Enjoying a healthy pregnancy and a natural childbirth is an ideal to which many women and their partners aspire. The period of pregnancy and the occasion of welcoming a new-born baby into the world is a magical moment, but is also a time of sudden change. Anxiety and apprehensions about the future are all too common. It is also often a period of emotional upheaval, mood swings and hormonal imbalance so it is easy to feel conflicting emotions: one moment being full of confidence then suddenly feeling vulnerable or unable to cope…
Essential Oils for Pregnancy & Childbirth
Aromatherapy can be a valuable aid throughout pregnancy and during the birthing process itself. This is validated by the many midwives in the UK today who recommend the use of essential oils as part of a natural approach to prenatal healthcare, even if it is simply putting a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow at night to help you drift off to sleep.
Natural botanicals can also bring a sense of harmony and peace into the home, whether in the form of living plants or by surrounding yourself with aromatic oils. I can only speak for myself, but I certainly had a strong nesting instinct when I was pregnant, so creating a cosy and healing environment prior to the arrival of my daughter Tasha, was of paramount importance! In my forthcoming book, ‘The Botanical Home’ I explore the powerful therapeutic effects that natural botanicals can have on our overall sense of wellbeing.
Aromatherapy has a multitude of uses and methods of applications, so it is always possible you to treat yourself holistically: mind, body and spirit. Here are some of the best ways in which essential oils be used during pregnancy and childbirth.
Essential Oils for Pregnancy Massage
Massage has got to be top of my list! Not only is it extremely beneficial since it involves our sense of touch, which it is reassuring, comforting and soothing in itself, it is also a very valuable treatment based on the properties of the specific essential oils used. When a blended massage oil is applied to the skin, the oils are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and have a physiological effect of the body. Local massage is a useful method to use for overcoming common problems such as lower back, pain, cramps or muscular tension.
Massage oils are nearly always best applied after a hot bath when the skin is still warm, so the oils are absorbed more readily. This also helps to keep the skin lubricated and flexible. Our ‘Tranquility’ Body Oil which is based on a soothing combination of chamomile, lavender and petitgrain is ideal for use during late pregnancy.
Please note. When making up your own massage or body oil for use during pregnancy, the blend should be no more than 2% essential oils to 98% carrier oils, such as sweet almond oil. For example, 2 drops of essential oil to every 5 ml (or 1 tsp) of carrier oil.
Essential Oils for Bathing in Pregnancy
Relaxing in a warm aromatic bath is a treat at any time but it is especially blissful during pregnancy. Ideally the water should be comfortable warm, but not too hot. Aromatic bathing is super healthy, as verified by the age-old spa tradition, but during the latter part of pregnancy the buoyancy of the water and the comfort and relaxation provided by the heat, are an extra bonus. This is a simple and safe way to promote a sense a wellbeing! I enjoyed plenty of aromatic baths during my pregnancy, my favourite oil was bergamot for its uplifting effect, and even managed to slip into a warm bath soon after giving birth!
If you don’t have the time for a long soak, it’s also possible to fill a bath to hip level and add no more than 3 drops of essential oils to the water and mix well. A douche dip can help to preserve hygiene and hydration prior to giving birth.
This is also the ideal occasion to moisturise the vaginal area afterwards with a carrier oil such as organic wheatgerm or argan, as this can help prevent tearing, as well as encourage rapid healing.
Please note: When adding essential oils to your bath water, just remember not to exceed 6 drops in total and mix them in well by agitating the surface, before you enter.
Aromatherapy Foot-baths & Pregnancy
A warm foot bath with added essentials oils can also provide relief during pregnancy because it’s common to suffer from swollen ankles or oedema, especially towards the end of your term.
Simply fill a basin or bowl with warm water and add a total of 4 or 5 drops of essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile roman, then soak your feet (and ankles) for 10 to 15 minutes.
Vaporising Essential Oils during Pregnancy
Using essential oils in room vaporises or diffusers is a very pleasant way to keep your environment free of germs or airborne infections, which is especially important during pregnancy to ensure the baby is protected. For example our ‘Defence‘ blend, or tea tree oil are both powerful bactericidal and anti-viral agents. My personal favourite is a slightly fresher alternative; our Fragonia oil which has all the properties and benefits of tea tree, but with an uplifting citrus-like scent.
Other blends, such as our ‘Serenity’ or ‘Sacred Space’ Diffusion Blends can also help create a restful and soothing atmosphere at home or at work.
Natural Perfumes & Pregnancy
Pulse-point perfumes such as our 5% rose maroc or 5% neroli – or adding a drop of patchouli to your wrist (if you like the scent) – can provide a welcome ‘lift’ during pregnancy. Different perfumes suit different people so it’s a matter of finding an aromatic oil which makes you feel good, then making it your signature scent!
Being pregnant during the winter months may also call for a different type of scent than a summer pregnancy. For example, it’s ideal to carry a flower-water aqua-spritz with you when you’re out and about, especially during hot weather, to keep your skin hydrated, refreshed and smelling fragrant.
Some recommendations of Essential Oils during Pregnancy:
Bergamot is uplifting yet soothing, valuable to help relieve any stress or anxiety throughout pregnancy. At Aqua Oleum we only sell ‘bergapten-free’ oil which is safe to use on the skin ie non-phototoxic, during pregnancy.
Chamomile Roman is gentle and calming for the nerves with excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, good for relieving muscle spasm, backache or any discomfort due to pain or swelling.
Clary Sage oil is valuable used for massage (in a blend) during labour, as it can help induce uterine contractions. This oil should be avoided during the pregnancy itself. Do not use while drinking alcohol.
Frankincense can help overcome stressful situations as it deepens the breath and induces a state of calm, for example, used in vaporisers. Frankincense is also a valuable healing agent which can help prevent scars or stretch marks.
Geranium can helping reduce oedema, breast engorgement and help to restore hormonal equilibrium when used in topical massage blends. It is safe for use throughout pregnancy and is a favourite with young children.
Jasmine can assist during childbirth to help bring on contractions used in a massage oil blend. The aroma also promotes a feeling of optimism and confidence. This oil should be avoided during the early months of pregnancy.
Lavender is a ‘must-have’ oil for pregnancy having a wide range of therapeutic uses. It can help control pain during the birthing process and ease cramps; it encourages the healing of damaged scar tissue, for example after birth; it can also help heal tissue caused by stretchmarks or tearing. Profoundly soothing and relaxing, it promotes restful sleep and helps combat stress. Safe to use throughout pregnancy.
Neroli is simply one of the all-time best ‘stress-fix’ oils, simultaneously lifting the spirits and sedating the nervous system. It is also good for healing stretchmarks or scars applied locally. Safe throughout pregnancy.
Peppermint is a popular remedy for nausea, headaches and morning sickness, both via massage and vaporisation. It also soothes tired or aching feet with a cooling and deodorising effect used in footbaths. Drinking peppermint tea is also helpful for morning sickness. Use in low dilutions only: can cause skin irritation or tingling in concentration.
Rose oil is comforting, heart-warming and soothing: it makes a beautiful soft and empowering perfume. It is also one of the most useful oils to help regulate hormonal imbalance during pregnancy.
Rosemary is one of my favourite ‘go-to’ oils for warding off all kinds of airborne infections, such as colds and flu. Great for overcoming tiredness or fatigue too. Use in late pregnancy only and avoid if you have high blood pressure.
Tea tree is another amazing anti-infectious, antifungal and anti-viral oil which supports the immune system. Use in vaporisers to keep the home hygienic, however not everyone is a fan of the medicinal scent: Fragonia is a perfect alternative with a lovely scent. Tea tree can also help with urinary tract infections used as a sitz-bath douche in low dilution. Both oils are safe to use throughout pregnancy.
Skin Care & other treatments during Pregnancy
Other than essential oils, there are many other oils which are also extremely valuable during pregnancy.
I have formulated a range of products specifically aimed for mothers and babies: Our popular ‘Scars & Stretch Marks‘ oil helps prevent and heal any marks, which pairs perfectly with our gentle ‘Baby Massage Oil‘. We also supply a Mother & Baby Gift Set which is a lovely offering for new or expecting mothers.
In terms of useful carrier oils, Sweet almond oil is a good basic for preparing massage oils to be used immediately containing a high level of Vitamin D. However, it is better to use jojoba or light coconut oil if you want your blend to last several months so it will not deteriorate over time.
Both argan and avocado oil are extremely useful for helping to lubricate the skin and Evening Primrose is another useful oil added to blends because it has a can help to regulate nervous disorders and regulate hormones. Wheatgerm oil is extremely nourishing, high in Vitamin A,B, C and D, it is particularly good for preventing and treating stretch marks. When I was pregnant, I had a craving for natural wheatgerm copiously sprinkled onto yoghurt every day: The reason must have been its highly concentrated vitamin content!
Pregnancy is a very special time, but it can also bring difficulties such as constipation, piles, varicose veins, tiredness or emotional stress. It is helpful to do regular but gentle exercise such as swimming, walking or yoga. Plenty of napping is also recommended as well as meditation or simple breath work to help calm the mind and connect with your intuition to be able to listen to your body during this magical and transformative journey.
Aromatherapy Safety Guidelines during Pregnancy
When you use any kind of product, including essential oils, you always need to consider its effect on the growing baby. Always refer to the safety data on specific oils before use at any stage of pregnancy.
Following the birth of your baby, most essential oils are safe to use personally, but I would recommend that initially you use only those specifically recommended to aid your recovery (see above).
There are also other safety factors to be considered, for example some citrus oil, like lemon or lime oil are photo-toxic when applied to the skin and then exposed to direct sunlight.
Other oils are contra-indicated and should be completely avoided during pregnancy such as cinnamon leaf, clove or camphor.
At Aqua Oleum, all our products are clearly labelled with directions for use and any contra-indications stated, including if they are suitable for pregnancy.