It is safe to use essential oils while you are pregnant, as long as you are healthy and you are careful with them.
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances extracted from plants that are powerful, therefore it is important to use them sparingly. Make sure you buy high-quality therapeutic grade oils from a reputable seller.
Essential oils can be diluted with a base or carrier oil such as coconut, grapeseed or sweet almond oil for massage, or placed in a vaporizer to breathe them in.
It is best to take the following precautions:
- do not use them orally
- only use one drop at a time
- do not use one specific oil for a long period of time
- a maximum dilution of 2% is recommended for massage oils. Dilute the essential oil by mixing the drop with at least a teaspoon (5ml) of a base oil before adding it to a bath or massaging it over your skin.
- do not use the vaporizer for longer than 15 minutes, as the smell can be overpowering and make you feel nauseous.
- it is preferred to use them past the first trimester, since the fetus is more developped in the 2nd and 3rd trimester.
Do not use the following oils while pregnant:
- Basil (may contribute to abnormal cell development)
- Nutmeg (may have hallucinogenic effects and react with pain-relieving drugs in labor)
- Jasmine and clary sage (may trigger contractions).
- Juniper berry (may affect your kidneys)
- Rosemary (may increase blood pressure and cause contractions)
- Sage and rose (may cause bleeding in your uterus)
Angelica, aniseed, citronella, clary sage, cumin, cinnamon leaf, clove, fennel, laurel, oregano, rosemary, thyme should also be avoided since they can cause contractions.
Don't use any oils at all if:
- you have a history of miscarriage
- you have had any vaginal bleeding in this pregnancy
- you have epilepsy
- you have heart problems
- you have diabetes, blood clotting problems, or thyroid, liver or kidney disease
These essential oils can be used safely:
Black pepper, Roman chamomile, citrus (bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin, neroli, tangerine), cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, peppermint, spearmint, ylang ylang, lavender (not in 1st trimester), tea tree oil (not in labor).
Wishing you a happy & healthy pregnancy :)
Alexandra Gouteron Le Ny
Certified Health Coach, Yoga Instructor & Reiki Healer
+33 7 86 21 91 89
Aix en Provence, France
“Regain your health & happiness and balance your life: mind-body-spirit.”
