Pregnancy-Safe Essential Oils: Natural help for insomnia, nausea and muscle  aches

If you or your partner is pregnant, it can be common to hear about essential oils as an alternative to traditional medicine for conditions such as improving sleep and decreasing headaches. With so many different oils on the market, knowing which to use for what purpose can seem overwhelming. If you have a birth doula, they may be able to guide you on what essential oils to use during birth or use them themselves. However, knowing what essential oils are safe for pregnant women is something worth knowing! 

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are aromatic liquids that are extracted from various parts of  acheplants, flowers, leaves, bark and seeds and are highly concentrated. They are known for their characteristic scents. 

Essential oils have been used for centuries in aromatherapy, traditional medicine, and other applications. They are believed to have therapeutic properties and are used for their alleged benefits, including during pregnancy. 

Why are essential oils suggested during pregnancy?

Essential oils are used during pregnancy to provide natural relief for common discomforts like nausea, headaches, muscle aches, and sleep issues, while also supporting emotional well-being and stress reduction. 

Are essential oils safe for pregnancy?

There are some essential oils that are considered safe for pregnancy, while others are advised to stay away from. Lavender essential oil is safe for pregnancy if used correctly. It’s important to dilute the oil with something like an oil carrier before inhaling it or applying it to your skin. Never ingest any essential oils, and use them sparingly. 

Is peppermint essential oil safe during pregnancy? That one is a bit more complicated. There’s conflicting information on the subject and while it’s said to help relieve nausea, indigestion and headaches, it’s best to confirm with your doctor before use to get the correct amount and confirm the form of application. Always start small and stop immediately if there are any adverse reactions. 

What to Know Before Using Essential Oils During Pregnancy:

• Always consult a health care provider before using any essential oils. Some people are not able to use them during pregnancy due to underlying medical conditions. Make sure you check in with your team before using any oils. 
• They are not safe for the first trimester. It is recommended to wait until the second trimester to ensure your little one is developing properly. 
• Using a diffuser or steam aromatherapy is recommended instead of topical application. 
• If you do use topical application, the essential oil should be heavily diluted. 
• You may also utilize aromatherapy bath soaks while following safe bath guidelines for pregnancy. 
• They can cause allergic reactions, so make sure to note any issues and stop immediately and seek medical help  if you have an allergic reaction.
• Never ingest (eat or drink) essential oils.

6 Benefits of Essential Oils During Pregnancy:

Aromatherapy can help assist with both emotional and physical reactions during pregnancy. From help with morning sickness to stress relief, pregnancy safe essential oils are here to help.

1.) Offset pregnancy Nausea

If you’re experiencing morning sickness or general heartburn, you can try diffusing essential oils for inhalation like Lavender, chamomile, peppermint and ginger.

2.) Improve Sleep

Between baby’s movements, needing to pee more frequently and general discomfort, sleeping during pregnancy can be difficult. Try diffusing oils like Lavender, ylang-ylang and mandarin.

3.) Stress and Anxiety: Lavender, frankincense, geranium and lemon

4.) Muscle Aches: Lavender, ylang-ylang, ginger and chamomile. 

5.) Headaches and Congestion: Black pepper or peppermint.

6.) Skin Care: Ylang-Ylang and diluted tea tree oil

The following essential oils are generally considered safe during pregnancy:

• Lavender
• Lemon Balm
• Ylang Ylang
• Tea Tree Oil (diluted)
• Lemon Myrtle
• Chamomile
• Frankincense
• *Peppermint during the second trimester 

Unsafe Essential Oils for Pregnancy:

While there are many benefits to essential oils, there are also risks associated with some essential oils as well. It is best to completely avoid these oils, as they can harm the fetus, are associated with miscarriages or can bring on pre-term labor. 

• Aniseed
• Basil
• Birch
• Camphor
• Caraway
• Cinnamon/Cinnamon Bark
• Clary Sage – can induce contractions, many doulas use it during labor for this reason
• Eucalyptus (all types)
• Fennel
• Hyssop
• Lemongrass – can cause uterine stimulation
• Mugwort
• Oregano – uterine stimulant
• Parsley Seed or Leaf
• Pennyroyal
• Peppermint – can reduce milk supply if used later in pregnancy and postpartum
• Rosemary – uterine stimulant
• Sage
• Tansy
• Tarragon
• Thuja
• Wintergreen
• Wormwood

Essential Oils Used for Labor Support:

During labor, essential oils can be used for a number of things, from helping ease pain to reducing anxiety and nausea. These can typically also be used in a diffuser, dilated and put on a cotton ball under the laboring parents nose or used during a massage. 

• Lavender: A popular choice known for its calming and soothing effects, helping to ease anxiety and tension during labor. 
• Clary Sage:  It is used to promote strong, regular uterine contractions and to ease pain. 
• Ylang Ylang: This floral oil can help reduce anxiety and stress, as well as ease muscle tension. 
• Geranium: With a proven track record for reducing anxiety, it is also a great choice for massage to help with muscular pain. 
• Orange: A citrus oil that can help uplift spirits and reduce stress, it is also known for its analgesic properties. 
• Rose: Similar to lavender, rose oil can reduce anxiety and pain perception during labor. 

There are many benefits to using essential oils during labor, but it is just as essential to ensure you are knowledgeable about what oil does what, and which ones are safe for pregnancy and labor. Always make sure to run the use of essential oils by your doctor or midwife and ask for the best ways to use them. If you ever have any questions or concerns, know that Well Supported Family by Nightingale can help you find the answer!