Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to bring about feelings of peace, health and well-being, can be very helpful in easing some of the irritating and debilitating conditions faced by mothers-to-be. However, because little is known as to whether the oils can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus, the use of many essential oils is not recommended for use during pregnancy, and particularly not during the first 12 to 14 weeks. Aromatherapy should also never be considered an alternative to medical care, but a complement to it.
Safety First
To avoid any risk of damage to baby or mother, mandarin--Latin name Citrus reticulate--is the only oil considered truly safe to use in the first three months of pregnancy, and then only at half the normal dilution--one drop to 20 ml of carrier oil.
According to Natural Health Crafters: "Although opinions vary over the real dangers of some essential oils during pregnancy, most people agree that it is best to adopt a cautious approach. ... Any essential oil that is considered safe for use during pregnancy should always be diluted to half the usual strength."
Oils to be avoided include rosemary, white thyme, hyssop, black pepper and sage, which are known to raise blood pressure. Oils which can disrupt the hormones, and therefore the natural rhythms of pregnancy, include basil, cajeput, angelica, may chang and lemongrass. If you have any history of epilepsy, miscarriage or other long-term conditions, it is best to avoid essential oils throughout pregnancy.
Help with Morning Sickness
Morning sickness normally lasts for only the first three months of pregnancy, but can continue longer. To help with the symptoms, blend three drops of petitgrain, three drops of lemon and three drops of ginger with 50 ml of grapeseed oil. Rubbing a little of the mixture into the pulse point on each wrist may help to ease the symptoms, but test the scent first as the smell of different oils affects women in different ways, especially in pregnancy when the sense of smell is enhanced.
Help with Stretch Marks
Stretch marks can appear during the final stages of pregnancy on the abdomen, thighs and breasts, and massaging with oils after the first 20 weeks can help prevent this. Says Natural Health Crafters: "Mandarin essential oil is also commonly used in preparations designed to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Here it works best blended with other gentle skin-rejuvenating essences such as neroli, lavender and rose."
During Labor
According to the International Federation of Aromatherapists: "Aromatherapy in labor can aid a woman's coping strategies and work in tandem with other known coping mechanisms. The main aspects of their use are, to aid relief of stress and anxiety, give some relief to the discomfort of contractions and assist the efficacy of the uterus."
A comforting blend of four drops of lavender and three drops each of Roman chamomile and mandarin red combined in 50 ml of grapeseed oil massaged into the back can ease both stress and backache.
After the Birth
To help relax a new mother, a warm bath containing six to eight drops of lavender can be very beneficial. Lavender is antiseptic and pain relieving. It also helps to calm and relax, and promote recovery after labor.
