Is It Safe to Use Essential Oils While Pregnant?

Published 23 Oct 2024

Pregnancy is a joyful and life-changing time. But sometimes, it also becomes stressful because it comes with uncomfortable side effects. In this case, it would be great to have natural remedies for stress, nausea or morning sickness. Do you know what’s the good news here? Essential oils are here for the rescue!

You might wonder- “Are essential oils safe when pregnant?”. The answer is YES! However, it is important to consult your doctor before trying anything new during or after pregnancy. Read on to learn if essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy!

What are the benefits of using essential oils during pregnancy?

First, you must know that essential oils in pregnancy are not completely banned. When used correctly, some essential oils might actually help with common pregnancy issues. Here are some benefits of using essential oils during pregnancy:

Decreases the appearance of stretch marks
Improves skin elasticity and helps reduce anxiety during labor
Improves sleep
Reduces nausea and upset stomach

Safety of essential oils while pregnant

Although people worry that using essential oils during pregnancy can be harmful, experts say that using them in the right amounts is usually safe. Consulting with a healthcare professional is always a good idea if you have any questions or concerns.

The only thing is that pregnant women should stick to the recommended dosages and follow essential guidelines for using essential oils during pregnancy.

Since the first trimester of pregnancy (first three months) is the most sensitive time for the developing baby, it is best to avoid essential oils during this time. But you can use essential oils in the second or third trimester if you remember the following guidelines:

Dilution is key

Whether you are pregnant or not, you should always mix essential oils with a carrier oil, such as Jojoba, Coconut, Apricot and Sweet Almond, before using it on your skin. Doing so is essential to ensure safety, as essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate your skin if used directly.

Do not ingest essential oils

All essential oils are not safe to ingest unless a qualified expert or healthcare professional says so. That is because many oils can be toxic if swallowed, and this can be harmful to you and your baby.

Focus on aromatherapy

Generally, most medical experts say that it is safer for pregnant women to use essential oils in a diffuser instead of putting them on the skin. This simply means that aromatherapy is a good option as opposed to topical application.

Also Read: Unlocking the Power of Essential Oils: Top Picks for Women’s Personal Care

Which essential oils are safe during pregnancy?

Lavender essential oil

Lavender is one of the most popular and common essential oils you can use while pregnant. When used correctly, the oil can help relax, especially during labor pain and delivery.

You can bring a portable diffuser to the hospital and add a few drops of pure Lavender oil to create a calming atmosphere. Since the oil can irritate your nose, avoid inhaling the steam directly. You can also get a massage using dilute lavender oil to reduce labor pain.

Rose essential oil

Rose oil is the best option to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation and enhance sleep at night. Just like lavender, rose oil can also help ease anxiety during childbirth. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Pregnant women who do not like the smell of lavender can opt for rose essential oil. This oil can also be used in aromatherapy by adding it to a diffuser.

Peppermint essential oil

Many experts in the world of aromatherapy and homeotherapy report Peppermint oil to be harmful to pregnant women. However, some early evidence suggests that peppermint oil can be used in aromatherapy as it might help reduce nausea during pregnancy.

Chamomile essential oil

Although many people rely on chamomile tea for relaxation, they do not know that chamomile also comes in essential oil form. The oil can either be used in aromatherapy to help you relax or mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the skin to enhance skin elasticity.

In addition, Chamomile oil can also help with severe migraines and reduce the appearance of stretch marks after giving birth.

Lemon essential oil

Lemon oil is one of the best essential oils for pregnancy nausea. Did you know? According to a 2014 study, using lemon oil regularly in aromatherapy helped pregnant women reduce how often they felt nauseous or vomited.

Geranium oil

Many essential oils can be used in aromatherapy to help with anxiety during labor and delivery. Another such oil on this list is Geranium oil. Opt for this oil if you do not want to use lavender or oil oil to reduce anxiety in the first stage of labor.

Also Read: Harnessing the Beauty of Nature: Essential Oils in Cosmetics and Personal Care

Conclusion

Now that we have reached the end of this blog, you must have realized that essential oils can offer a wide range of benefits for pregnant women. From alleviating nausea to promoting relaxation, pregnant women can safely use essential oils for different needs.

However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating them into your routine. Lastly, do not forget to contact Shiv Sales for the best quality natural oils that can enhance well-being!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1- Which essential oils to avoid in pregnancy?

Ans. As discussed in the blog above, taking more than the recommended dose of certain essential oils can lead to toxicity risks. Aniseed, Basil, Sage, Birch, Camphor, Tansy, Thuja, Mugwort, etc, are some essential oils to avoid during pregnancy.

Q2- How to use essential oils safely during pregnancy?

Ans. If your doctor recommends you use essential oils during pregnancy, here is how you can use these natural extracts safely:

Start with a small amount and slowly increase the dosage
Do not apply essential oils directly to your skin, as direct application can cause irritation or rashes. Only use it after diluting it with a carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils