Are Essential Oils Safe to Use During Pregnancy

ESSENTIAL OILS AND PREGNANCY. NOT ALL ESSENTIAL OILS ARE SAFE FOR USE DURING PREGNANCY.

Essential Oils and Pregnancy

Essential oils can be a welcome addition to the remedies that pregnant women can use for conditions that arise during pregnancy.  Several essential oils are safe for pregnancy.  However, some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy.

Typically, essential oils are used for conditions that cannot be treated with drugs, either because the drugs are known to be bad for babies or because the mother chooses to avoid the use of pharmaceuticals.

Are Essential Oils Safe to Use During Pregnancy

The general guidelines regarding the use of essential oils during pregnancy are to avoid them altogether for the first three months (first trimester).  There have been no studies that report any problems in fetal development from the use of essential oils.

The first three months are the months of highest risk because the mother’s body is undergoing so many changes.  It is, therefore, considered prudent to wait until the second trimester before introducing essential oils.

It is also considered to be a best practice to only use essential oils aromatically through a diffuser during pregnancy.  Women who chose to use essential oils topically during pregnancy are advised to strongly dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil.  Internal use of essential oils during pregnancy is not recommended.

Essential Oils Safe to Use During Pregnancy

• Black Pepper – helps with loss of appetite and occasional nausea, stimulating
• German or Roman Chamomile – relaxation
• Lavender – relaxation
• Frankincense – focus and relaxation, improves concentration
• Ginger – helps with nausea
• Geranium – eases tension, elevates mood
• Orange – calming and relaxing
• Peppermint – stimulating and can improve memory
• Sandalwood – emotionally balancing, calming
• Ylang Ylang – calming and relaxing

This list is provided as a guideline only and should not be considered an exhaustive list.  Before using any essential oil during pregnancy, research it thoroughly to ensure that it is considered safe and does not make worse a condition that you may already have.  Remember that there are essential oils that should be avoided during pregnancy.

When asking, are essential oils safe to use during pregnancy, one should ensure that the oil you choose is of therapeutic grade.  Less expensive oils are frequently cut (adulterated) with less expensive oils but they are not listed on the label.  So, for example, while lavender oil is safe during pregnancy, you may not know what else is in a cheaper quality lavender oil.

What oils should you not use during pregnancy?  Before using any essential oil during pregnancy, it is best to consult with your doctor.  Click here to see a list of essential oils should you not use during pregnancy.