Pregnancy Community groups Birth Clubs Expecting a baby Baby names Young parents Plus size mummas See all pregnancy groups Is it safe to use essential oils while I'm pregnant?Share Denise Tiran Midwife, lecturer and complementary therapist.It's safe to use some essential oils while you're pregnant, as long as you're healthy and you're careful with them.Essential oils are highly concentrated substances extracted from plants.They are powerful, so it's important to use them sparingly.Be sure to buy high-quality oils from a reputable seller.Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, which is a complementary therapy.The oils contain chemicals that can be absorbed into your body.Essential oils can be diluted with a base or carrier oil for massage, or put in a vaporiser for you to breathe them in.Once inside your body, essential oils work in the same way as drugs or medicines.Because essential oil molecules are very small, there is a possibility that they may cross the placenta and reach your growing baby's circulation.

We do not know exactly what effect essential oils may have on a developing baby.Studies have only tested oils on animals, with varying results.We do know that many mums-to-be find aromatherapy helpful in easing pregnancy niggles.These include backache, nausea or swollen ankles.If you want to use aromatherapy oils, it is best to take the following precautions: Only use one drop of essential oil at a time.Try not to use one particular oil for a long period of time, such as every day for several weeks.Dilute the essential oil by mixing the drop with at least a teaspoon (5ml) of a base oil before you add it to a bath or smooth it over your skin.Grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil work well as base oils.You can add drops of the oil to a vaporiser, but don't leave it on for longer than 10 minutes or 15 minutes in each hour.If you leave it on for too long, the smell can be overpowering and make you feel nauseous.It's best to start using essential oils once you are past the first trimester.If you use them in the first trimester, always consult an aromatherapist who's trained in treating mums-to-be.

Oils that are safe for you to use As long as your pregnancy is going well, it's fine for you to use: citrus oils, such as tangerine and neroliGerman chamomilecommon lavenderfrankincenseblack pepperpeppermintylang ylangeucalyptusbergamotcypresstea tree oil (not in labour)geranium spearmint Oils that are not safe for you to use Don't use the following essential oils while you are pregnant: Nutmeg, which may have hallucinogenic effects and react with pain-relieving drugs in labour.Rosemary, which is thought to increase blood pressure, and may cause contractions.Basil, which is thought to contribute to abnormal cell development.Jasmine and clary sage, which may trigger contractions.Sage and rose, which may cause bleeding in your uterus (womb).Juniper berry, which may affect your kidneys.quickdraw x3 vaporizerLaurel, angelica, thyme, cumin, aniseed, citronella and cinnamon leaf should also be avoided as they could stimulate contractions.algas 480 vaporizer

There is a lot of confusion over the safety of lavender essential oil in pregnancy.That's because lavender can be used to regulate periods.wychwood vaporizer for saleRest assured that this does not mean using it in pregnancy raises the risk of miscarriage.However, for ease of mind, you may want to wait until your second trimester before using it.Clary sage can be a great way to get labour started if used by a trained midwife for a mum who is overdue.However, don't use this oil yourself, as overuse can make your contractions too powerful.In some circumstances, it's best to steer clear of essential oils altogether.Don't use any oils if: you have a history of miscarriageyou have had any vaginal bleeding in this pregnancyyou have epilepsyyou have heart problemsyou have diabetes, blood clotting problems, or have thyroid, liver or kidney disease It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor or midwife before using essential oils.

Don’t forget to download our free app for a day-by-day guide to your pregnancy.My Pregnancy & Baby Today gives you all the expert advice you need, right at your fingertips.References This article was written using the following sources: Adams J, Lui CW, Sibbritt D, et al.Women's use of complementary and alternative medicine during pregnancy: a critical review of the literature.36(3):237-45 Basch E, Foppa I, Liebowitz R, et al.Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller).Bastard J, Tiran D.Aromatherapy and massage for antenatal anxiety: its effect on the fetus.Complement Ther Clin Pract 12(1):48-54 Butani L, Afshinnik A, Johnson J et al.Amelioration of tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity in rats using juniper oil.Transplantation 76(2):306-311 Blumenthal M. 1998. ed.The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines.Boston, MA: American Botanical Council Cavanagh HM, Wilkinson JM.Biological activities of lavender essential oil.Essential oils and massage in intrapartum care.

Pract Midwife 11(5):34-9 Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Diego M, et al.Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy.Int J Neurosci 115(10):1397-413 Field T, 2010 Pregnancy and labor massage.Expert Rev Obstet Gynecol.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Accessed May 2013] Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines.Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc Lee IS, Lee GJ.Effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students.Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi 36(1):136-43 Lemon K. 2004.An assessment of treating depression and anxiety with aromatherapy.International Journal of Aromatherapy 14(2):63-69 Lis-Balchin M. 1999.Possible health and safety problems in the use of novel plant essential oils and extracts in aromatherapy J R Soc Promot Health 119(4):240-3 NHS.Are complementary therapies safe during pregnancy?www.nhs.uk [Accessed May 2013] PatientUK.Complementary and Alternative Medicine.www.patient.co.uk [Accessed May 2013] Tiran D.

Aromatherapy in midwifery: benefits and risks.Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery 2(4):88–92 Tiran D.Clinical Aromatherapy for pregnancy and childbirth.Edinburgh, Elsevier Show references Hide references Share Track your baby’s development Join now to receive free weekly newsletters tracking your baby’s development and yours throughout your pregnancy.Enter your due date or child's birthday dd12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031mmJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecyyyy20182017201620152014201320122011201020092008 Enter your email address Join now Privacy policy & terms Support for your parenting journey.Delivered to your inbox.My Baby This Week Newsletter Keep up with your baby’s development with personalised weekly newsletters.The BabyCenter Bulletin Get the latest parenting news, plus expert advice and real-world wisdom.Special Offers from Our Partners Receive discounts, deals and parenting information from BabyCenter’s partners.