Pregnancy, one of the most wonderful experiences - but it can be exhausting!
Using essential oils during pregnancy can be so soothing to a tired and heavy body, but using essential oils while pregnant should only be done under the supervision of a qualified Aromatherapist, essential oils are quite potent and can upset your baby.
I have given some essential oils recipes on this page to help with the more uncomfortable aspects.
But please note: It is not recommended to use Essential Oils in pregnancy, especially early in the pregnancy, unless prescribed by a qualified Aromatherapist. If using essential oils use the milder versions and/or at half strength.
Pregnancy and Essential Oils
For the whole time of carrying your child and while you are breastfeeding everything you eat and drink goes straight to your baby. You will only receive what is left over after the baby is sufficiently sustained. What mother would want it any other way?
However, it does mean you must be extra vigilant with your diet and of course the exercise you do during this time.
Eat wholesome food and exercise regularly.
What you feel, hear and respond to your baby will also feel, hear and respond to. This includes drugs, music, distress, tension, love, warmth, happiness, sadness etc, etc. Good or bad, your baby is aware of it.
It has been suggested that certain oils should be avoided during pregnancy.
These are:
- Basil
- Cinnamon
- Citronella
- Clary Sage
- Clove
- Hyssop
- Juniper
- Marjoram
- Myrrh
- Spanish Sage
- Tarragon
- Thyme
For the first three to four months avoid Cedar wood, Fennel, Peppermint and Rosemary.
Morning Sickness
Recipe One
Ingredients:
- 5-6 drops of Spearmint essential oil
Directions:
In a small bowl of boiling water add the essential oil and place near your bed at night. The aroma scenting the room will help settle the stomach. Use as required.
Recipe Two
Ingredients:
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil
- 2 drops Chamomile essential oil
- 1 drop Spearmint essential oil
Directions:
Mix these oils in a bowl with a small amount of water. Soak two face cloths in this water, squeeze out the excess and place one over the belly and the other over the face.
Extreme Tiredness
Ingredients:
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- 10 drops Grapefruit essential oil
- 10 drops Coriander essential oil
Directions:
Make a synergistic blend of the above essential oils and use a few drops in a foot bath or warm bath to ease the tiredness.
Just lie back and relax! Set up the bathroom with candles and soft music and just let the oils soothe that tired body...
Towards the End of Pregnancy
In the last few months pamper yourself a little bit! You've been carrying this child for many months and the bub is getting heavy, your legs are getting weary, your back is aching. Need I go on?
Take baths with some soothing oils like Rose, Lavender, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense. Or uplifting oils like Bergamot, Geranium or Jasmine.
Recipe One
Ingredients:
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops German Chamomile essential oil
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
Directions:
Use this blend for a relaxing massage. Lie on one side and ask your partner to gently massage your lower back.
Recipe Two
Try spraying the house with sweet scented air fresheners to calm the nerves, settle the mind and prepare for the birth:
Lavender, Chamomile or Sandalwood to relax,
Bergamot and Neroli to uplift the spirit or
Rose and Jasmine to give comfort.
Recipe Three
To help prevent tearing gently massage some wheatgerm oil into the perineum for 5-10 minutes each day for the last six weeks of pregnancy.
Labour
The following essential oils recipes must only be used during Labour not during the pregnancy term itself as Jasmine stimulates the uterus to contract.
Recipe One
Ingredients:
- 3 drops Jasmine essential oil
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 tablespoons Sweet Almond oil
Directions:
Add these together and massage the lower back during labour.
Recipe Two (two weeks prior to the expected date only)
Ingredients:
- 2 drops Jasmine essential oil
- 1 drop Nutmeg essential oil
- small amount carrier oil
Directions:
Massage these oils over the lower belly. This will help strengthen the muscles and prepare for the birth.
Recipe Three
Ingredients:
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
- 2 drops Geranium essential oil
- 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
- 70mls carrier oil
Directions:
Mix together and gently massaged over the belly and lower back.
Recipe Four (To Welcome The Baby Home)
To prepare the home for the arrival of the newly born baby use a blend of Lavender, Frankincense or Bergamot in an air freshener.
Use a blend of Eucalyptus and Lavender to eliminate any potential airborne bacteria.
Perineal Healing
Recipe One
Ingredients:
- 5 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Tea Tree
- 1/4 cup sea salt
Directions:
If you have been torn during the birth add the essential oils to a shallow bath filled with lukewarm water and the salt and use daily.
Recipe Two
Ingredients:
- 2 drops Cypress essential oil
- 3 drops Lavender essential oil
Directions:
Add these essential oils together in a shallow bath or sitz bath. Soak each day.
Aching Breasts
Soothing your milk filled aching breasts will help relieve tension and allow milk to flow more easily and comfortably.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops Juniper essential oil
- 1 drop Fennelseed essential oil
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
Directions:
Mix together and gently massage over the breasts but not over the nipples themselves.
This mixture could also be added to a cold compress and then held over the aching breasts.
Sore Nipples
Recipe One
Ingredients:
- 1 drop Rose essential oil
- 1 drop Sandalwood essential oil
- 1 drop Lavender essential oil
Directions:
Mix together into a little bit of moisturiser and gently rub over nipples. Wipe off carefully before each feed.
Chamomile or Calendula can be substituted for these essential oils.
Oedema
For information on this issue please see the Circulatory System page here.
Stretch Marks
See the Skin Conditions page here for essential oils regarding stretch marks.
Varicose Veins
See the Circulatory System page here for information on Varicose Veins.
Post Natal Depression
See the Post Natal Depression page for more information on this issue.
