This is a hot topic but one that comes up a lot so it must be addressed. Are essential oils safe during pregnancy? If so which ones?
As I scroll through some social media posts from people selling essential oils, I notice a lot of advice to pregnant women in regards to them using certain oils during their pregnancy. Some of these suggestions are not considered safe, especially in pregnancy since, at this point, we have to assume that oils cross the placenta and some oils can put a woman into preterm labor.
Safe Uses of Essential Oils
Nothing is more important than safety when it comes to mothers and children. Educating mothers on safe uses of essential oils have become my work. Mothers can make informed decisions and feel confident in applying oils on themselves and their children. We are very fortunate to have essential oils and other natural remedies available to us and help us sustain a more natural lifestyle, but must now know how these oils effect our bodies in different areas of our life.
Dilution Safety
There are a few oils that can be applied neat (non diluted) but I always recommend diluting every oil with a choice of carrier oil in order to avoid any skin reaction or sensitization.
During pregnancy the recommended dilution rate is 1% which is 1 drop of essential oil with 5ml (1 tsp) of carrier oil. If you are doing a blend then it is best to mix the blend in a different glass container and then use 1 drop from the blend with the carrier oil.
Essential oils should always be diluted especially within pregnancy. There is a risk of irritation, burning that can happen if an oil is applied undiluted to skin that you may not even see the first time it is applied. Some carrier oils include:
- Avocado Oil
- Coconut Oil/Fractioned Coconut Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Hemp Seed Oil
- Olive Oil
- Almond Oil
Application Methods
There are three main ways that essential oils can be used:
- Topical – Goes directly onto the skin
- Aromatic – Inhaled
- Ingested – Should ONLY be performed under the guidance of a medical professional. Within pregnancy and postpartum it is recommended that one should NOT ingest oils.
There is a distinction to be made for different times during the pregnancy and postpartum time as well. Some oils are not safe to use during pregnancy but are ok to use during the breastfeeding/postpartum phase. Also there is a difference between using essential oils and using herbs by the same name as in case of Chamomile. If you are interested in which herbs are safe to use during pregnancy please read this article.
This is a lot of information to take in and remember, no worries, I’ve created a pregnancy guide for you which includes the list of oils, herbs and DIY blends you can use for yourself.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE OIL PREGNANCY GUIDE
Some oils should be avoided for a variety of reasons. Some oils can be toxic to the liver, toxic to the growing baby and have the ability to cause malformations in the growing baby. This list is a list of common essential oils that are used that are generally safe and another list of oils that a pregnant woman should stay away from in hopes to bring some clarity, as well as safety, to pregnancy.
Essential Oils Safe to Use:
- Bergamot
- Roman Chamomile
- Eucalyptus
- Frankincense
- Grapefruit
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Mandarin
- Niaouli
- Patchouli
- Rose Hip Seed Oil
- Sandalwood
- Sweet Orange
- Tea Tree
- Vetiver
- Ylang-ylang
Top Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy:
- Blue Tansy
- Clove
- Cypress
- Cinnamon Bark
- Clary Sage
- Geranium
- Basil
- Myrrh
- Oregano
- Ravensara
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
- Wormwood
Oils Safe During Postpartum:
- Cypress
- Clary Sage
- Geranium
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you do not use oils on a daily basis. You can use oils as needed for situations that need support with such as backache or insomnia to name a few.
Using herbs in teas and infusions is different since herbs are not as concentrated as oils are. It is also important to let your midwife/doctor know which oils/herbs you are using so they are aware of your overall health.
I do offer 1:1 online consultations helping women make informed decisions with essential oils. You can pick up your FREE printable with safe blends for pregnancy below to get started.
To pick up your FREE pregnancy guide here.
There are no ongoing studies done on pregnant or breastfeeding women since that would be unethical. With cases of over dose and misuse, along with animal studies gives us a good idea if a product is harmful for a human. If there is harm within an animal study using an essential oil then it has a strong potential to cause harm to a human baby also. More research on essential oil safety can be found in a book compiled with studies and systems here.
Do not hesitate to reach out!
Much love,
Krystina
