A pregnant woman must be careful of the things she uses during this period. Now, it’s no longer about her alone but the other life that she is carrying. Some products are quick to warn off pregnant women, but some are not. We advise expecting mothers should always consult their gynecologist before using unprescribed products. Now, this brings us to the subject of the day essential oil for pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the skin may act funny as a lot is going on in the woman’s body. There will be visible signs of stress, skin discoloration, break out, and whatnots. There are a few lucky women, however, who have a smooth sail through pregnancy, but even if you fall on the unlucky side, don’t worry, essential oil got you covered. With the right oil, you can get your skin looking just how you want it to through those nine months and even beyond.
Best Essential Oils For Pregnancy Relief
Since ancient times, the essential oil has been used as a holistic natural treatment for several ailments. They also help In relieving pains and aches during pregnancy, but not all expecting mums are allowed to use them. Currently, there is insufficient research on essential oil effects on fetuses. Here are some of the available information on essential oil use during different phases of pregnancy.
First trimester
If you are in the early weeks of your pregnancy, it’s better to stay away from essential oil as they may cause adverse effects on your baby or lead to uterine contractions in those early stages. This was explained by a practicing prenatal specialist naturopathic doctor. There is a need for more research on this, but while we wait, you are better safe than sorry.
Avoid aromatherapy treatments and products during the first trimester of pregnancy. Since essential oil plays a key role in aromatherapy, we can interpret this to mean, avoid essential oil.
Second and third trimester
In this trimester, your baby’s developmental stages have increased and you may now be able to use certain essential oils. These oils include ylang-ylang, chamomile, and lavender. The naturopathic doctor says these oils make the pregnant woman relax calm and helps her to sleep.
When purchasing these oil, go for reputable brands with a 100 percent unadulterated and pure oil. Do not ingest essential oil when pregnant! Use it externally, ingesting may harm your fetus, or lead to miscarriage or preterm labor. Lastly, you should never use an undiluted essential oil topically, always dilute them with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
Here are some of the best oils for pregnancy you can use in the second trimester:
Best Essential oils For Pregnancy(2nd and 3rd Trimester) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Bergamot | Mandarin | |
| Eucalyptus | Petitgrain | |
| Roman Chamomile | Peppermint | |
| Ginger | Patchouli | |
| Geranium | Rose Otto | |
| Lavender | Sandalwood | |
| Lemongrass | Rosewood | |
| Lemon | Tea Tree | |
| Grapefruit | Ylang-ylang | |
| Lime | Sweet Orange | |
Avoid These Essential Oil When Pregnant
Oil is a potential cause of contractions that should not be used, and they include clove, rosemary, cinnamon, clary sage, and birch. Other oils you should keep at bay till the baby comes are
Essential Oils To Avoid While Pregnant |
||
|---|---|---|
| Arnica | Hyssop | Savin |
| Basil | Fennel | Sassafras |
| Bitter Almond | Juniper Belly | Savory (Summer) |
| Broom | Jaborandi Leaf | Thyme Red |
| Boldo Leaf | Mugwort | Tansy |
| Casia | Melilotus | Wormwood |
| Camphor (Yelow or brown) | Nutmeg | Winter green |
| Calamus | Mustard | Elecampane |
| Chervil | Origanum | Horseradish |
| Coriander | Pennyroyal | Rosemary |
| Costus | Large doses of parsley | Rue |
| Deer-Tongue | Pine (dwarf) | |
How Some Essential Oil Help Pregnant Women
The essential oils we know are simply distilled natural oil that is sourced from a plant mostly.
These oils are popular for the effect they have on the skin, but they also help in treating several ailments. In the past, it was commonly given to pregnant, postpartum, and women in labor to treat aches and anxiety.
For example, some women have testified that peppermint oil helps manage their headache while they are pregnant. This oil may also provide relief for nasal congestion, muscle aches, and nausea. Postpartum women experiencing difficulty in urinating found peppermint oil helpful too.
Another example is rose and lavender oil. Studies suggest that both these essential oil may reduce labor anxiety. We know, thanks to physiology, that a woman’s pain perception can be reduced when relaxed. The available explanation for this is that her memory has a strong link with the sense of smell. If in the past, she had experienced relaxation after inhaling rose or lavender, then during labor, it would have the same effect on her. Her brain recalls past relaxation experience, now take a minute to appreciate your brain.
You can use this oil by mixing them in carrier oil or water inside a spray bottle. Try spraying it on your pillow for a relaxing sleep. Postpartum mum loves this!
Tips
It is better to start with a small drop of the recommended essential oil, and as you get used to it, you can increase it gradually. It will build your tolerance level, and if you find that they make you uncomfortable, discontinue use. During pregnancy, you are more sensitive to smell. That is why aromatherapy is discouraged, as it can cause nausea.
- You can try spraying the oil on a cotton ball or tissue for easy removal if it is intolerable.
- Do not use it on your skin directly, if you desire to apply essential oil on your skin, dilute it with a carrier oil. That will help avoid harsh reactions and skin irritation.
- Do not drink this oil when pregnant, protect your unborn child.
Finally, even though there is limited research on the essential oil pregnancy effect, It is best to speak with your gynecologist before using any.