| Aromatherapy is a natural healing science | | | | avoided, but are not experiencing any bleeding or |
| employing essential oils extracted from aromatic | | | | cramping, then there most likely is nothing wrong. |
| plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind | | | | However, it is strongly encouraged you to consult |
| and spirit. During pregnancy, aromatherapy can | | | | your doctor or midwife and discontinue use of the |
| prove to be extremely beneficial and helpful | | | | "to be avoided" essential oils. |
| alternative, while also being very easy to employ | | | | Aromatherapy Benefits for Pregnancy |
| and use. In order to use essential oils safely during | | | | Listed below are some of the benefits and |
| pregnancy a few extra safety guidelines will need | | | | therapeutic effects of the essential oils |
| be followed. Though, there are reports of side | | | | recommended for use during pregnancy: |
| effects, the user must be cautious enough to | | | | Bergamot: Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, |
| report any adverse effects to the physician | | | | uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during |
| immediately. | | | | pregnancy. |
| Essential oils are extremely concentrated and | | | | Chamomile: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory |
| volatile. They must be diluted before use. A | | | | and antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular |
| common dilution for aromatherapy blends during | | | | aches, headaches, toothaches and Indigestion. |
| pregnancy is 2 %, which would equal | | | | Cypress (ok after 5 mos.) Antiseptic, |
| approximately 10 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or | | | | antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for |
| 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil). For | | | | Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles. |
| an aromatherapy pregnancy bath, add 6-10 drops | | | | Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, |
| of essential oil to the tub and mix well before | | | | anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory |
| getting in to the tub. 3-6 drops essential oil in a | | | | congestion. |
| bowl of warm water wrung out in a washcloth | | | | Frankincense: Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, |
| works well for a compress. Use the same dilution | | | | warming |
| in a bowl of steaming hot water for a steam | | | | Geranium (ok after 3 mos.) Antiseptic, |
| inhalation. An aromatic bath is supposed to provide | | | | antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. |
| relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles and aid in | | | | Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation. |
| avoiding stretch marks. | | | | Grapefruit: Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic |
| How ever, there are many essential oils that need | | | | stimulant. Helps with Water retention. |
| to be avoided during pregnancy. The following list | | | | Lavender: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, |
| contains oils that should be avoided during | | | | antidepressant, healing, Relaxing. Helps soothe |
| pregnancy and oils that are recommended for use | | | | aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell |
| during pregnancy. | | | | renewal and helps with fluid retention. |
| OILS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY | | | | Lemon: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, |
| Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or | | | | astringent, stimulant, Tonic. Useful as an inhalant |
| avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, | | | | for morning sickness and in Massage for varicose |
| but has many wonderful uses in the last two | | | | veins. |
| trimesters and especially during labor. | | | | Mandarin: Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. |
| Oils to avoid during pregnancy include: | | | | Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages. |
| Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (during | | | | Neroli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, |
| labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, | | | | anti-inflammatory, Relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to |
| Hyssop, Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, | | | | promote healthy skin cell Regeneration and for |
| Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and Pennyroyal | | | | easing nervous tension. |
| OILS RECOMMENDED DURING PREGNANCY | | | | Patchouli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, |
| The following oils will be comfortable for using | | | | anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases |
| during pregnancy. As always, use caution if you | | | | confusion, indecision and apathy. |
| have allergies or a family history of allergies. If | | | | Petitgrain: Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, |
| you feel you may be allergic to oil, do a patch | | | | refreshing, tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or |
| test first. Good oils for pregnancy include: | | | | postpartum depression. |
| Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress (after 5 mos.), | | | | Rosewood: Antiseptic, sedative |
| Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early | | | | Sandalwood: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, |
| pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender. Lemon, | | | | antidepressant, sedative. Helpful for cystitis during |
| Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosewood, | | | | pregnancy. |
| Sandalwood and Tangerine | | | | Tangerine: Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, |
| If you are currently pregnant and have been | | | | calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks. |
| using any of the essential oils that need to be | | | | |