to help with insomnia

• 1 drop vetiver

• 1 drop roman chamomile

• Add to the diffuser and set for 30 minutes while getting ready to sleep. 
  

Topical blend for aches and pains

• 30ml fractionated coconut oil

• 2 drops frankincense

• 1 drops peppermint

• 3 drop black pepper

• Mix gently and massage over the lower back, hips, and other achy areas. 

If you want to learn more about using aromatherapy during pregnancy, you can sign up for our one of a kind mini-course presented in partnership with Nikki Fraser from Fraser Holistic Health - Pregnancy & Aromatherapy. 

SAVE THE DATE!

Pregnancy & Aromatherapy Mini Course

This course is ideal for any soon-to-be parents, doulas, birth educators, midwives, and aromatherapists.

You will learn how to use aromatherapy safely during pregnancy.

• Essential oil safety

• Hydrosols

• Carrier oils

• Essential oils for pregnancy

• Essential oils for birth

• And she will provide many formulas for specific ailments that someone pregnant may experience.

💻 Join us on April 27, 2022 at 7pm EST (replay will be available afterwards)

References:

Conrad, Pam, Women’s Health Aromatherapy, Philadephia PA, Singing Dragon, 2019

LEARN MORE WITH ESSENTRIA

Want to learn more about how to use essential oils in your home? Check out our free no strings attached online course here.

Plus consider joining us in our Facebook group Love Essential Oils with Essentria where we post tips and tricks on how to use aromatherapy safely in your daily life.

Want to learn more about how to become an aromatherapist, check out our certification courses and bundles offered online here.