Essential Oils and Pregnancy

 

The skin becomes more permeable and sensitive during pregnancy. During the therapeutic application of blended essential ois, tiny molecules of essential oil permeate the skin thus allowing essential oils into the blood stream and other tissue fluids, consequently essential oils are able to cross the placental barrier. It should be pointed out that there is no evidence to suggest that unborn babies have been harmed as a result of their mothers using essential oils during pregnancy.

Nevertheless there are a number of essential oils that stimulate menstruation during the first trimester. In reality a woman would need to apply a very high concentration of essential oils to cause miscarriage or toxicity, certainly far more than is used in the therapeutic application of blended essential oils. However it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you are at all concerned about using essential oils or have a history of miscarriage it is best to avoid using essential oils during the first trimester of pregnancy.

As skin sensitivity is increased during pregnancy it is advisable to complete a skin test before using any product containing essential oils. Let us know if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant as we recommend using a lower dilution of essential oils in therapeutic applicaton and will blend products accordingly.  There are several essential oils that can help with itchy skin, restless legs and prevent stretch marks, all of which are common during pregnancy.

LIST A

Oils to use with safety during the whole pregnancy

 

            Benzoin

            Bergamot

            Bitter Orange

            Black Pepper

            Cedarwood

            Eucalyptus

            Frankincense

            Geranium

            Ginger

            Grapefruit

            Lemon

            Mandarin

            Neroli

            Petitgrain

            Pine

            Ravensara

            Rose geranium

            Rose Otto

            Rosewood

            Sandalwood

            Sweet Orange

  Tea Tree

  Ylang Ylang

 

LIST B

Oils which have very mild diuretic or emmenagoguic properties but are never the less considered safe to use during the whole pregnancy dependant upon client history.

           

Chamomile German

Chamomile Moroccan

Chamomile Roman

Lavender

Marjoram Sweet

Marjoram (Spanish)

Thyme Sweet

True Melissa

 

LIST C

Oils which are safe to use during the second half of the pregnancy

 

            Basil

            Cajuput

            Clary Sage

            Cypress

            Myrhh

            Niaouli

            Rosemary

 

Unless recommended by an aromatherapist, it is best during pregnancy not to use any unknown oils or any not mentioned in lists A, B and C.

 

List D oils contain ketones or phenols and, although they have not been proved to be dangerous at the low levels always recommended for aromatherapy, they are best used only by therapists at this time. They should be treated with the greatest respect at all times.

LIST D    

            Angelica

            Aniseed

            Basil

            Camphor

            Caraway

            Clove

            Cinnamon

            Fennel (Sweet)

            Hyssop

            Juniper

            Lemongrass

            Nutmeg

            Origanum

            Parsley

            Pennyroyal

            Savory

            Tarragon

  Thyme (Red)