In this article

• What is an essential oil?
• How it works?
• Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?
• Benefits of using essential oils during pregnancy
• List of safe oils for pregnant women
• When to avoid essential oils?
• List of oils to avoid during pregnancy
• Precautions to be taken while using the oil
• Essential oils for pregnancy myths

Essential oils are highly concentrated oils that are used for various purposes such as fragrances, health benefits, skin care, and more.

Although essential oils are completely natural, some women are hesitant to use them during pregnancy because the oils are very powerful. Most aromatherapists say that it is safe to use some essential oils during pregnancy, as long as you are aware of how much you are using them and for what. However, there are counter arguments, too.

So, let’s take a look at essential oils that are safe for pregnant women and also some tips and advice on using them for specific reasons.

What is an essential oil?

Essential oils are concentrated oils that are extracted from the leaves of plants, herbs, and other components of plants. It is extracted through a process of cold pressing or steam distillation. The essential oil is highly concentrated. It is usually spread, applied topically, inhaled, massaged and added to food. The beautiful scent of the oil works wonders to calm and relax the body and mind.

How it works?

Essential oils work the way medicine works in the body. The concentrated oil particles are very small and can reach the baby’s blood circulation. Since they are concentrated forms of the oil, you only need to use a drop or two. For pregnant women, the oil is said to take some time to work because they have fatty layers in their bodies and this slows down the process.

Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?

Essential oils are considered safe for pregnant women after the first trimester of pregnancy. Some women take them sooner. There are talks about how the oil gets to the baby through the placenta. However, these are not research facts, and there are no recorded cases of such incidents.

However, if you want to use it before the first trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a sedative that treats pregnant women. Even after the first trimester of pregnancy, it is good to know what you are using because some oils are best avoided.

Benefits of using essential oils during pregnancy

If essential oils are used appropriately in proper proportions, they can be used to help you treat various symptoms of pregnancy. Essential oils have few uses and can provide relief during stressful pregnancy days. However, just make sure how and what type of oil you use. Here are some options you can take:

1. Nausea: Some types of essential oil massage for nausea during pregnancy are lavender oil, sandalwood, or ginger.
2. Aids in Digestion: Essential oils like peppermint oil can help relieve heartburn and other digestive ailments. It can be massaged on the stomach or taken with honey after eating.
3. Detox: Oils like lemon oil help flush out all toxins and excess stomach acids from your body.
4. Bloating: A common ailment that affects pregnant women should settle down . Essential oils such as ginger and ginger can help reduce the feeling of bloating as they help calm the stomach.
5. Insomnia: Essential oils like ylang-ylang and bergamot help calm the mind and prevent overthinking that leads to insomnia.
6. Less anxiety does and essential oils like basil help regulate cortisol, which is responsible for stress.
7. Reduce Depression Do: Essential oils like myrtle oil are known to help stimulate the thyroid gland and reduce any hormonal imbalances.
8. Bathroom Cleaning Agent Oils such as pine are yeast killers and can help clean any mold that may be in the bathroom.
9. Dishwashing liquid: Thyme is a powerful disinfectant and can be used to clean utensils, especially those that have been in contact with raw meat.
10. Air freshener: Most essential oils, such as lavender and lemongrass, when burned, can help bring out a pungent odor.

List of safe oils for pregnant women

Some essential oils are proven to be very safe for pregnant women as long as there are no complications during pregnancy, but do not use any of them. Make sure to dilute the oils with a drop or two.

Here is a list of essential oils that are safe to use:

• Geranium: Contains bitter orange oil that will help you with water retention.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): If you suffer from constant aches and pains in your body, you can mix ginger and lavender with a massage oil to apply it on your body. It is great for pain relief.
• Cypress: Cypress is a great quilt if you suffer from varicose veins and swollen ankles.
• German Chamomile: If you suffer from excruciating back pain, chamomile essential oil for massage is a must.
• Common Lavender: Lavender essential oil is such a great stress reliever that you may not want to get rid of it during pregnancy. Diluted lavender essential oil is a safe alternative to a weekly shower. It can also be used in a diffuser once a week to help relieve pregnancy stress.
• Incense: Women use this essential oil to reduce stretch marks on the body.
• Sweet Orange: Sweet orange (Orange Sinensis) essential oil is used to revitalize your body during the tiring days of pregnancy. The oil is mixed with ginger to relieve nausea and indigestion. However, it is a good idea to avoid this oil if you plan to go out in the sun.
• Sweet marjoram: It is useful for women who suffer from frequent urination.
• tea tree oil (not in action)
• Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus oil can be used to help treat congestion. It is also used as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
• Neroli: This essential oil helps pregnant women relieve anxiety and stress.

When to avoid essential oils?

• It is best to avoid all essential oils in the first trimester. This is the time when your child is growing and his body is very sensitive.
• Some essential oils can cause a miscarriage, so it is very important to pay attention to them. Always consult an aromatherapist before using an oil you’re not sure about.
• Avoid applying essential oils especially when you are outside in the sun.
• Avoid essential oils that have been stored in plastic for a long time.
• Avoid using essential oils if you have a thyroid disease.
• If you have a history of miscarriage, it is safe to avoid essential oils.
• If you suffer from complications such as vaginal bleeding, then you should avoid essential oils as there is a possibility of this due to complications.
• Don’t use old oils, but be sure to buy new and newly manufactured oils.

List of oils to avoid during pregnancy

Some essential oils can complicate pregnancy and should be avoided. Apart from this, there are also some oils that we are not sure of and therefore it is best to avoid them as well. If you are looking to do a study on which essential oils to avoid during pregnancy. Here are some of them:

• fennel
• clary sage
• مردقوش
• cinnamon
• Tree of the life
• fire herb
• birch
• wintergreen
• Kapoor
• hyssop
• fennel
• tansy
• bitter

Precautions to be taken while using the oil

There are many claims and myths about the use of essential oils during pregnancy. While you certainly don’t have to avoid them completely, one of the things you can do is to play them safe. Take advantage of the amazing benefits of essential oils but at the same time make sure to prevent any kind of risk. Here are some things to keep in mind when using essential oils.

• Essential oils are usually very strong and can cause problems, so it is important to dilute the concentrate before using them.
• Using essential oils for more than an hour can sometimes cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and headache.
• It is important to check the quality of the essential oils. Sometimes, the oils are adulterated, which can lead to adverse effects. Make it a practice to check the quality before using your oils.
• Some oils contain phenols and aldehydes that can have an effect on your skin. So dilute it well before applying it.
• Applying essential oils to damaged skin can also cause a reaction.
• Do not use essential oils every day
• Make sure not to use it directly on your skin. Due to the concentration of essential oils, this can lead to skin problems.

Essential oils for pregnancy myths

• Frankincense is called an abortion. But there is no study or research that proves this.
• Always consult your doctor or midwife for the use of oils during pregnancy.
• Essential oils are absolutely safe for pregnancy, childbirth and babies. This statement is completely flawed because it is clear that essential oils can be too strong for a baby’s sensitive skin.
• Use essential oils during childbirth. Well, it can work if the delivery takes place at home. However, if you are going to the hospital, please avoid these methods as they may spoil the methods and equipment that doctors have to follow.

The use of essential oils during pregnancy is highly controversial. Although there are many articles, blogs, and websites that talk about the safety and dangers of essential oils, not enough research has been done to prove this point. Most of these statements stem from experience, myths, or internet research. Therefore, we cannot be 100% accurate about the safety of essential oils at the time of pregnancy.

So, short to the simple question, can you use essential oils during pregnancy?

Yes, some essential oils are safe for pregnancy, although you should be aware of how much, when and why you use them. And

It is wise to stay safe and not jeopardize your pregnancy. If you really want to use the oils during pregnancy, please make sure that they are safe to use during this period of life.

During pregnancy, there are some limitations that you should keep in mind. It can be frustrating sometimes because you don’t really want to have too many restrictions in your lifestyle. Although it is a difficult period, remember that taking care of your body during these nine months is very important for your health and the health of your baby. This means that you have to make some sacrifices and avoid taking risks during this time.