Essential Oils for Pregnancy

Most of us are familiar with essences such as lavender and citrus. Aromatherapy products can be found just about anywhere now. But during pregnancy, most store bought aromatherapy products are too strong. Instead of helping, the intense smells are aggravating due to the pregnant woman’s acute sense of smell. That doesn’t discount the benefits of aromatherapy, however. It just means that pregnant women need to create their own aromatherapy products to account for their personal levels. Whereas a typical blend may contain 10-15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, a pregnancy blend should only contain 4-8 drops per ounce.

Different essences are helpful for the three trimesters and during labor.

First Trimester:

• It is recommended to avoid most essential oils during the first trimester, especially with a history of miscarriage.
• Peppermint: One drop of peppermint on a cotton ball can be helpful for nausea and foggy thinking.

Second Trimester:

• Lavender: This essence is great for relaxation and sleep. But it is also incredible for the skin. Add some lavender to a bottle of olive oil. Use this as a daily belly oil to help avoid stretch marks as the belly starts to grow.

Third Trimester:

• Orange: Known as the joy of life. Orange can lift your spirits and provide bursts of energy as you count down the final weeks of pregnancy.

During labor:

• Peppermint, Lavender, and Orange are all great to take with you in your delivery bag.

• Rose: A few drops of rose in olive oil are great to help the perineum be pliable enough to avoid tears. Rose also represents love, hope, and trust. It’s a beautiful essence for bringing a new life into this world.

Essential oils to avoid completely during pregnancy are:

• Clary Sage
• Rosemary
• Juniper
• Cedarwood

To schedule your appointment
call Catherine: (619) 757-0062
or email: 
Catherine@mymassagedoula.com