You shouldn't use essential oils in early pregnancy because they could potentially cause uterine contractions or adversely affect your baby in their early developmental stages, explains Jill Edwards, N.D., an Oregon-based doctor of naturopathic medicine who specializes in prenatal care.
“Some essential oils that can be safely used during pregnancy are lavender, chamomile, and ylang ylang,” says Dr. Milosavljevic. “These are calming or down-regulating oils that can have a relaxing effect on the body.”
It's safest to hold off on aromatherapy during the first three months of pregnancy, when your developing baby is most vulnerable, and exercise caution, plus get your doctor's okay, if you do use essential oils during the second and third trimesters.
Sisco says there are many essential oils from which to choose, but she offers two that may help pregnant women: Peppermint. Some women have had success managing headaches in pregnancy with peppermint oil. Peppermint oil also can be helpful for nausea, nasal congestion and muscle aches.
Essential oils that are safe for use in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy include: Bergamot. Roman chamomile. Eucalyptus.
Since Essential Oils weigh less than 250 AMUs and many are negatively charged, it is fair to imply that some Essential Oils cross the placenta. Despite this, there is virtually no evidence that, when used correctly, Essential Oils have a negative impact on the fetus in utero. In fact, many may have a positive effect.
Yes, vapor rub is safe to use during pregnancy.
To relieve nausea: Lavender, chamomile, peppermint, ginger. Sniff them directly from the bottle, or sniff a cotton ball or tissue treated with a drop or two. “They ease belly upset and are good essential oils for morning sickness,” Galper says.
Chamomile tea: A cup of chamomile tea before bed may relax you, but again, avoid drinking large quantities. There is a suggestion it could stimulate the uterus or lead to circulation problems in your baby.
Frankincense is very safe for children and during pregnancy. It is anti-aging, promotes skin integrity, and has been shown to shrink multiple types of cancer, including pancreatic, and skin.
(Rosemary has a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US.) But in pregnancy, rosemary is considered Possibly Unsafe when used orally in medicinal amounts. Because rosemary may have uterine and menstrual flow stimulant effects, it is best to avoid using it.
Warnings. Use in early pregnancy may cause miscarriage or other pregnancy complications. As clary sage oil induces contractions of the uterus, it should only be used after 37 weeks of gestation, as the baby is not considered full-term until then. Keep away from infants and toddlers.
It can be! Vitamin E creams are really commonly used by pregnant women to promote healthy skin and reduce stretch marks on breasts and bellies, and while generally speaking, they should be low risk, your body is still absorbing that extra vitamin E.
It maintains the flexibility and elasticity of epithelial tissue and cartilages by retaining water bound in the tissue. The use of hyaluronic acid during pregnancy is considered safe and can be used liberally.
And, moms living in air-freshened homes had 10 percent more headaches. Unfortunately, freshening a room with a few scented candles made from paraffin wax also can be damaging. When fragrance oils are incorporated into paraffin candles, they produce more soot and can even release carcinogens such as benzene and toluene.
Frankincense for Mums and Bubs. As much as Peppermint essential oil provides mental clarity, Frankincense too is particularly good for memory and focus, making the combination great in combating the forgetfulness of “pregnancy brain”.
Teas to avoid during pregnancy include:
Black, e.g. English breakfast, earl grey, Ceylon, etc. (due to caffeine content)
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Avoid use during pregnancy, OK to use while nursing.
Look for scents such as peppermint, ginger and cardamom, which can help combat nausea. Citrus scents, such as mandarin, neroli and sweet orange, also may help reduce nausea. Other softer smells to try include lavender, chamomile or rose.