Using Essential Oils Safely During Pregnancy: Dos & Don'ts

By: Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez

1. Introduction

Pregnancy comes with a lot of dos and don’ts. You know to take your prenatal vitamins and eat nutritious foods. But are essential oils safe when expecting? Here we’ll cover the best essential oils for pregnancy, proper usage, which oils to avoid, and general safety tips when using aromatherapy during this special time.

2. Essential Oil Benefits for Pregnancy:

Essential oils can provide natural relief for some of pregnancy’s most common discomforts:

• Morning sickness: Ginger, lemon, peppermint
• Back/hip pain: Lavender, marjoram, German chamomile
• Headaches: Peppermint, rosemary, lavender
• Anxiety/depression: Bergamot, orange, ylang ylang
• Insomnia: Lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile
• Stretch marks: Neroli, frankincense, lemon
• Labor: Clary sage, jasmine, frankincense

Additionally, many oils provide emotional support during a time of major change and growing maternal instincts.

3. Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy:

Some essential oils are not considered safe for pregnancy and should be avoided:

• Basil, cedarwood, rosemary, sage - hormonal effects
• Cassia, cinnamon, clove, thyme - uterine stimulants
• Peppermint - heartburn trigger
• Lemongrass - may cause uterine contractions
• Wintergreen, sweet birch - blood thinners
• Clary sage - can trigger contractions

Stick to reputable oils like lavender, frankincense, neroli, and geranium which have established safety records during pregnancy.

4. Safe Essential Oil Use by Trimester:

First Trimester: Use sparingly as miscarriage risk is highest now. Stick to 1-2 drops of gentle oils like lavender or lemon inhaled from palms or tissue.

Second & Third Trimesters: Can use more freely but follow safety precautions. Great time to reduce common discomforts and bond with baby.

5. Proper Dilutions and Usage:

• Use fewer than 3 oils combined at a time
• Dilute oils to 1-2% - around 6 drops per 1 ounce of carrier
• Do skin patch tests before widespread use
• Diffuse for short periods with good ventilation
• Avoid excessive inhalation, ingestion, or undiluted use

6. Application Methods to Avoid:

• Strong topical use on the abdomen
• Vaginal use
• High concentration baths - only add oils once dispersed
• Douches or tampons with oils

7. Other Safety Considerations:

• Adjust use based on your history and risk factors
• Never ingest oils unless medical grade and approved by your doctor
• Consult a doctor before using any new oil while pregnant

Essential oils provide natural support during pregnancy when used correctly. Seek guidance to ensure safety.

8. Sample Pregnancy Oil Blends:

Here are some safe, simple oil mixes for expecting mothers:

Morning Sickness Relief: 2 drops ginger + 2 drops lemon + 1 drop peppermint in 10mL carrier oil. Inhale from palms or tissue.

Restful Sleep: 2 drops lavender + 1 drop ylang ylang diluted in carrier oil. Massage into neck and shoulders before bed or add to bath water.

Labor Prep: 2 drops clary sage + 1 drop jasmine diluted in 10mL carrier oil. Massage into lower back and abdomen at 36+ weeks.

9. Conclusion:

The right essential oils can safely nurture both mother and baby during pregnancy. Stick to oils with established safety records, use proper dilutions, and avoid oils that may stimulate hormones or contractions. When in doubt, check with your doctor first. With some precautions, aromatherapy can support this precious time.

10. Q&A:

Q: What are some benefits of using essential oils during pregnancy?

A: Oils can help relieve morning sickness, headaches, back pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stretch marks. They also provide emotional support.

Q: Are essential oils completely safe to use during pregnancy?

A: Most are safe when used properly, but some oils are best avoided during pregnancy. Do your research first.

Q: Which essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy and why?

A: Oils like rosemary, sage, peppermint, and clary sage can stimulate hormones or uterine contractions. Others are blood thinners.

Q: Can essential oils be used while trying to conceive or in the first trimester?

A: Use sparingly as miscarriage risk is highest early on. Stick to 1-2 drops total of gentle oils.

Q: What's the proper usage for essential oils in the second and third trimesters?

A: More oils can be used safely with proper dilutions but follow usage and safety precautions. Avoid excessive use.

Q: How should essential oils be diluted for pregnancy use?

A: Use lower dilutions like 3-6 drops of oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil. Do skin patches to test.

Q: Which essential oil application methods should be avoided during pregnancy?

A: Avoid undiluted use, excessive inhalation, vaginal use, and direct skin application to the abdomen.

Q: Can essential oils be ingested during pregnancy?

A: Never ingest oils when pregnant unless explicitly approved by your doctor and from a supplement-grade source.

Q: Should I consult my doctor before using essential oils while pregnant?

A: Yes, always discuss new oils with your doctor to check if they are safe for your unique health history.

Q: How can I find reputable information on using essential oils safely during pregnancy?

A: Search for guidance documents from professional aromatherapy associations like the NAHA and AIA.

Q: Are essential oils safe to use around babies and children while pregnant?

A: Take extra care, as children have more sensitivity. Avoid diffusing strongly or using topically on babies.

11. References:

1. Tiran, D. (2019). Clinical Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth. Elsevier Health Sciences.

This book by aromatherapy expert Denise Tiran provides clinical guidance on using essential oils safely during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. It explores the evidence behind oils for common issues pregnant women face.

2. Aromatherapy Trade Council (2022). Aroma Safety - Essential Oil Safety Information. https://aromatherapyunited.org/aroma-safety/

The Aromatherapy Trade Council provides safety information on essential oils, including a section on special considerations for pregnant women such as dilution and oils to avoid.

3. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (2022). Exploring Aromatherapy Safety. https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety

NAHA offers an in-depth essential oil safety guide that covers precautions for pregnant women, recommended dilutions, and references scientific research.

4. Bowles, E. Joy (2000). The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils (3rd ed.). Allen & Unwin.

This book analyzes the chemical components and pharmacology of essential oils. It includes a section on oils to avoid during pregnancy and lactation.

5. Ulbricht, C. et al. (2010). An evidence-based systematic review of basil by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 7(4), 354-450.

This review analyzes safety and efficacy of basil essential oil, finding insufficient evidence for use during pregnancy and recommending caution. Its methodology can be applied to assessing other oils.