Essential Oils During Pregnancy
Updated: Oct 4, 2018

Essential oils is a beautiful way to compliment your pregnancy and aid you during the entire journey and beyond. Initially, this is how I got started on essential oils. In my first pregnancy, right in the beginning, I started to have these headaches. I rarely have headaches and as a fairly healthy person, I never had the need to take medicine needless to say pain killers. But with these recurring headaches, I needed to find some ease to my pain. By looking for an alternative method, even though my gynecologist reassured me that taking a pain killer wouldn't hurt the pregnancy, I was determined to do everything as natural as possible. That's how I discovered peppermint oil. It was love at first sniff. Never again have I taken medicine of any sort ever since. Oils are my helpers, my secret weapon and my constant companions throughout all of my dis-eases, dis-comforts and emotional dis-balances.

There are a lot of different information out there on essential oils during pregnancy. It creates an uncertainty around using them at all while pregnant. But honestly, when I see the amount of synthetic vitamins that are being prescribed to pregnant ladies, I honestly need to ask myself, where our focus should be.
During both my pregnancies I used essential oils without any problems nor hesitation. I'm an intuitive person and trust my nose, and I never had any problems. As long as you don't rub half a bottle of oil onto your body, there is really no need for any alarm. However, trust your own intuition and if any uncertainties arise, check with your health practitioner on the matter.
However, what I do strictly recommend is to know the source of the essential oils at hand. It's important to know exactly what is in that little bottle of oil. I use only 100% pure and natural therapeutic oils. And I carefully dilute most of the oils (exception: lavender) before applying them. I underlined therapeutic, because not every organic essential oil have therapeutic value.
I have no stretch marks on my belly, thanks to my lovely oils. Both of my births were intense however natural with the help of the relaxing agents of oils. I can only recommend them to any pregnant lady, either during the three trimesters and especially during labor.
Here I share some of the ways I've used oils during my pregnancy, labor and nursing - three amazing chapters in my life. All the information is backed up by many amazing women who've done the work before me. References can be found on the bottom of the article.
Safe Essential Oils during Pregnancy
German and Roman Chamomile
Geranium
Cardamom
Cypress
Eucalyptus
Fennel
Frankincense
Ginger
Grapefruit
Lavender
Lemon
Lime
Neroli
Myrrh
Palmarosa
Patchouli
Rose
Sandalwood
Seabuckthorn
Sweet Thyme
Ylang Ylang
First trimester
Safe to sniff from the bottle:
Lemon, lime or grapefruit help with nausea
Peppermint for energy
Ginger for nausea
Heavily diluted lavender, geranium or roman chamomile for relaxing to apply directly on your skin
Recommended carrier oils: coconut oil, sweet almond oil or grape-seed oil
Second Trimester
Cardamom, fennel and Ginger for indigestion, gas, bloating or constipation
Helichrysum and frankincense for stretch marks
Massage coconut oil over nipples to prepare for breastfeeding
Diffuse lavender, ylang ylang for sleep or massage into pulse points and on the top of your Feet or use as a foot massage or with Epsom salt bath
Massage lavender, neroli, frankincense, seabuckthorn or rose oils diluted in jojoba oil to prevent stretch marks
Dry brush to stimulate the endocrine, circulation, immune and detoxifying system
Third Trimester
Lavender for sleeping
Perineal massage with jojoba oil, lavender, clary sage, frankincense, rose and ylang ylang
Labor and Delivery
Diffuse lavender to calm everyone in the room
Apply clary sage topically to your hips, the bottoms of your feet and directly on your abdomen will help promote uterine contractions and ease labor along
Transition phase: apply 1-2 drops of diluted basil to your temples and abdomen can also promote labor
Use marjoram as a muscle relaxant
Massage perineum with coconut oil and frankincense or geranium during childbirth
Helichrysum supports menstrual healing and any postpartum bleeding
Nursing
Lavender for your mood
Diffuse lavender and grapefruit for relaxation and energy
Diffuse frankincense and rosemary for an easy transition into the new rhythm of being a mom
Diluted clary sage or drink 1 drop of fennel oil in a glass of water to jump start your milk
Lavender and myrrh for c-section or stretch marks or other skin issues
Issues with mastitis during nursing diluted lavender with a warm compress can help ease the discomfort
For weaning use peppermint oil

References:
Renegade Beauty by Nadine Arthemis
Smart Mom's Guide to Essential Oils b Dr. Snyder
from my own experiences from two natural and healthy pregnancies