It is difficult to comprise a list of essential oils that are to be avoided during pregnancy as there are several different opinions available. However, some general guidelines to follow are to never use an essential oil that has been adulterated. These recommendations apply to therapeutic-grade oils only. Oils that are diluted in a carrier oil or that are used externally and in moderation should not have an adverse effect. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist or other health specialist if you have any questions.
Avoid during the first 8 months of pregnancy:
Aniseed, basil, cinnamon, clove, fennel, hyssop, myrrh, oregano, sage, savory, thyme
Some experts say that some of the oils listed to avoid during the first 8 months of pregnancy are safe to use after that period of time. Sage and Fennel are two excellent oils for strengthening the womb and for Braxton Hicks contractions.
Avoid during pregnancy:
Pennyroyal
Use with caution during pregnancy:
Angelica, Cedarwood, chamomile (German/Blue), cistus, citronella, clary sage, clove bud, cumin (Black), cypress, davana, fennel, jasmine, laurel, lemongrass, marjoram, Mountain savory, myrrh, nutmeg, peppermint, rose, spearmint, thyme, vetiver, yarrow.
ESSENTIAL OIL RECIPES FOR PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
Morning Sickness: Inhale or apply to bottom of feet
2 drops ginger
3 drops spearmint
Stretch Mark Preventative: Massage over abdomen, breasts & thighs
5 drops lavender
10 drops mandarin
50 ml apricot kernel oil
Labor / Childbirth: Massage over abdomen and lower back (only when labor has started or if baby is overdue)
10 drops jasmine
5 drops clary sage
25 ml apricot kernel oil
After Childbirth: Cypress and Lavender in a bath.
Cypress to staunch blood flow; lavender to heal the wound.
Mastitis: Massage into breasts and under armpits three times daily
8 drops lavender
7 drops tea tree
5 drops Roman chamomile
7 drops thyme linalol
10 drops mandarin
2 ounces calendula oil OR apricot kernel oil
Sore nipples: Massage immediately into nipple after feeding – wash carefully directly before next feeding
1 drop lavender
5 ml calendula oil OR apricot kernel oil
Hemorrhoids: Apply to affected area
3 drops lavender
3 drops geranium
2 drops myrrh
2 drops Roman chamomile
10 ml calendula oil
ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR USES FOR PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
Use the following chart with the precautionary information above.
Avoid during the first 8 months of pregnancy:
Aniseed, basil, cinnamon, clove, fennel, hyssop, myrrh, oregano, sage, savory, thyme
Some experts say that some of the oils listed to avoid during the first 8 months of pregnancy are safe to use after that period of time. Sage and Fennel are two excellent oils for strengthening the womb and for Braxton Hicks contractions.
Avoid during pregnancy:
Pennyroyal
Use with caution during pregnancy:
Angelica, Cedarwood, chamomile (German/Blue), cistus, citronella, clary sage, clove bud, cumin (Black), cypress, davana, fennel, jasmine, laurel, lemongrass, marjoram, Mountain savory, myrrh, nutmeg, peppermint, rose, spearmint, thyme, vetiver, yarrow.
ESSENTIAL OIL RECIPES FOR PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
Morning Sickness: Inhale or apply to bottom of feet
2 drops ginger
3 drops spearmint
Stretch Mark Preventative: Massage over abdomen, breasts & thighs
5 drops lavender
10 drops mandarin
50 ml apricot kernel oil
Labor / Childbirth: Massage over abdomen and lower back (only when labor has started or if baby is overdue)
10 drops jasmine
5 drops clary sage
25 ml apricot kernel oil
After Childbirth: Cypress and Lavender in a bath.
Cypress to staunch blood flow; lavender to heal the wound.
Mastitis: Massage into breasts and under armpits three times daily
8 drops lavender
7 drops tea tree
5 drops Roman chamomile
7 drops thyme linalol
10 drops mandarin
2 ounces calendula oil OR apricot kernel oil
Sore nipples: Massage immediately into nipple after feeding – wash carefully directly before next feeding
1 drop lavender
5 ml calendula oil OR apricot kernel oil
Hemorrhoids: Apply to affected area
3 drops lavender
3 drops geranium
2 drops myrrh
2 drops Roman chamomile
10 ml calendula oil
ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR USES FOR PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
Use the following chart with the precautionary information above.
Click here for a printable version of essential oils for pregnancy and childbirth.
The information contained herein is no way intended to replace the advice of a qualified medical doctor. The statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The information contained herein is no way intended to replace the advice of a qualified medical doctor. The statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
