Are Essential Oils Safe During Pregnancy? + Best Uses If Pregnant Or In Labor

Are Essential Oils Safe During Pregnancy? + Best Uses If Pregnant Or In Labor

Are Essential Oils Safe During Pregnancy?

Learn more about Plant Therapy Essential Oils: http://bit.ly/2Wgovza

Which essential oils can you use during pregnancy?

First Trimester
When you’re choosing essential oils to use during your first trimester, we recommend very limited use.

In general, we don’t recommend regular or daily use of essential oils during the first trimester, and it may be best to avoid using altogether during this time. However, if morning sickness is hitting you hard you can try adding a drop of Peppermint or Spearmint to a tissue and gently inhaling to relieve some of your nausea.

Beyond the First Trimester
Once you reach your second trimester, there are still guidelines to consider including how you use your essential oils. Diffusion, steam inhalation, topical application or inhalation are all going to affect you differently, so use careful trial and error to get the best results. But in general less is more when you’re pregnant, and you should keep it at or below a 1% dilution for topical application.

What essential oils to avoid when pregnant?
There are lots of essential oils that should be avoided while you’re pregnant.

Oils that have (E)-Anethole, like Star Anise and Sweet Fennel, should be avoided due to the estrogen like effects and antiplatelet activity of (E)-Anethole.

Oils that contain beta-eudesmol, like Blue Cypress, should be avoided because of its antiangiogenic properties which may be linked to reproductive toxicity. Alpha and Beta Thujone, found in Sage Dalmation, should be avoided. Adverse effects during pregnancy may include mutagenicity, genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity.

There are other essential oils that you should be avoiding during pregnancy and visit our website for a full list.

What essential oils are safe to use when pregnant/Aromatherapy during pregnancy/Favorite essential oils during pregnancy?
Many of our KidSafe oils are safe for use during pregnancy. The biggest exceptions include Blue Cypress (as mentioned above) and Clary Sage (as it may cause uterine contractions).

Common pregnancy-related issues?

Nausea & morning sickness
Both Peppermint and Spearmint essential oils are safe to use while pregnant, and can be incredibly helpful for morning sickness. Another option would be our KidSafe Tummy All Better. Just add 10-15 drops of your essential oil of choice to ma personal inhaler, and inhale when you need some relief.

Sleep Issues
Both our KidSafe Sweet Dreams, and Sweet Slumber are safe to use during pregnancy (Nighty Night is not due to the Clary Sage content). Try diluting to 1% and applying to the wrists or chest to encourage a night of peaceful sleep. Single oils like Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Marjoram Sweet, or Sandalwood are also good choices.

Leg cramps & discomfort
Our KidSafe Grow Ease can be a life saver for those mothers who experience leg cramps & lower back pain during pregnancy! To use, dilute to 1% and have your partner massage into the sore area.

Fatigue
For a bit of a boost try adding 5 drops of Lemon and 5 drops of Spearmint to a personal inhaler and using when you need a little energy.

Essential oils for labor/birth
Use an aromatherapy inhaler. If the scent is overwhelming, it can be easily capped and removed so the scent doesn’t become an issue.
Use essential oils in a massage oil for your birth partner or coach to rub your feet, back and shoulders during the initial stages of labor. Keep the dilution low, 1% or up to 9 drops total essential oils to 1 ounce of carrier.

Diffusers aren’t always the best choice as the essential oils can impact the baby upon arrival.

When can you use essential oils on babies?
Essential oils can be safely used with children under the age of 2, however there are some guidelines we do recommend.

Only use essential oils when needed.
When diffusing around babies, we recommend running the diffuser for 30-60 minutes, a few times a day, or when the baby is in another room
Only use essential oils that are considered safe for children (KidSafe® Essential Oils)
Make sure you are diluting correctly for the age of your children

To learn how to dilute essential oils based on the age of your child or to learn more about diluting in general check out video 9 in this series.

Safe for breastfeeding?
You can safely use essential oils while nursing, we just recommend keeping your dilution rates low, only using your oils as needed, and using essential oils that are safe for children. Essential oils should not be applied directly to the breasts while nursing, though! You don’t want your baby to ingest them.

Please email an Aromatherapist directly at aromatherapist@planttherapy.com so that we can offer guidelines and recommendations specific to your needs.

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