Essential Oils + Pregnancy – The Devil's Bluff

Aromatherapy may be useful during all stages of your pregnancy.

Disclaimer

I am not a doctor or certified aromatherapist. I just enjoy aromatherapy. Below is a small amount of research I have undertaken, but there is still a lot of information out there, some conflicting. So, undertake your own research to determine all risks and benefits, appropriate to your situation. It is also very important to consult with your qualified treating medical practitioner beforehand to ensure essential oils are safe to use during your pregnancy journey.

Aromatherapy / Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic application of aromatic plant compounds and oils, such as essential oils, for holistic healing – to support physical and psychological wellbeing. It is used to stimulate desired responses including physiological and emotional changes, brought about through topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion.

Essential oils are concentrated products extracted from raw natural materials including flower, herb, tree products (bark), roots, leaves, seeds, peels, petals and fruits. Extraction processes are natural and include either pressing the material or distillation with water or steam. Generally, extraction through chemical processes is not considered true essential oils.

Some essential oils are very toxic and should not be used at all, including camphor, pennyroyal or wintergreen. Additionally, oils are very potent and should never be swallowed or applied undiluted to the skin. Other oils can be used on adults but never on or around children, especially under two years of age, including birch, eucalyptus and peppermint.

Whilst caution needs to be taken, aromatherapy can positively enhance your pregnancy journey and may become a part of your daily self-care ritual. Essential oils may be useful to ease morning sickness, aching muscles, stretchmarks, constipation, indigestion and stress, to name a few. They may also be helpful in preparing you for labour pains and contractions, as well as support you during and after the delivery of your little one.

Risks

If you have had difficulties falling pregnant or a history of complicated pregnancies it is best to avoid using essential oils during the first trimester. Generally, most oils are not recommended before 10 weeks. If you really needed to, perhaps use lemon via a diffuser to help with morning sickness.

It is recommended to dilute the oils to 1-2%, due not only to heightened sense of smell during pregnancy, but also research suggesting essential oil molecules can cross the placenta. However, this does not necessarily mean risk of toxicity to the baby – that depends on the toxicity and plasma concentration of the compound.

Every situation is different and safety looks different to each person. Some other factors to consider include age, any underlying conditions, and medication or supplement use.

General Safety Precautions

Keep essential oils away from children and animals.
Do not use on infants – under two years of age.
General range of dilution for children and toddlers is between 0.5-2.5%
Do not use internally.
Do not ingest.
Do not use undiluted on your skin.
Do not use on or around your eyes.
Do not use on broken, open or damaged skin.
Complete a patch test prior to use.
Avoid prolonged use of the same essential oils.
Only use diffuser for between 30-60 minutes.
Keep oils away from direct flame.
Ensure good ventilation.
Discontinue use if irritation or allergy occurs.

Commonly Considered Safe

Below is a list of essential oils that typically are considered safe and beneficial for pregnant women. Oils marked with an * should only be used during the last three weeks of pregnancy or during labour.

Below is a list of helpful oils, relevant to specific complaints, that you can dilute into a 1% massage blend, use in the bath or drop into a diffuser.

Prenatal / Pregnancy
- Stress: Bergamot | Frankincense | Geranium | Lavender | Neroli | Sandalwood | Ylang Ylang.
- Constipation: Black Pepper | Lavender | Mandarin | Orange.
- Indigestion: Black Pepper | Chamomile | Ginger | Lime | Mandarin | Orange.
- Morning Sickness: Ginger | Lemon | Orange.
- Muscle Aches: Black Pepper | Chamomile | Clove | Frankincense | Ginger | Lavender.
- Labour Preparation: Bergamot | Clove | Clary Sage * | Fennel * | Frankincense | Geranium | Jasmine | Lavender | Lemon | Mandarin | Neroli | Nutmeg * | Palmarosa. Apply via massage to the abdomen and lower back during the last two to three weeks of pregnancy.
Intrapartum / Labour and Delivery
- Black Pepper | Clary Sage * | Clove | Frankincense | Geranium | Ginger | Jasmine | Lavender | Marjoram * | Nutmeg * | Peppermint *.
Postpartum / After Delivery
- Fennel | Jasmine | Lavender | Neroli | Rose | Sweet Orange | Ylang Ylang | Yuzu.

Commonly Considered Not Safe

Below is a list of essential oils that are commonly avoided during pregnancy, though a few
(marked with *) may be safe to use during the last three weeks of pregnancy and during labour. See list above.

Dermal Irritants

Here is a small list of oils that are known to produce immediate effect of irritation on skin presenting as blotchiness and redness. For some people it may also be painful. The severity of reaction depends on the concentration (dilution) applied.

Reminder

Never ingest oils, and never use undiluted on your skin. It is important to consult with your qualified treating medical practitioner beforehand to ensure they are safe to use during your pregnancy journey. Please also undertake your own research to determine all risks and benefits, appropriate to your situation.