Aromatherapy for a Comfortable Pregnancy
Aromatherapy and pregnancy is a topic that interests many women. It is quite extensive and it is good to know how it can help us without endangering the baby's health. What should you be careful about when you are pregnant? And what can you do instead?
Aromatherapy in Pregnancy
Besides the general increased sensitivity to scents during pregnancy, it is necessary to pay attention to the composition of aromatic molecules in the chemical profile of essential oils. Specific aromatic molecules can stimulate uterine activity or have adverse neurotoxic effects on the mother and baby. Generally, essential oils can be divided into three groups depending on the pregnancy stage:
1. Suitable from the end of the third month (citrus, neroli, ho-sho, tea tree, rose, Roman chamomile, lavender in low dilution, geranium)
2. Suitable after the end of the sixth month, which includes (besides oils from the first group) cistus and here I would also include frankincense, which helps prepare the woman for childbirth,
3. Essential oils unsuitable in pregnancy (rosemary, eucalyptus, thyme and other spices such as clove, cinnamon, cassia cinnamon, angelica, juniper, mints and many others). Be careful with lavender as it lowers blood pressure; we do not recommend it for women who suffer from low blood pressure.
Aromatherapy During Breastfeeding
Generally, it is better not to use essential oils in children under three years old; sometimes it is better to wait until five years of age because they can be not only too strong for them but also this way you protect their nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Therefore, we recommend using one of our hydrolates in a diffuser or aromalamp. You can use, for example, white rose, Damask rose, true chamomile, lemon balm or lavender.
Diffusing and Inhalation During Pregnancy, Practical Tips
If you are pregnant and want to diffuse essential oils, follow the dosing instructions for children. Maximum 3 drops depending on room size, do not run the diffuser or aromalamp for more than half an hour a day, preferably 2x 15 minutes. Besides essential oils from lemon, bergamot, lime, orange, mandarin or geranium and others suitable from the end of the third month of pregnancy, you can also use the above-mentioned hydrolates. If you suffer from morning sickness, try using a small personal inhaler with a drop of lemon essential oil. You can lightly sniff it whenever you need to ease the nausea. Other citrus oils also work well in this case (sweet orange, mandarin).
Tips for Relieving Birth Fears
Rose hydrolates are ideal for relieving fears and stress associated with childbirth. You can use them throughout pregnancy to refresh your skin, body, or in a diffuser. Hydrolates must be unpreserved. If you want a massage oil, you can use, for instance, almond or apricot kernel oil on their own. Handmade variants with essential oils are also a great support for expectant mothers. Try adding 2 drops of rose or 5 drops of geranium and complement them with some citrus or frankincense. For body oil in pregnancy, use a maximum of 15 drops per 50 ml of carrier oil. A very nice scent is, for example, a combination of geranium and lime or bergamot. If you use citrus essential oils, check that they are distilled (not cold-pressed!), as otherwise they are phototoxic and especially in summer their use during the day can be problematic due to the risk of pigment spots developing.
Pavlína Klaudová
graduate of the prestigious Tisserand Aromatherapy Institute