What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants to alleviate physical and psychological disorders, usually through massage or inhalation oils. It has been used as a complementary therapeutic treatment to heal and uplift the body, mind and spirit for many years. In this section we look at its uses during pregnancy and labour.

Can I Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy?

Yes, essential oils can be used during pregnancy to alleviate many symptoms such as:

• Morning sickness
• Stretch marks
• Exhaustion
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Leg Cramps
• Odema

Ideally you should not use essential oils in the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy and there are certain oils you need to avoid, which we will discuss further down the page. If in any doubt please contact a professional aromatherapist.

Which Oils Should I Not Use?

In the first trimester you should avoid using chamomile and lavender. The following should not be used at all during pregnancy:

• Aniseed
• Basil
• Birch
• Sage
• Cedarwood
• Cypress
• Fennel
• Hyssop
• Jasmine
• Juniper
• Lemongrass
• Sweet Marjoram
• Myrrh
• Parsley
• Peppermint
• Rose
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme

If in any doubt please contact a trained aromatherapist

Which Oils Can I Use During pregnancy?

The following oils can be used:

• Bergamot
• Chamomile roman – after first trimester
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Grapefruit
• Lavender- after first trimester
• lemon
• Mandarin
• Neroli
• Orange
• Tangerine
• Ylang-ylang

What Is the Best Way To Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy?

None of the above essential oils should ever be put on your skin in a neat format when you are pregnant. During pregnancy you can use the oils for massage but they would need to be diluted with carrier oil. Alternatively you can use the oils in a vapouriser.

This is a great opportunity to pamper yourself by visiting a trained aromatherapist who has experience of mixing oils during pregnancy.

What Is A Carrier Oil?

A carrier oil is used to dilute the concentration of the essential oils so they can be massaged or rubbed into the skin. Some of the carrier oils available are listed below:

• Sweet Almond Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Borage Seed Oil
• Carrot Oil
• Corn Oil
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Wheat Germ Oil
• Macadamia Oil

If you have a nut allergy some of the above carrier oils will not be suitable for you.

I Have Terrible Morning Sickness, What Can I Do?

Using 4-6 drops of spearmint oil in a bowl of water placed underneath your bed at night should help, although it might take a couple of nights of doing this before you start to see the results.

Can Aromatherapy Be Used During Labour?

Yes, you can. In fact a study in Oxford of 8000 women during a period of eight years found that women who used aromatherapy during labour had fewer inductions, caesarians, and needed less pain relief.

During labour you can use the oils:

• In a vapouriser
• Massage
• Compress
• In your hankie
• In your bath

What Are The Benefits of Essential Oils During Labour?

There are many benefits to using essential oils during labour and these may vary depending on which oils you use but would include:

• Calm and soothe you
• Energise and uplift you
• Enhance the relaxed/contraction action of your uterus
• Antiseptic effect

I Have Heard That Drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea Helps During Labour?

Studies have suggested that drinking raspberry leaf tea during your last trimester can help to prepare the uterus for labour. It helps strengthen the uterine muscles so that they work more efficiently during labour.