Best Aromatherapy Products for Pregnant Women

Aromatherapy can be a natural alternative for many of the physical issues that affect pregnant women. A number of essential oils can be harmful during pregnancy, but there are plenty that are safe and beneficial. Aromatherapy products such as diffusers, bath salts and massage oils which contain those safe oils can help relieve conditions such as morning sickness and fatigue, and may even help reduce stretch marks or ease labor. At a time when many traditional medications are off limits, aromatherapy products can provide great relief. Consultation with a professional aromatherapist is always recommended for pregnant women, and those with floral allergies should avoid floral oils. If headaches occur after use, that may also indicate an allergy. Here are some of the best aromatherapy products available for pregnant women.

Diffusers

Add a few drops of essential oil to the diffuser and keep the room smelling fragrant. Choose uplifting oils such as Lemon, Grapefruit and Lavender to ward off fatigue, or choose calming oils such as Chamomile, Tangerine and Frankincense to calm nerves and aid relaxation. Scents can be mixed or changed to suit the situation.

Diffusers are convenient and come in a number of styles. Aroma lamps are heated by a small candle, steam diffusers use boiling water, and fan diffusers blow air to spread the scent. Diffusers which get very hot can damage the components of the oils so they have less benefit, while glass chambered nebulizers produce the most potent fragrance.

Diffuser Jewelry

There are a number of beautiful necklaces available that also function as aromatherapy products. These necklaces are often lockets which can be opened to reveal a pad. Add a few drops of a safe essential oil to the pad and the fragrance will drift out through the jewelry all day. Choose oils such as Lavender, Geranium (after the first trimester) and Petitgrain to combat depression or Spearmint and Lemon to ease morning sickness.

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Bath Salts

Soothe the skin or relieve aching muscles by soaking in a relaxing tub enhanced by healing scents. Sea salts and Epsom salts drain away muscle tension, and scents like Lemon, Lavender and Ylang Ylang can calm the mind and wash away stress. As with all of these aromatherapy products, check the ingredients to ensure they are safe during pregnancy.

Foot Soaks

Carrying around the new extra weight of late pregnancy can be hard on the feet of pregnant women, and water retention can cause swelling in the feet and ankles. A special foot soak infused with aromatic oils can provide relief. Choose Grapefruit or Lavender to help ease water retention and relieve tired feet during pregnancy.

Herbal Soaps

Aromatic soaps can provide a quick pick-me-up or aid in a relaxing shower. Soaps are partially absorbed by the skin, so look for ingredients that are safe for pregnant women such as Lavender and Eucalyptus and avoid scents such as Jasmine and Cedar. Pregnant women are prone to skin problems, so natural soaps are preferable to synthetic soaps that may contain chemicals and mineral oils that dry skin.

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Aromatic Inhalers

Ease morning sickness with an inhaler containing essential oils such as Spearmint, Lemon and Ginger. These may be as small as a tube of lipstick and are convenient and easy to use. Some inhalers sold as aromatherapy products are marketed for all types of nausea, and may contain Peppermint. While Peppermint is effective for controlling motion sickness and other forms of nausea, it should be avoided during pregnancy. Other scents such as Bergamot and Chamomile can be effective for the general indigestion that pregnant women may experience aside from morning sickness.

Oils for Labor

Under the guidance of an experienced midwife and a qualified aromatherapist, certain essential oils can be beneficial during the birthing process. Safe relaxing scents such as Frankincense, Mandarin and Sandalwood can be used to promote calmness and breathing as contractions begin. Lavender is also known to reduce stress and ease labor pains. Massage oils containing Clary Sage, Jasmine or Cypress should not be used during pregnancy but may be beneficial during labor. Massaging the abdomen and lower back during labor may help women relax and give birth more naturally. Some retailers offer aromatherapy "Birth Kits," which may include essential oils, carrier oils, roll-on aromatherapy products or aromatic inhalers. Always consult a doctor or midwife before choosing these methods.

Essential Oils to Avoid

Any essential oils that thin blood, cause uterine contractions, or have toxic components must be avoided during pregnancy. Some oils can permeate the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus.

Do not use these oils during pregnancy: Basil,Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Hyssop, Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sweet marjoram, Thyme, Achillee Millefeuille, Birch, Sage

Use these oils only in late pregnancy or during labor: Cypress, Jasmine, Clary Sage