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What are the best essential oils for pregnancy?

Read this post to learn how to use essential oils during pregnancy to help with:

• Nausea;
• Sleep issues;
• Swollen legs;
• Back pain;
• Anxiety;
• Etc.

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Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman, although it is often accompanied by many ailments and complaints.

Late night cravings, sleepless nights and frequent trips to the bathroom are only some of the new things you might be experiencing right now.

However, for many pregnant women, this is also the time when they move to a more natural lifestyle.

Indeed, when you are expecting, you might find yourself reading up and learning how to swap to natural ingredients and remedies for the first time.

It did happen to me as well.

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IMPORTANT

The content of this blog post is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

I am not a doctor and I’m only sharing my personal experience here.

If you are unwell or sick, always ask your trusted doctor or medical practitioner for advice. Pay particular attention if you are allergic or intolerant to any food and/or medication, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Children and elderly people should also seek medical attention quickly if unwell or experiencing any symptom.

Even if you don’t experience any symptom, always contact your trusted health provider if in doubt. If you feel unwell and are worried, it is safer to ask for medical advice from a professional than to wait.

Never risk it!

ESSENTIAL OILS AND PREGNANCY

Essential oils provide amazing health benefits, and therefore you could use them at this delicate and exciting time of your life.

They can boost your mood, relieve common issues such as swollen legs or back pain, improve sleep, and so on.

Is it safe to use essential oils while pregnant?

Using essential oils (or any natural remedy) during pregnancy is certainly a personal choice.

Indeed there is conflicting advice regarding the safe use (or not) of oils during gestation. And unfortunately there isn’t enough research done on the subject.

Having said that, many women use essential oils successfully and safely during pregnancy.

However, there are some safety rules you need to follow.

For example: 

• It is best to avoid essential oil use during the first trimester and early pregnancy;
• Do not ingest oils at any stage during pregnancy;
• Only use the oils that are considered safe.

You can read everything you need to know about the safety of essential oils during pregnancy here: “ARE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFE FOR PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING?”

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Which essential oils are safe during pregnancy?

There are many safe essential oils during pregnancy.

In this post, I’m going to show you what are the best essential oils for pregnancy, and how you can use them to relieve a variety of ailments, and support your body during the next 9 months!

important

Only use 100% unadulterated and pure essential oils, from a reputable company. 

Never use essential oils topically unless properly diluted, and only use them after a patch test.

Pay particular attention if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or on older people and young children.

Some people might develop skin irritations or adverse reactions.

Never ingest essential oils without reading the label first, as not all oils can be consumed internally.

Always talk to your trusted medical practitioner before using essential oils, especially if you suffer from any allergy, intolerance, are ill or are already taking any medication.

Does it matter what brand of essential oils you use?

If you are wondering if essential oils are safe for pregnancy, then the answer to that question is most certainly yes!

Having said that, not all essential oils are created equal, and you should research what company sells high quality, pure and unadulterated oils.

Stay away from cheap oils, as they most likely contain synthetic fillers that can have serious health risks for you and your developing baby.

Regardless of what brand you decide to buy, look for 100% pure and natural oils instead.

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DOTERRA ESSENTIAL OILS

In my home we only use Doterra oils as they are CPTG (certified, pure, of tested grade) essential oils.

This gives me peace of mind when using oils on myself or on my children, as I know there are no hidden ingredients contained in the bottles I purchase.

If you are new to essential oils, and don’t know where to start, you could read this post.

Here I explain what are the “15 things to know before using essential oils.”

Alternatively, I also have a post on “Essential oils for beginners”.

THE Benefits of essential oils while pregnant

According to healthline.com, there are indeed many health benefits that can be gained by using essential oils while pregnant.

In fact, a few drops of essential oils can provide an effective relief from some of the most common problems that come with pregnancy.

IN PARTICULAR, THE SAFE USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS DURING PREGNANCY CAN:

• Reduce nausea;
• Soothe and support your stomach in case of indigestion;
• Help minimise stretch marks;
• Promote skin elasticity;
• Soothe lower back pain;
• Reduce leg pain;
• Promote a good night’s sleep;
• Reduce anxiety associated with labor and pregnancy in general;
• Etc.

Essential Oils during labor:

• Reduce anxiety;
• Help managing pain;
• Create a general sense of calm in the environment;
• Etc.

ESSENTIAL OILS POST BIRTH:

• Promote a healthy bond between new moms and their baby;
• Help with breastfeeding;
• Reduce discomfort cause by haemorrhoids;
• Help with symptoms of “baby blues”;
• Promote a general sense of wellbeing and improve your mood;
• Etc.

ESSENTIAL OILS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY

Here’s a list of all of Doterra single oils you should avoid if pregnant.

Bear in mind that this list is not exhaustive, as other essential oils companies might sell different oils.

Before using any type of product, always clear it with your trusted doctor first!

It is also a good idea to talk to a certified aromatherapist before using any oil.

The following essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy:

• Basil;
• Birch;
• Cassia;
• Cinnamon;
• Clary Sage;
• Lemon Myrtle;
• Rosemary;
• Star Anise;
• Thyme;
• Turmeric;
• Wintergreen;
• Yarrow.

For a list of all oils and blends you should avoid or use with caution during pregnancy, please read this post.

THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PREGNANCY

Here’s a list of oils that I think are the best for pregnancy, with some info on how to use them safely and effectively.

I hope you enjoy!

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR NAUSEA AND MORNING SICKNESS

I suffered from morning sickness a lot during all my pregnancies. It was one of those things that really made that time unpleasant.

Thankfully there are a few oils you could use to ease the feeling, such as ginger, peppermint and cardamom.

Apply heavily diluted oils behind your ears and over your navel as needed. 

Diffuse them or inhale from cupped hands.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR FLATULENCE

An embarrassing but sadly common side effect of pregnancy.

Use fennel, ginger, peppermint and tangerine if you experience gas.

Massage heavily diluted oils on your stomach.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR INDIGESTION AND TUMMY ISSUES

As your baby grows inside your uterus, the pressure on your stomach and digestive system increases.

If you suffer from any digestive related problem, you could use lemon, ginger, cardamom, peppermint and fennel topically or aromatically. 

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are prevalently common in postpartum women. However, if you experience them at any stage during your pregnancy, you could apply topically geranium, cypress, melaleuca (tea tree), patchouli, frankincense, rose, siberian fir or myrrh. Simply massage the affected area as needed.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR Stretch marks

Your body will go through amazing changes during the pregnancy months. Your skin will have to stretch fast in order to adjust to the new life growing inside of you.

As a consequence, stretch marks make an appearance and unfortunately a long lasting one!

You could use essential oils to support your skin elasticity and to try and prevent or limit stretch marks.

For example, you could create a roller bottle using your favourite carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil) and frankincense, helichrysum, lavender and rose.

Use daily on the affected areas, such as your tummy, legs and breasts.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR Back pain

As your uterus and bump grow, your posture will change in order to adjust and maintain your balance.

As a result, you might develop back pain. 

Thankfully, essential oils can provide some help to ease the pain. 

For a topical application, just massage heavily diluted oils such as frankincense, siberian fir, marjoram, lemongrass and copaiba on your back as needed. 

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MUSCLE aches and pains in general 

As mentioned above, as your bump grows and you gain weight, your changing body needs to adjust, and it will have to work harder as time passes.

To soothe and relieve minor pregnancy aches and pains, you could do an aromatherapy massage using lavender oil or ylang-ylang, ginger, roman chamomile, copaiba, siberian fir, marjoram, lemongrass and frankincense.

Use any of those oils topically and after heavy dilution. Apply directly on the affected area.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BABY BRAIN OR BRAIN FOG

If you didn’t know about this, I’m sorry to have to break it to you, but baby brain is a real thing!

And it doesn’t just happen after your baby is born. On the contrary, it is very common to experience brain fog during pregnancy as well.

To fight pregnancy brain, you could diffuse frankincense, peppermint and lemon.

If you opt for a topical use, apply those oils on your forehead, behind your neck and around your temples.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR Sleep issues

Between the trips to the loo, the strange dreams (yes, that’s a real thing during pregnancy!) and the growing bump, you might find getting a good night’s sleep becoming progressively more difficult as the weeks pass.

Fear not, because essential oils can provide the much needed support.

For a restful sleep, at night diffuse lavender, copaiba, chamomile or vetiver. You could also apply those oils topically on your wrists or under you feet just before going to bed.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR baby blues 

The changing hormones levels in your body can give cause to what are called the “baby blues”. In other words, you might experience feelings of sadness and depression, general low mood and a sense of loss and helplessness.

Once again, essential oils can provide support if needed.

Wild orange and all the citrus oils (such as lemon, grapefruit, bergamot, etc.) are widely known for the emotional support they provide. Diffuse them or inhale straight from the bottle.

For added help, pair any citrus oil with melissa and frankincense.

You can also apply them topically on your pulse points and over your heart.

If you decide to apply any citrus oil topically, remember to avoid sun exposure for at least 12 hours afterwords.

IMPORTANT

Although baby blues are very common, if you are worried in any way, always consult your GP as some women suffer from post natal depression. Help is always available, so do not worry.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR Swollen legs

Swollen legs, feet and ankles are also very common during pregnancy.

This is due not only to the changes in hormone levels, but also to the strain that pregnancy puts on your entire body (heart, kidneys, liver, etc.), as well as the increased weight.

Also known as edema, this condition can be improved with the use of essential oils.

You could use grapefruit, lemongrass, cypress, geranium or cedarwood.

Heavily dilute the oils with your favourite carrier oil and massage the affected area as needed.

ESSENTIAL OILS TO Soothe skin in general

If you are looking for essential oils that can support your skin in general (for example to soothe an itchy skin, or to moisturise a dry one), there are quite a few that you could use. 

Lavender, frankincense, myrrh, copaiba, chamomile, geranium, rose and ylang ylang to name a few, are all good choices.

Create an ad hoc roller bottle and use as needed.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR Anxiety 

As well as the baby blues, anxiety is quite common during and after pregnancy.

You might be worried about the health of your baby or simply about going through labor.

If you are stressed and need something to bring a sense of calmness, you could diffuse any of the following oils: rose, copaiba, frankincense, lavender, wild orange, chamomile, vetiver and bergamot.

For a calming effect, you can also apply them topically on your pulse points and over your heart.

BEST DIY CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH ESSENTIAL OILS 

The best thing you could do for yourself and your baby is to limit exposure to harsh chemicals as much as possible.

I have created a few posts that you could check to learn how to make your DIY cleaning products using only natural ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and essential oils.

I hope you will give some of the recipes a try. They are super easy and quick to make and will leave your entire house sparkling clean!

The best essential oils for cleaning 

The best homemade cleaning products

The best eco friendly cleaning products for the kitchen

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the best essential oils for pregnancy: CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy is a beautiful and exciting time in a woman’s life. It’s a time you should enjoy as much as possible cause it is very short lived.

I hope that the ideas I shared in this post might help you in relieving some of the most common ailments you might be experiencing right now.

Please let me know in the comment section below if you try any of the recipes, and if they were helpful to you. I’d love to hear from you!

and don’t forget to get the free printable!

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IMPORTANT

When using Essential Oils, make sure to use only CPTG Certified, Pure, Tested Grade ones, like Doterra Essential Oils. The content of this blog post and any information provided here has not been evaluated by any government entity or medical practitioner. It is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or condition. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical counselling. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical condition or illness or injury, you SHOULD consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product.