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.
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:
For the first three to four months avoid Cedar wood, Fennel, Peppermint and Rosemary.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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.
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Use this blend for a relaxing massage. Lie on one side and ask your partner to gently massage your lower back.
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.
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.
The following essential oils recipes must only be used during Labour not during the pregnancy term itself as Jasmine stimulates the uterus to contract.
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Add these together and massage the lower back during labour.
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Massage these oils over the lower belly. This will help strengthen the muscles and prepare for the birth.
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Mix together and gently massaged over the belly and lower back.
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.
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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.
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Add these essential oils together in a shallow bath or sitz bath. Soak each day.
Soothing your milk filled aching breasts will help relieve tension and allow milk to flow more easily and comfortably.
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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.
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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.
For information on this issue please see the Circulatory System page here.
See the Skin Conditions page here for essential oils regarding stretch marks.
See the Circulatory System page here for information on Varicose Veins.
See the Post Natal Depression page for more information on this issue.