Essential oils for pregnancy and childbirth
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to assist in wellbeing and to create a healthy body. They can support the immune system and can affect your mood and how you are feeling. It is an holistic therapy that utililises the power of plant oils; herbs, flowers, trees and citrus fruits. These oils are highly concentrated and contain therapeutic chemicals.
These benefits are useful and effective throughout your lifetime and, if you follow proper safety guidelines, can be used during pregnancy and labour.
Your body goes through so many changes when you are pregnant and sometimes you may feel uncomfortable and your sensitivity may be heightened. Essential oils can be used during your pregnany to help to support a healthy body and a healthy baby.
What oils are safe to use during pregnancy?
There is an ethical issue in testing essential oils on pregnant mothers and the unborn child so there are limited clinical studies that address the safety of using oils during pregnancy. However, using historical data, certain oils have been deemed to be safe. Many women become sensitive to essential oils when they are pregnant so it is important to consult with your doctor or a qualified aromatherapist as to which oils to use during pregnancy. Even if you’ve used essential oils before, you should still let your GP or obstetrician know of any oils that you intend to use during your pregnancy because they should know your medical history. They can help you to take the proper safety measures you need based on your personal health and the health of your growing baby.
It is also worth mentioning that not all essential oils are pure and organic. During pregnancy, you will want to ensure that the oils that you are using are free of toxins and contaminants.
Essential oils for morning sickness and nausea:
Peppermint oil can alleviate occasional stomach upset when taken in veggie capsules or added to water.
Ginger oil may help reduce occasional nausea when taken internally.
Spearmint oil offers many of the same benefits as Peppermint oil, but is milder for sensitive tummies during pregnancy.
Essential oils for pregnancy back discomfort: Massaging soothing essential oil blends like Eucaplytus or Ginger on the lower back can be helpful when experiencing back discomfort. Massaging Geranium or Lavender onto legs or feet can help in these problem areas.
Essential oils for better sleep during pregnancy: It’s important that you get a good night’s sleep when you’re pregnant. Combining oils like Lavender and Sandalwood can promote feelings of calmness and can create an ideal atmosphere for achieving a good night of rest. In addition to diffusion and aromatic use, these oils can also be applied topically or used internally when appropriate.
For restful sleep during pregnancy, try the following suggestions:
Place a few drops of essential oil on your blankets or pillows at nighttime.
Diffuse calming essential oils for 30 minutes before going to bed.
Add one to two drops of Lavender oil to a cup of hot water for a relaxing tea that can help you unwind at bedtime.
Essential oils for better skin during pregnancy: A pregnant woman’s body is ever changing, and this includes changes in the skin. As the body works to keep up with the growing baby, the skin can often become stretched and taut. Many women also experience an increase in skin oil. These are some of the best essential oils to use on your skin during pregnancy:
Frankincense
Grapefruit
Helichrysum
Essential oils for labour and birth: Because essential oils promote uplifting and calming feelings, they can be extremely useful during labour and childbirth at a time when stress, anxious feelings, and emotions are running high. Research shows that women who use essential oils at this time have reported less anxious feelings and felt more positive about their experience when compared to women who did not use essential oils.
Use Black Pepper and Basil oil diluted with a carrier oil such as almond oil or fractionated coconut oil on the lower back to ease discomfort during labour.
Clary Sage oil can be used to reduce tension, which is helpful for contractions. Try a blend of Clary Sage with other calming essential oils like Lavender oil or Geranium oil.
Many women find essential oils helpful throughout their pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to know more.