Guide to Using Essential Oils During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the best things that can happen to a woman; however, the experience is certainly not the easiest for many. Every trimester comes with its own share of challenges. Early pregnancy is probably the hardest; many have to grapple with nausea and general queasiness. Many women discover that ‘morning sickness’ is actually ‘all day’ sickness. In a bid to find some relief and comfort, many turn to essential oils. Some quarters suggest that oils like lavender can ease nausea and improve mood during early pregnancy. However, the major concern with these potent oils is safety.

The following information guides you in this regard. Are essential oils safe during pregnancy? Which oils should you avoid if any?

Essential Oil Use During the First Trimester

The first trimester is the most defining stage for a developing foetus. To this end, anything you put in or on your body can affect the growing baby. Essential oils are highly concentrated and some have been shown to cause uterine contractions. To be on a safe side, medical experts advise women to avoid all essential oils and aromatic products in early pregnancy. There isn’t enough research to explain exactly how these oils affect early pregnancy and in this regard, avoiding them is a sure path to protecting your growing baby. Also, aromas in the first trimester can trigger nausea or make it worse. Therefore, avoid using essential oils in the first thirteen weeks of pregnancy. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider.

Essential Oil Use During the Second and Third Trimesters

By the second trimester, your baby is more developed and less likely to be harmed by aromatic oils when used properly. Therefore, this is the stage to start exploring all manner of oils that are safe. There are many benefits of using the right oil including calming your nerves, relaxation and aiding sleep. Some of the best oils to use at this point include lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang. As alluded to above, you want to avoid oils that cause uterine contraction. The best oils to use therefore include lemon, lime, lavender, bergamot, geranium, ginger, patchouli, rosewood, ylang ylang, tea tree, sweet orange, neroli, mandarin and more.

Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy

Oils that are not recommended during pregnancy are quite a number. They cause uterine contractions as mentioned above; and this can lead to miscarriage or affect your pregancy negatively. Therefore, avoid oils like clove, rosemary, cinnamon, clary sage, basil, coriander, nutmeg, pine, cedarwood, bitter almond and more. If you are not sure about an oil, get expert information from a professional.

Apart from avoiding certain oils, it is critical to use essential oil properly during pregnancy. Wrong usage will have bad consequences. The following tips show you how to use these potent oils in pregnancy.

The Right Way to Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy

When using permitted oils on skin, you should always dilute with carrier oils such as coconut, jojoba, olive and more. A single drop of any oil is good enough for use during pregnancy. Less is more and whenever you have any doubt, consult an expert. Diffusing the right essential oil in your space is good. You should never ingest these oils when you are pregnant. In fact, essential oils should not be ingested whether you are pregnant or not. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for optimal safety.

Benefits of Essential Oils During Pregnancy

Reduce Stretch Marks

Not all women are lucky where stretch marks are concerned. Many have to contend with this problem as the belly expands. However, you can start preventing and repairing stretch marks in the second trimester by using a blend of essential oils. One of the best concoctions is lavender and rose oil. Mix with carrier oils like almond and coconut to have a great stretch mark burster. A drop or two of lavender and rose oil are enough. Applying the remedy to the affected areas twice a day will make a huge difference.

Manage Nausea That Lingers

For a good number of women, nausea from the first trimester lingers on. If this happens to you, consider using sweet orange oil or mandarin oil. Use a high quality diffuser and enjoy the benefits. Lift your mood this way while reducing nausea naturally.

Treat Swollen Ankles and Feet

Geranium oil with lavender mixed with coconut or jojoba oil is a great combination to treat achy ankles. As pregnancy comes to an end, your feet are hit the worst. Soothe your feet this way and make your journey easier. Massage the blend to the affected areas at least twice a day for best results.

Other Benefits

Pregnancy is filled with many other challenges including heartburn, varicose veins, water retention, haemorrhoids and general discomfort. Lavender, geranium, chamomile and peppermint are some of the best options to ease your suffering. During labour, essential oils like lavender have been used to create pleasant experiences by reducing stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

The right essential oils used at the right stage of pregnancy can make a difference. However, it all starts with getting the right aromatherapy diffuser and quality essential oils. Choose a trusted company to source these products. Then, follow all the safety rules and avoid using oils during the first thirteen weeks of pregnancy. After giving birth, you can use these oils to reduce stress and boost recovery. Just make sure to seek expert advice from a professional before starting an essential oil protocol during pregnancy.

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