Pregnancy and Birth

Aromatherapy During Pregnancy and Postpartum

If you read my blog regularly, you know how important it is to avoid artificial fragrances at home, especially during pregnancy. If this is your first time here, I invite you to check out my previous post, where I discuss this topic in detail.

Aromatherapy, which uses concentrated plant essential oils, can be quite controversial during pregnancy. The main reason for this is that conducting medical experiments on pregnant women is considered unethical. Consequently, most research relies on observations made on animals. While essential oils can offer numerous benefits, some studies indicate that certain oils may have toxic effects on the reproductive system. Therefore, it is essential to use essential oils with great caution during pregnancy.

The Influence of Scents on Emotions

Scents play a crucial role in our well-being. When we inhale aromatic oils, their molecules trigger receptors in the nose that send signals to the brain. The area of the brain responsible for smell is strongly connected with emotions, memory, and hormones. This makes scents quickly affect our mood. They can also relieve discomforts such as nausea.

Therefore, scents can quickly influence how we feel. They can calm us, improve our mood, and even alleviate discomforts like nausea.

Lavender, Bergamot, and Neroli for Stress

Stress during pregnancy can have serious consequences. These include depression, premature birth, or low birth weight. This is why lavender oil has gained popularity as a relaxation and stress-reducing aid. Studies show that aromatherapy with lavender can improve mood. Bergamot and neroli also contribute to mood enhancement. Neroli is oil from the leaves of the bitter orange tree. It can also reduce tension, anxiety, and anger, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

Lemon Oil for Nausea

Lemon essential oil (Citrus lemon) is one of the most widely used herbal oils in pregnancy and is considered a safe drug. A 2018 study shows that lemon oil significantly reduces nausea in pregnant women. Peppermint oil was also tested, but it did not show similar effects. However, it does have strong pain-relieving properties, which I will discuss below.

Safe Essential Oils for Expectant Mothers:

  • Chamomile (both Roman and German)
  • Ylang-ylang
  • Lime
  • Neroli
  • Grapefruit
  • Lemon
  • Mandarin
  • Orange
  • Coriander
  • Cypress
  • Palmarosa
  • Cardamom
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lavender
  • Geranium
  • Pepper
  • Patchouli
  • Thyme
  • Vetiver
  • Ginger
  • Rose
  • Marjoram
  • Everlasting

Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy

Some essential oils may have abortifacient effects on a developing fetus. Research from 2021 indicates this and suggests they could inhibit pregnancy progression in animals. I was particularly surprised to learn that oregano oil, which I had been using orally for colds until recently, has been found to have embryotoxic properties, meaning it disrupts embryo development.

Essential oils that are NOT recommended during pregnancy include:

  • Anise
  • Bitter Fennel
  • Black seed (black cumin or black caraway)
  • Blue Cypress (northern pine cypress)
  • Carrot seed oil
  • Cassia (Chinese cinnamon or false cinnamon)
  • Cinnamon bark
  • Dalmatian Sage
  • Lemon Basil
  • Lemon leaf (petitgrain lemon)
  • Lemongrass
  • Lemon-scented tea tree (lemon tea tree)
  • May Chang
  • Melissa (lemon balm)
  • Myrrh (Somalian myrrh)
  • Oregano – embryotoxic!!!!
  • Saw Juniper
  • Tansy
  • Nutmeg
  • Lemon Verbena

Above, I have listed the most common oils. For the full list, please click here.

Best Oils to Support Labor

Available evidence suggests that aromatherapy reduces pain and anxiety during the first stage of labor. Research results have shown that aromatherapy consistently shortens the duration of the active phase. This is incredibly important for the comfort of the birthing person.

For example, oils such as rose, orange, and lavender can alleviate pain during different stages of labor. Geranium, sage, and jasmine also have this ability.

Aromatherapy does not affect the risk of a cesarean section. It also does not influence the APGAR scores of newborns. This means that the method can be safely used during labor. Importantly, none of the studies reported serious adverse effects related to aromatherapy.

According to Wanda Sellar, author of The Directory of Essential Oils:

“Jasmine is probably the most valued oil during labor. It accelerates labor by strengthening contractions and at the same time alleviates pain.”

Peppermint Oil for Pain and nausea after C-section

Another interesting example is peppermint oil, which has documented pain-relieving effects.

Studies show that a 10% peppermint oil solution in ethanol works as effectively as 1000 mg of paracetamol. This makes it an excellent support for those giving birth. Aromatherapy with peppermint oil has proven effective in reducing nausea after a cesarean section. This is especially helpful for women who experience such discomfort in the postpartum period.

My Favorite Blend for Labor

If you’re just starting your journey with essential oils, I’m happy to share my favorite recipe. This blend was extremely helpful to me during the first stage of labor. Introducing a pleasant scent into the environment allows you to focus on something other than the pain. This practice promotes relaxation and reduces tension, making contractions more bearable. Aromatherapy during labor supports the body. It also nurtures the mind, giving a sense of greater control over the situation.

Add to the diffuser:

  • 3 drops of orange oil
  • 1 drop of jasmine oil
  • 1 drop of peppermint oil
  • 1 drop of rose oil

Damask Rose and Lavender – Best Oils for Pain After a Cesarean Section

Aromatherapy can play an important role in alleviating various discomforts after childbirth, especially after a cesarean section and perineal injuries. For example, research suggests that inhaling lavender can support wound healing. Adding lavender oil to bath water effectively soothes pain after an episiotomy. Moreover, inhaling lavender can also improve sleep quality after childbirth, which is particularly important for the recovery of new mothers.

To confirm this, a 2019 study compared the effects of aromatherapy on pain after a cesarean section. As shown, women who used aromatherapy with lavender or Damask rose felt less pain after just 5 minutes. Interestingly, Damask rose was even more effective in alleviating pain than lavender.

Summary:

Aromatherapy is a highly versatile and effective method that supports expectant mothers throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. When essential oils are selected thoughtfully, they can help reduce stress, alleviate pain, decrease nausea, and enhance overall well-being. However, it is essential to use these oils consciously. Use them cautiously, particularly during the first trimester. The developing fetus is most sensitive during this time.

Not all essential oils are safe for pregnant women. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the properties of different oils and avoid those that pose risks. Conversely, oils like lavender, damask rose, and neroli can provide excellent support during this special time. They promote relaxation and aid in pain relief during labor. These oils also facilitate recovery afterward.

Aromatherapy is not just about scents. It’s also a tool that can improve quality of life during pregnancy. Additionally, it benefits life after pregnancy. Used wisely, it can support the body and mind naturally. It offers relief and comfort during the most challenging moments.

Source:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235627808_Physical_and_Psychologic_Effects_of_Aromatherapy_Inhalation_on_Pregnant_Women_A_Randomized_Controlled_TrialPhysical and Psychologic Effects of Aromatherapy Inhalation on Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Maternal Reproductive Toxicity of Some Essential Oils and Their Constituents – PMC

(PDF) Aromatherapy in Obstetrics: A Critical Review of the Literature (researchgate.net)

The Effect of Lemon Inhalation Aromatherapy on Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial – PMC (nih.gov)

[Peppermint oil in the acute treatment of tension-type headache] – PubMed (nih.gov)

[Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type] – PubMed (nih.gov)

Wanda Sellar “ The directory of essential oils”

Susan curtis, Pat Thomas, Fran Johnson “ Neils yard remedies- essential oils”

Welcome to my blog! My name is Emilia. I live in Watford, UK, with my husband Simon and our two sons. My journey into motherhood began in my late thirties, and my first pregnancy was high-risk. This experience led me to explore the topic in depth and seek reliable knowledge about health during pregnancy. On a daily basis, I am passionate about healthy cooking, analyzing scientific research, and creating natural cosmetics. I have completed Organic Skincare Formulation at the leading school Formula Botanica, and I am currently studying health coaching at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) in London.

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