Essential oils can help with some of the common, yet challenging aspects of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, stretch marks, backache, swollen ankles and fluctuating emotions. According to The Aromatherapy Bible, some essential oils are tried and tested and considered safe for use during pregnancy. These include frankincense, ginger, mandarin, myrtle, neroli, petitgrain, sandalwood and vetiver.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil is steam-distilled from the hardened resin of the frankincense tree (Boswellia). It has a fresh, warm, citrus smell, blending well with vetiver and most floral, wood, spice and citrus essential oils. Frankincense is calming, revitalising and uplifting and good for use in massage, bathing and inhalation. It slows and deepens the breathing and helps relieve anxiety, fear and stress. Frankincense may help treat bronchitis, asthma, colds, coughs and sore throats. It can also provide relief from cystitis when used in a local wash or hot compress.
Ginger
Ginger essential oil, steam-distilled from the dried root of the ginger herb (Zingiber), has a sharp, spicy, woody smell. It blends well with frankincense, sandalwood, vetiver, neroli and other citrus essential oils. Ginger is warming, comforting and stimulating, useful in baths for encouraging circulation and in massage to relieve tired and aching muscles. Sniffing a few drops of ginger essential oil on a tissue or inhaling it straight from the bottle helps relieve morning sickness. Used in steam inhalation, this oil may also be helpful for colds, sore throats, catarrh and congestion.
Mandarin
Mandarin essential oil, expressed from the peel of fruit from the mandarin tree (Citrus), is among the safest essential oils and is often cited as helpful during pregnancy. It has a sweet, citrus, uplifting aroma, blending well with sandalwood, neroli, petitgrain and other citrus and spicy essential oils. When blended in a massage oil and massaged into the abdomen, thighs, breasts and buttocks, mandarin oil helps prevent stretch marks. It may also relieve fluid retention when massaged into legs and ankles. Mandarin is soothing and helpful for relaxation and relieving insomnia.
Myrtle
Myrtle essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves, twigs and flowers of the myrtle shrub (Myrtus) and has a fresh, floral fragrance. It blends well with neroli and spicy essential oils. The soothing, calming, mild sedative effects of myrtle oil make it suitable for use in relaxing massages and baths. Myrtle helps relieve coughing when used in steam inhalation. It is an astringent and can be blended into an ointment to treat haemorrhoids. Myrtle oil may also be used in a douche to treat urinary tract infections.
Neroli
Neroli, also known as orange-flower blossom, is an expensive oil, steam-distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree (Citrus). It has a fresh, floral fragrance and blends well with frankincense and most other essential oils. Neroli essential oil is uplifting, calming and relaxing and good for massage. A few drops in the bath helps relieve insomnia, calm the nerves and soothe strong emotions. Neroli is useful for treating anxiety, palpitations, panic attacks, stress and shock. It helps prevent stretch marks during pregnancy and rejuvenates the skin, encouraging the regeneration of new skin cells.
Petitgrain
Steam-distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree (Citrus), petitgrain essential oil has a refreshing, floral, citrus fragrance similar to neroli. It mixes well with other floral and citrus essential oils. Petitgrain is revitalising, balancing and relaxing and helps soothe anxiety, depression and troubled emotions. A few drops of petitgrain oil in the bath can help promote restful sleep. Petitgrain has a toning effect on the skin, helping to treat blemishes and control excess oil production.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood essential oil is steam- or water-distilled from the heartwood or roots of the sandalwood tree (Santalum). Its woody, spicy, long-lasting aroma blends well with vetiver and floral fragrances. Sandalwood is uplifting, calming and relaxing and is useful for treating nervous tension, stress and depression and for easing frustration and quieting the mind. Used in bathing and massage, it can help relieve insomnia and prevent headaches. Sandalwood is also helpful for treating cystitis during pregnancy.
Vetiver
Also known as moth root, vetiver essential oil is steam-distilled from the roots of vetiver grass (Vetiveria). It has a smoky, earthy, sweet fragrance and mixes well with neroli and sandalwood. Vetiver has regenerating, stabilising, relaxing and restorative properties and is helpful for nervous exhaustion, anxiety, depression, fatigue and insomnia. This oil is an immunostimulant, ideal for use in a relaxing bath or massage when the body is stressed and overworked.
Pregnant women have a heightened sense of smell so it is important to choose essential oils they enjoy. Oils should be used with caution during pregnancy and there are some which must be avoided altogether, such as basil, fennel and juniper. Seek advice from a doctor or midwife about how to use essential oils safely.
For more information about using essential oils in aromatherapy, readers may be interested in Uses for Lavender Essential Oil, Essential Oils for Happiness and Aromatherapy Essential Oils for Healing and Health.
Safety Guidelines When Using Aromatherapy for Labor
Be sure to follow these safety guidelines before using any essential oils during pregnancy or labor:
- If you plan to give birth in the tub (waterbirth), do not put any essential oil in the tub since it can get in the baby's eyes. Essential oils can be used in the tub or shower in early labor if desired.
- Do not put undiluted essential oils directly on the skin or in the mouth.
- Be sure to read ingredient labels on the bottles of essential oils or carrier oils if you have allergies to fragrances or oils of any type.
- Follow specific recipe guidelines for aromatherapy or consult with a qualified aromatherapist with any questions.
Resources:
Farrer-Halls, Gill. The Aromatherapy Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using Essential Oils. Great Britain: Godsfield Press, 2005.
Geddes & Grosset. "Aromatherapy." Alternative Therapies. Scotland: Geddes & Grosset, 2005.
The Ananda Apothecary. "Using Essential Oils Successfully During Pregnancy" (Accessed March 15th 2011).
The Ananda Apothecary. "Aromatherapy Use During Pregnancy" (Accessed March 15th 2011).
Sharon Kirby - Sharon is a freelance health writer and contributes to various print and online publications. Writing credits include Nursing Times, Good ...
