Essential Oils During Pregnancy: What’s Safe And What to Avoid

We can all agree that pregnancy is a happy, rewarding, and life-changing experience. But it also comes with important decisions to make and some not so pleasant side effects to cope up with. Given all of this, it is safe to say that pregnancy can sometimes be stressful and challenging.

There is a common concern that essential oils can metabolize into toxic compounds when ingested by the mother’s blood. However, some experts state that when the right doses are used, this is not a problem.

For thousands of years, people have been using essential oils as a natural alternative for the complete treatment of diseases. These substances can also relieve pregnancy aches and pains but are not always recommended for expectant mothers. There is not much research into the effect of essential oils — which give plants their unique aroma — in embryonic development. Here’s what you need to know before sniffing your favorite aromatherapy scent or collecting essential oils during pregnancy.

Essential Oils in the First Trimester

You should not use essential oils in early pregnancy because they can cause uterine contractions or adversely affect your baby in its early stages of development.

Pregnant women should also avoid aromatherapy products and treatments in the first trimester, as essential oils are essential ingredients used in aromatherapy.

Essential Oils in the second & third Trimester

In the second and third trimesters, some essential oils are safe to use, as your baby develops significantly, This includes lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang — all of them helps to maintain calm, relax, and sleep.

Here are some tips:

· Stick with essentials oils from a reputable brand like MOKSHA LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS that is “100 percent pure and unadulterated,”

· You should always dilute the essential oil with carrier oils like olive oil or coconut oil before applying it to the skin.

· Use only essential oils externally as ingesting them can cause miscarriage, lead to premature labor, or adversely affect your fetus.

Benefits of essential oils while pregnant

If used properly, some essential oils can provide the following benefits:

1. Help minimize nausea and upset stomach.

2. Soothe achy muscles.

3. Help reduce the irritation and inflammation associated with hemorrhoids.

4. Improve sleep.

5. Improve skin elasticity.

6. Reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

7. Help reduce anxiety during labor.

Essential Oils That Are Safe During Pregnancy

The following list of essential oils is considered safe in pregnancy but there is a lack of significant research. During pregnancy, it is important to use them in the recommended dosage and never go overboard. Also, it is better to inhale or diffuse oils rather than topically applying them to the skin.

· Cardamom — combat morning sickness and nausea

· Frankincense — encourage, relaxation and a good night’s sleep

· Geranium — uplift your mood

· German or Roman Chamomile — encourage, relaxation and a good night’s sleep

· Ginger — combat morning sickness and nausea

· Lavender — encourage, relaxation and a good night’s sleep

· Lemon — uplift your mood

· Neroli encourage, relaxation and a good night’s sleep

· Patchouli — uplift your mood

· Petitgrain — encourage, relaxation and a good night’s sleep

· Rose or Rosewood — encourage, relaxation and a good night’s sleep

· Sandalwood — uplift your mood

· Wild Orange — uplift your mood

Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy

The list of oils which should not be used in pregnancy is fairly larger than the list which is considered safe. However, there is a lack of research that proves that they are safe to use during pregnancy even at the recommended dosage. The following list of essential oils is best avoided in any trimester and can be harmful to pregnant women:

· Aniseed

· Basil

· Birch

· Camphor

· Clary Sage

· Hyssop

· Mugwort

· Oak Moss

· Parley Seed or Leaf

· Pennyroyal

· Peppermint

· Rosemary

· Rue

· Sage

· Tansy

· Tarragon,

· Thuja

· Thyme

· Wintergreen

· Wormwood

Guidelines for using oils while pregnant

Avoid using essential oils during the first trimester. The first trimester is the most critical time during pregnancy, and any risk of exposing the fetus to a toxic substance should be avoided at all costs.

But for your second or third trimesters, keep the following safety agreements in mind when using approved essential oils.

1. Don’t ingest essential oils.

2. Dilution is key. (Dilute the essential oils with carrier oils recommended by a physician or homeopathic expert)

3. Focus on aromatherapy, this means you should use your essential oils in a diffuser rather than applying them directly to your skin.

4. Don’t exceed dosage recommendations.