Is it Safe to use Essential Oils when you are Pregnant.
Guide To Using Essential Oils For Pregnancy, from “Web Essential Oils” Blog.
Pregnancy can be a glorious but difficult time. Lots of things are happening in your body that are exciting in creating a little person, but pregnancy also can cause discomfort and various adverse symptoms in the mother’s body. Treating your body naturally by using essential oils for pregnancy is something that many women want to do. However, it is important to know which essential oils are safe for use during a pregnancy, as some may have side effects that can be dangerous to the health of the baby and/or the mother.
It is important to remember that essential oils, although natural, are extremely powerful and potent. Just as you would not take any other medications before checking with your doctor, be sure to consult your physician, midwife, or other medical professional before using any essential oils, just to be safe. This list of essential oils for pregnancy can give you a good idea of how to narrow down your list of oils to ask your medical professional about!
Using Essential Oils During Pregnancy
Just as with everything during pregnancy, try to be cautious and use less when using essential oils. A little bit goes a long way. Avoid essential oils completely during your first trimester unless directed by a medical caregiver. This is especially true if you have a history of miscarriage. Also, do not ingest essential oils during pregnancy. Diffusion and inhalation should be less as the olfactory senses of pregnant women are stronger and more efficient. Alternating your use of essential oils (trading chamomile for lavender every other day) may help avoid any adverse effects.
The method in which you make use of essential oils during pregnancy has to do with preference more than anything. Diffusion is helpful, but topical application may be useful too. Just be sure to dilute with a carrier oil, using less essential oil than you normally would in case you have developed sensitivities during your pregnancy that you didn’t have previously.
Essential Oils that are Safe for Pregnancy
This list of essential oils for pregnancy can often help you fight against some of the struggles and hardships that come along with the physical changes happening your body.
- Cypress (relieves hemorrhoids and may help with swelling in feet and legs, also useful to fight against varicose and spider veins caused by pregnancy)
- Eucalyptus (relieves congestion which is great when you can’t take cold medicine—but use sparingly)
- Frankincense (for moisturizing and preventing stretch marks/comfort from worry, also to lift the mood, may minimize the look of “pregnancy mask” on the face)
- Ginger (for indigestion and morning sickness, also to reduce swelling and water retention)
- Helichrysum (helps reduce occurrence of stretch marks)
- Lavender (for relaxation and sleep, muscle pain, high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, stretch marks, and yeast infections)
- Lemon and other citrus oils such as Bergamot, Lime, Grapefruit, and Sweet Orange (for energy and refreshment, also to reduce swelling and water retention)
- Myrhh (for stretch marks)
- Neroli (helpful for relieving stress and promoting tranquility, also good for the skin)
- Patchouli (for sleeplessness and insomnia)
- Peppermint for nausea —but may decrease milk supply during nursing, also boosts energy)
- Sweet Orange (cleans the nose out of other bad smells, also adds to sense of joy and calm)
- Tea Tree Oil (for wound healing and skin health–do not use during labor, may also help with yeast infection and pregnancy acne)
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy
These are the oils to avoid. Although most of them cannot harm you simply by a short sniff here or there, they should certainly not be applied topically or used in a diffuser where you will be for a long amount of time unless approved by a medical caregiver. This list is not complete so do check with your medical professional before using any essential oils for pregnancy.
- Angelica (may stimulate contractions)
- Aniseed (may stimulate contractions—also should be avoided during breastfeeding)
- Basil (may cause abnormal cell development)
- Birch (may be an irritant)
- Black Pepper (sensitizes skin)
- Camphor (toxic)
- Cinnamon Leaf (may cause contractions)
- Citronella (may stimulate contractions)
- Clary Sage (may cause contractions)
- Clove (may cause skin sensitization)
- Fennel (anetholes)
- Hyssop/Idaho Tansy (may be toxic)
- Jasmine (may stimulate contractions)
- Juniper Berry (may negatively affect kidneys)
- Laurel (may stimulate contractions)
- Marjoram (may stimulate menstruation)
- Mugwort (may be toxic)
- Nutmeg (may be hallucinogenic)
- Parsley (apiols)
- Pennyroyal (may be toxic)
- Rose (may cause uterine bleeding)
- Rosemary (increases blood pressure, also not for children under the age of 4)
- Sage (may cause contractions)
- Tansy (may be toxic)
- Thuja (may be toxic)
- Thyme (may stimulate contractions)
- Wintergreen (toxic)
- Wormwood (may be toxic)
- Ylang Ylang (may stimulate contractions—can be used under the supervision of an experienced midwife during labor)
Essential Oils for Postpartum and Nursing Mothers
Some oils that you may not be able to use during pregnancy are not necessarily unsafe for the baby once your little one is born. After the baby has been safely delivered, there are some essential oils that are not only safe, but may be useful for certain struggles that new moms can have including postpartum depression, struggles with milk supply, hemorrhoids, and other ailments.
- Basil (increases and regulates milk supply)
- Clary Sage (soothes areas of perineal tearing)
- Copaiba (apply topically to firm uterus and abdomen after birth)
- Fennel (increases and regulates milk supply)
- Frankincense (calms and reduces postpartum pain, inflammation, and depression)
- Geranium (soothes perineal area)
- Helichrysum (improves health of nipple)
- Lavender (helps to relax and calm, improves nipple health, and soothes perineal area)
- Lemon and other citrus oils (diffuse to calm postpartum depression)
- Ylang Ylang (use after birth to tone uterus and abdominal area)
Conclusion
Making use of essential oils for pregnancy is one of the best ways to eliminate some of the difficult symptoms of pregnancy and breastfeeding, while making sure that you and your baby are healthy—naturally. As you continue discover the power of effectiveness of essential oils, you’ll find yourself using them more and more for physical healing, mental strength, and even around the house as cleaning substances. Once you get started on essential oils, you’ll quickly learn how much you love them. Have fun building your collection of essential oils for pregnancy!
