Mum To Be: Essential oils During Pregnancy

There is a lot of unknown when it comes to essential oils during pregnancy. They can improve your mood and help during childbirth but there’s much confusion around their use: How can you use essential oils during pregnancy? What are the best oils to use while pregnant? When should you start using them? Below, we answer some of your burning questions.

 

 What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that can be used to support a variety of health and wellness needs. They come from the seeds, bark, flowers, or other parts of plants and contain a concentration of active ingredients that have been extracted using different methods such as steam distillation or cold pressing. In aromatherapy, essential oils are used to promote physical and emotional wellbeing by creating an atmosphere that is soothing or stimulating depending on the type of oil used. Essential oils can also be blended together to create unique scents that can evoke emotions and memories. Additionally, many essential oils have antibacterial properties so they’re often added to skin care products like lotions or creams.

There are many benefits to using them, including natural pain relief, aromatherapy and more In pregnancy, they may also help with nausea and indigestion. There are certain essential oils that we use for scenting our home or diffusing in the room as well.

Choosing your oils                      

When choosing oils during pregnancy it is important to do a lot of research and speak with your midwives or GP.

1. Choose organic oils whenever possible. Some people believe that when it comes to your baby, keeping things as natural as possible is best.
2. Always follow the instructions carefully.
3. Use caution when using essential oils on your skin during pregnancy, especially if you’re still in the first trimester or if you have an existing medical condition like high blood pressure or diabetes. Use a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) so that the effect of the oil is not too strong for your body’s systems.
4. Use high quality products that have durable packaging as they preserve the condition of the product inside.

 

Essential Oils during pregnancy

Essential oils can be a great source of relief during pregnancy. Many women use them to help with common complaints such as fatigue, morning sickness, muscle aches and pains, stretch marks, and prenatal depression. While essential oils are generally safe to use during pregnancy, there are certain precautions you should take before using them.

It is important to consult your doctor or midwife before using any essential oil during pregnancy. Some oils should be avoided altogether (such as nutmeg), while others may need to be used in very small amounts or only under the guidance of a professional aromatherapist. Different oil companies have different safety standards for pregnant women – make sure you read labels carefully and always follow the instructions

 

• A great essential oil to use during pregnancy is lavender. It has so many benefits that you can use it for your baby and your body. Lavender essential oil is thought to help with insomnia, anxiety, stress, and depression. It’s considered to be natural pain reliever that can be used during labour or after childbirth and in women who have menstrual cramps.

 

• Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is most often used for calming and soothing the central nervous system. It is also thought to help one relax and unwind from stressful situations. Its ability to help balance hormone levels in the body makes it a great oil to use during pregnancy. It can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and headaches, lowering stress, promoting better sleep and alleviating nausea.

 

• Frankincense is sought for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with pregnancy skin issues like stretch marks and varicose veins. It’s also used to help reduce itching during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester when your hormones are fluctuating.

 

• Chamomile oils are a great way to help relax and soothe both your body and mind during pregnancy. Not only do they offer calming effects for general stress relief, but there are many other potential benefits as well. Chamomile oil is known to stimulate placental function, reduce leg cramps, lower blood pressure, and even relieve nausea during pregnancy.

When choosing to use essential oils it is always recommended to speak to your midwife or health professional first.

Written by : Rosie Buckley