Eucalyptus oil comes from a tall evergreen tree and is used in a variety of health and beauty products. Because it can cause severe side effects and specific information regarding the effects on pregnant women and unborn babies is lacking, it is best to avoid eucalyptus oil during pregnancy.
Eucalyptus Oil Uses
Eucalyptus oil can be used as a decongestant and expectorant for upper respiratory problems. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it helps to loosen phlegm, making it an ingredient found in lozenges, cough syrup and vapor rubs. It also can be found in mouthwash, medication for sore gums, inhalers, soaps and perfumes. The wide variety of products that can contain eucalyptus oil means that you might come across it during pregnancy, especially if you are looking for cold and cough remedies, so check labels carefully.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbal supplements like eucalyptus oil, but Medline Plus indicates that potential lethal toxicity can occur with oral use. If you are pregnant, avoid using products that contain eucalyptus oil. The specific effects that it has on your baby during pregnancy are unknown, but side effects for you can include dizziness, vomiting, headache, fever and drowsiness.
Overdose
Medline Plus states that just 3.5 mL of undiluted eucalyptus oil taken by mouth can lead to potentially deadly effects. These serious symptoms of an overdose include low blood pressure, rapid breathing, muscle weakness, slurred speech, seizures, abnormal heart function and coma. Taking eucalyptus oil by mouth or inhaling it undiluted can be a serious risk for you and your baby.
Considerations
If you currently are using any products that contain eucalyptus oil, ask your doctor about alternatives that might be more safe for you and your unborn baby. There might be other types of mouthwash, lozenges, vapor rubs or soaps that you can safely use. Be sure to ask your doctor before using any type of medication during pregnancy.
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