March 6, 2023
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3 MIN READ
Essential oils: Are they safe to use in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you may experience a variety of symptoms, from nausea to aches and sleepless nights. While essential oils can help provide relief, it’s important to know how to use them safely. Since there isn't much research on their effects on pregnancy, this guide will show you which oils are safe, how to use them, and what to avoid. Let's explore how essential oils can offer a natural way to soothe your body and mind during this special time.
Key take-aways
- Safe essential oils: Oils like lavender, frankincense, and chamomile are safe to use during pregnancy, but avoid oils like camphor.
- First trimester caution: It's best to avoid essential oils in the first trimester as a safety precaution.
- How to use: Essential oils should never be ingested or applied directly to the skin. Dilution and diffusing are safe methods.
- Relief from symptoms: Peppermint and ginger can help with nausea, while lavender and chamomile are great for easing aches and improving sleep.
- Stretch mark care: Our Pregnancy Belly Oil is specially formulated without essential oils, making it ideal for use throughout your pregnancy.
Which essential oils are safe to use in pregnancy?
These oils are generally considered safe during pregnancy:
- Frankincense
- German chamomile
- Roman Chamomile
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Lavender
- Citrus oils
- Neroli
- Palmarosa
- Patchouli
- Pettitgrain
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Clary Sage
Which essential oils are not safe to use in pregnancy?
Since there aren't many studies on how essential oils affect the human fetus, most data comes from animal studies. It is fairly certain that some essential oil components, for example, camphor, can cross the placenta and reach the foetus, therefore essential oils containing camphor should never be used while pregnant. All known toxic, possibly carcinogenic and oestrogenic oils should also be avoided.
When can you use essential oils?
It’s best to avoid essential oils during the first trimester since the baby is more sensitive at this stage. This doesn’t mean they are always harmful, but it’s safer to wait. From the second trimester onward, you can enjoy pregnancy-safe essential oils.
How to use essential oils during pregnancy
Remember, whether you’re pregnant or not, essential oils should never be ingested or applied directly to the skin. Here are safe ways to use them:
Massage
Mix a maximum of 1% essential oil with a carrier oil like sweet almond, apricot kernel, or grapeseed. Then massage it into your skin.
Diffuser
Add a couple of drops to an aromatherapy diffuser. This is a safe way to enjoy essential oils while pregnant.
Dry inhalation
Put a few drops on a piece of cotton and inhale the scent. Make sure the cotton doesn’t touch your skin.
Hot compress
Fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oil. Soak a cloth in the water, squeeze it out, and apply it to the sore area. Repeat when it cools down.
Which essential oils are good for my skin during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can make your skin drier or oilier. Lavender and frankincense are great for dry skin, while geranium helps balance oily skin. Our natural face oil has all three and a soothing, relaxing scent.
For stretch marks:
Neroli is excellent for stretch marks and is found in our Body Crème - a luxurious whipped body butter. You can also mix 1% Neroli with a carrier oil and massage it onto your skin to help prevent stretch marks. Keeping your belly’s skin soft and supple as it stretches is important. I created our award-winning Pregnancy Belly Oil without essential oils so it can be used during all three trimesters. It’s made with organic botanical oils, rosehip, and amaranth, which hydrate the skin and reduce stretch marks. The botanical extracts also soothe itching caused by stretching.
Which essential oils help nausea in pregnancy?
Peppermint and Ginger are great for easing nausea. Use them with dry inhalation.
Which essential oils can I use to ease aches and pains?
Lavender, chamomile, black pepper, and ginger can help ease aches and pains. You can use them in a massage or a hot compress.
Which essential oils can help me relax and sleep better?
Lavender, frankincense, neroli, clary sage, chamomiles, geranium, petitgrain, and patchouli are good for relaxation. Use them in a massage or diffuser.
Conclusion
Essential oils can be a wonderful way to ease pregnancy symptoms, whether you're dealing with nausea, aches, or stress. Just remember to choose pregnancy-safe oils, avoid certain ones, and always use them properly. Whether through massage, inhalation, or a diffuser, essential oils can bring comfort and relaxation during your pregnancy journey.
Are you looking for pregnancy-safe skincare? Discover Amaranthine, a small natural skincare brand offering a luxurious range of aromatherapy-infused skincare products designed with your needs in mind. Each product is lovingly crafted by me in my Glasgow studio, ensuring you receive the highest quality care for your skin during this special time.
Related articles
Benefits of using a tummy oil during pregnancy
References
Essential oil safety hard copy (Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs)
Aromatherapy Scotland Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma course notes
Ifparoma.org
Our products mentioned in this article
Sarah Rueger
About the author
Sarah is the founder of certified palm oil free natural skincare brand Amaranthine. She is a qualified organic skincare formulator and has diplomas in Beauty Therapy and Clinical Aromatherapy.
