Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

Aromatherapy is a natural healing science employing Essential Oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. During Pregnancy, Aromatherapy can prove to be extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while also being very easy to employ and use. In order to use Essential Oils safely during Pregnancy, a few extra safety guidelines needed to be followed. Though, there are reports of side effects, the user must be cautious enough to report any adverse effects to the physician immediately.

Essential Oils are extremely concentrated and volatile. Essential oil must be diluted before use. A common dilution for Aromatherapy essential oil blends during Pregnancy is 2 %, which would equal approximately 10 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil).

For an Aromatherapy Pregnancy Bath, add 6-10 drops of essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting in to the tub. 3-6 drops essential oil in a bowl of warm water wrung out in a washcloth works well for a compress. Use the same dilution of essential oil in a bowl of steaming hot water for a steam inhalation. An aromatic Bath is supposed to provide relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles and aid in avoiding stretch marks.

However, there are many Essential Oils that need to be avoided during Pregnancy. The following list contains Essential Oils that should be avoided during Pregnancy and Essential Oils that are recommended for use during Pregnancy.

Essential Oils to avoid during Pregnancy
Use of Essential Oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of Pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labor. Essential Oils to avoid during Pregnancy include: Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and Pennyroyal

Essential Oils recommended during Pregnancy
The following Essential Oils will be comfortable for using during Pregnancy. As always, use caution if you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If you feel you may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first. Good Essential Oils for Pregnancy include: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress (after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early Pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petit Grain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine.

If you are currently Pregnant and have been using any of Essential Oils that need to be avoided, but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then there most likely is nothing wrong. However, it is strongly encouraged you to consult your doctor or midwife and discontinue use of the “to be avoided” Essential Oils.

Aromatherapy essential oil benefits for Pregnancy
Listed below are some of the benefits and therapeutic effects of the Aromatherapy Essential Oils recommended for use during Pregnancy:

Bergamot
Analgesic, Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Uplifting and Refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during Pregnancy.

Chamomile
Antiseptic, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular Aches, Headaches, Toothaches and Indigestion.

Cypress (ok after 5 mos.)
Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent and Diuretic. Helpful for Varicose Veins, Hemorrhoids and Swollen Ankles.

Eucalyptus
Antiseptic, Antibiotic, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion.

Frankincense
Antiseptic, Astringent, Sedative, warming
Geranium (ok after 3 mos.) Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Astringent, Refreshing, Uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation.

Grapefruit
Astringent, Digestive Aid, Lymphatic stimulant. Helps with water retention.

Lavender
Antiseptic, Antibiotic, Analgesic, Antidepressant, Healing, Relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of Pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.

Lemon
Antiseptic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Astringent, Stimulant, Tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in Massage for varicose veins.

Mandarin
Antiseptic, Refreshing, Tonic, mild Relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.

Neroli
Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Antispasmodic, Anti-Inflammatory, Relaxing. Useful in Pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell regeneration and for easing nervous tension.

Patchouli
Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Anti-Inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy.

Petit Grain
Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Sedative, Refreshing, Tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.

Rosewood
Antiseptic, Sedative

Sandalwood
Antiseptic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antidepressant, Sedative. Helpful for cystitis during Pregnancy.

Tangerine
Antispasmodic, Lymphatic Stimulant, Calming, Sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.

Tea Tree
Antibiotic, Antiseptic, Antifungal, Antiviral, Disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during Pregnancy.

Ylang-ylang
Antiseptic, Antidepressant, Aphrodisiac, Sedative, lowers blood pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.

Was the information helpful?

Bookmarks it to your Social Bookmark Sites: