How to Safely Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy

Essential oils and aromatherapy products can be used safely during pregnancy but there are a few things that need to be done differently in order to use them. Using essential oils during pregnancy can help with fatigue, morning sickness, reducing stress and many other things. Some oils contain components that are unsafe and can cause harm to both you and your unborn child, but that doesn’t mean that all essential oils can’t be used to help alleviate problems.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. First is to understand that not all essential oils and aromatherapy products can be used by pregnant women. There is a list in the tips of safe essential oils to use during pregnancy. Check the labels of the aromatherapy product you would like to use or choose a single essential oil from the list.

2. Research the oil you would like to use, you may have other situations with your health or you baby’s that even though the oil is safe to use during pregnancy it may not be safe for your current situation.

3. Once you know which essential oils you can use safely, you can choose how you want to use them. Bath, shower, massage or in a room with a diffuser, humidifier, room spray or water bowl. You should never douche with an essential oil while pregnant.

4. Once you have your method picked out-you need to have a safe dilution of essential oils to use it. Most aromatherapy products are mixed at a standard dilution around 2%. During pregnancy you should only use a dilution of 1% or less. To mix the correct dilution-for every ounce of base (lotion, oil, salts) you should use no more than 5 drops of essential oil. See the tips for options for diluting purchased aromatherapy products.

5. When you have a safe dilution of essential oils you can use the product by the method chosen. Example-if you were using lotion with essential oils in it before you were pregnant once it’s diluted properly you can continue to use it as usual, as long as the essential oils are safe to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Here’s a list of essential oils that are considered safe to use: Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Chamomile – Roman (Anthemis nobilis) Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) Lemon (Citrus limon) Mandarin (Citrus reticulate) Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) Orange (Citrus sinensis) Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) Rose (Rosa damascena) Sandalwood (Santalum album) Tangerine (Citrus reticulata var. tangerine) Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)
• For purchased products-mix half of the product with another product that is unscented. Example-for lotion take half of the one that contains essential oil and half of one that is unscented, mix together, the mixture now has a safe level of essential oil to use.
• To dilute purchased aromatherapy products it’s easiest to have an empty container to mix it in. To reach the proper dilution, mix it half and half, half of the aromatherapy product and have of an unscented product. For bath salts, mix half of the aromatherapy salts and half sea or epsom salt. For body or massage oil, mix half of the aromatherapy oil with half almond, grapeseed or coconut oil. For body lotion, it’s best to mix small amounts in your hand at time since mixing them in a lotion is not always easy to do.

Who Can Help:

• Overweight? Lose 30+ lbs without pills or diets- guaranteed
• Arthroscopic Alternative to Spine Surgery- For Back & Neck - Free MRI Review by our Doctors. Get your life back!
• Do you suffer from back pain? Learn more about our Medicare approved back support system. Medicare covers 85% of the cost.

[sknaturals]

on 3/24/2009 Where does the info about the contraindications come from? I ask because there is plenty of contradicting information that is circulated in the aromatherapy field. It is important to distinguish claims based on studies and claims that are made based on other written material that may or may not be right.My research indicates that the previously listed essential oils are safe when used properly. Properly is the key word. Research is essential, and when in doubt always err on he side of caution.

[Healistic]

on 3/17/2008 Tips and Warnings for essential oils during pregnancy.
Advice given could be dangerous.

Please do not use any of the oils listed without research as most of them have a contraindication to Pregnancy

Chamomile – Roman Chamaemelum nobile/ Anthemis nobilis
Emmenagogue, Contra-Indication in early pregnancy.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Contra-Indication during pregnancy - regulates hormonal system.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Emmenagogue, Contra-Indication in early pregnancy.
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
Emmenagogue, Contra-Indication in early pregnancy.

You can see by the few I have listed what I mean. Please take care when using any oils during pregnancy.

[thespoiledmama]

on 1/5/2008 Hello All,
My name is Tamara and I would like to introduce myself and my company.
I own a skincare company called THE SPOILED MAMA, located in San Francisco,Ca. It all began in 2005 I started out really small, just by word of mouth, then referrals of my products to doctors and midwives.,etc….and know I am happy share my products with you!! You can visit us at
WWW.THESPOILEDMAMA.COM
Spoiled Mama products are all made with organic ingredients and are free from Parabens,Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances, Harsh Surfactants, Artificial Colors, and Petroleum Derivatives. Most over the counter products contain all of these synthetic ingredients, and thats why we keep coming back for more, it feels good at first but never actually penetrates your skin…so we apply more!!!uugghh- So not only do our products work because their REAL, but we also support the enviroment by using recycled shipping b

[thespoiledmama]

on 1/5/2008 Hello All,
My name is Tamara and I would like to introduce myself and my company.
I own a skincare company called THE SPOILED MAMA, located in San Francisco,Ca. It all began in 2005 I started out really small, just by word of mouth, then referrals of my products to doctors and midwives.,etc….and know I am happy share my products with you!! You can visit us at
WWW.THESPOILEDMAMA.COM
Spoiled Mama products are all made with organic ingredients and are free from Parabens,Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances, Harsh Surfactants, Artificial Colors, and Petroleum Derivatives. Most over the counter products contain all of these synthetic ingredients, and thats why we keep coming back for more, it feels good at first but never actually penetrates your skin…so we apply more!!!uugghh- So not only do our products work because their REAL, but we also support the enviroment by using recycled shipping b