Essential Oils Safe Enough for Pregnant Women to Use

There is some confusion about the use of common essential oils during the pregnancy period. However most of this is because people are more cautious when pregnant. Most scented products available in stores today contain one or more essential oils and they don't carry warnings because they are normally safe for even pregnant women. Essential oils that are not safe like wintergreen, wormwood, birch, rue and cotton lavender are actually prohibited from being sold in stores. However although they are not dangerous due to the oversensitivity during pregnancy some oils are not advised for use in first trimester.

Some people recommend non use of most essential oils during their first trimester for pregnant women having a history of miscarriages. Moreover, essential oils usually are used in highly diluted form in carrier oils and therefore they pose no danger. Aromatherapy using essential oils is a great way for pregnant women to relax and get relief from the common problems of pregnancy like stress, pains and aches. Essential oils are very useful for pregnant women because during this period they are advised to avoid prescription and over-the-counter medications and they need a safe alternative for relief. Some common essential oils that are safe for application during pregnancy are Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Geranium and Lemon.

Bergamot

Bergamot is very useful for pregnant women having cystitis problems during pregnancy. Because of its antidepressant properties it can also be used for uplifting the mood and refreshing the mind. Being analgesic it can be also used to ease general pains. It can also be used as an antiseptic.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is used in many OTC products meant to ease respiratory troubles. It is also quite safe for use during the pregnancy period. Because of its antibiotic, anti viral, anti bacterial, decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties Eucalyptus can be safely used by pregnant women suffering from colds, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and for wounds.

Chamomile

For use during pregnancy Chamomile is also safe. It is very gentle, calming and soothing. It's antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic properties make it very useful in morning sickness as well as nausea. It is also very useful for headaches, aching muscles, toothaches, insomnia and indigestion.

Lavender

Another very common and useful essential oil for pregnant women is Lavender. Its relaxing and healing properties are quite well known and these can be used beneficially by pregnant women. It has anti-depressant, antibiotic, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. These properties make Lavender very useful during your pregnancy to soothe the pains and aches. It is good for headaches, pains, insomnia and eczema. It promotes cell renewal. Also it helps in retention of fluids.

Lemon

Lemon is best known for its usefulness for pregnant women in morning sickness as well as nausea in the form of an inhalant. It is also used as a massage for treating varicose veins, for colds and heartburn and as a lymphatic tonic. Lemon is also useful in pregnancy for its astringent, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal and cleansing properties.

There are some oils that may be avoided by pregnant women for possible problems, especially during first trimester. They include basil, Cinnamon, Clove, Juniper and Fennel. Basil is a possible irritant, Clove due to skin sensitization, Juniper and Cinnamon for emmenagogue and Fennel because it is anethole rich. Essential oils come highly concentrated and usually a drop or two should be used with a carrier oil evenin the case of the safe oils.