Aromatherapy During Pregnancy: Benefits, Safety, and Best Recipe Ideas (2023 Updated)

Introduction

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, extracted from plants, to promote physical and emotional well-being. It’s a popular complementary therapy for pregnant women, with a survey finding that 74% of pregnant women in the United States use some form of complementary and alternative medicine, including aromatherapy.

While aromatherapy can be a helpful tool for supporting pregnancy and childbirth, it’s important to be cautious and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or remedies during pregnancy.

Potential Benefits of Aromatherapy During Pregnancy

Aromatherapy during pregnancy may offer a number of potential benefits, including:

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Pregnancy can be a time of great emotional and physical change, and it’s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy may be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, with some studies suggesting that certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, may have a calming effect on the nervous system.

Nausea and Vomiting Reduction

Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Aromatherapy may be helpful in reducing nausea and vomiting, or morning sickness, with some studies suggesting that certain essential oils, such as ginger and peppermint, may be effective in reducing these symptoms.

Improved Sleep

Pregnancy can be a time of disrupted sleep, with many women experiencing difficulty falling or staying asleep. Aromatherapy may be helpful in improving sleep, with some studies suggesting that certain essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile, may have a sedative effect and help to promote relaxation.

Support for Labor and Delivery

Aromatherapy may be helpful in supporting labor and delivery, with some studies suggesting that certain essential oils, such as clary sage and frankincense, may help to reduce the perception of pain and increase feelings of relaxation.

Safety Considerations for Aromatherapy During Pregnancy

While aromatherapy may offer a number of potential benefits during pregnancy, it’s important to be aware of potential safety considerations. Here are a few things to keep in mind when using aromatherapy during pregnancy:

Quality and Purity of Essential Oils

It’s important to use high-quality, pure essential oils to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Look for essential oils that are labeled “therapeutic grade” and are sourced from reputable companies. Avoid using essential oils that are labeled “perfume grade,” as these are often not pure and may contain potentially harmful ingredients.

Dilution Guidelines

Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used with caution, especially during pregnancy. It’s important to follow proper dilution guidelines to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. As a general rule, it’s safe to use 1-2% dilution for most essential oils during pregnancy. This translates to 6-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

Avoidance of Certain Essential Oils

There are some essential oils that should be avoided during pregnancy due to their potential to cause harm. These include:

• Aniseed
• Basil
• Birch
• Camphor
• Clary sage (avoid during the first trimester)
• Clove
• Fennel
• Jasmine (avoid during the first trimester)
• Juniper
• Marjoram
• Mugwort
• Nutmeg
• Parsley
• Pennyroyal
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Tansy
• Thyme

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and that more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of essential oil use during pregnancy. As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or remedies during pregnancy.

Recipe Ideas for Incorporating Aromatherapy into Pregnancy

Aromatherapy can be a enjoyable and easy way to incorporate natural remedies into your pregnancy routine. Here are a few recipe ideas for using aromatherapy during pregnancy:

Massage Oil Blend for Stress Relief

• 1 ounce carrier oil (such as almond oil or jojoba oil)
• 3-6 drops lavender essential oil
• 3-6 drops chamomile essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and use as a massage oil to promote relaxation and stress relief.

Aromatic Bath Soak for Relaxation

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 1 cup baking soda
• 10-20 drops lavender essential oil
• 10-20 drops chamomile essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and add to a warm bath to promote relaxation and improve sleep.

Inhalation Blend for Nausea and Vomiting

• 2 cups water
• 5-10 drops ginger essential oil
• 5-10 drops peppermint essential oil

Bring the water to a boil and add the essential oils. Inhale the steam to help reduce nausea and vomiting.

Labor Support Blend for Use During Delivery

• 1 ounce carrier oil (such as almond oil or jojoba oil)
• 5-10 drops clary sage essential oil
• 5-10 drops frankincense essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and use as a massage oil during labor to help reduce the perception of pain and increase feelings of relaxation.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy can be a helpful tool for supporting pregnancy and childbirth, with the potential to reduce stress and anxiety, reduce nausea and vomiting, improve sleep, and support labor and delivery. However, it’s important to be cautious and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or remedies during pregnancy. By following proper dilution guidelines and avoiding certain essential oils, pregnant women can safely incorporate aromatherapy into their routine.

Now it’s your turn – Write a Comment or Share on Social Media

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the use of aromatherapy during pregnancy! Have you tried using essential oils to support your pregnancy and childbirth? What were your experiences? Do you have any favorite recipes or techniques for incorporating aromatherapy into your routine? Share your ideas and comments below!

References

1. “Aromatherapy and Pregnancy” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, accessed January 20, 2023, https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/aromatherapy-and-pregnancy
2. “Aromatherapy During Pregnancy: What’s Safe and What’s Not” Mayo Clinic, accessed January 20, 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/aromatherapy-during-pregnancy/FAQ-20058365
3. “Aromatherapy and Pregnancy: Safety, Risks, and Recommendations” Healthline, accessed January 20, 2023, https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/aromatherapy
4. “Aromatherapy and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know” WebMD, accessed January 20, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/aromatherapy-and-pregnancy#1
5. “Aromatherapy and Pregnancy: What’s Safe, What’s Not” Everyday Health, accessed January 20, 2023, https://www.everydayhealth.com/pregnancy/aromatherapy-and-pregnancy-whats-safe-whats-not/

It is important to note that not all essential oils are safe for use during pregnancy, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified aromatherapist for specific information and guidance before using any aromatherapy products during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Aromatherapy in Pregnancy