Are essential oils safe for pregnancy? Theres evidence that some essential oils may provide therapeutic benefits that can reduce common pregnancy ailments as well as calm anxiety. By and large, the essential oils youre meant to avoid while pregnant should be avoided because not enough research has been done on whether or not theyre safe. Is it safe to drink herbal teas in pregnancy? Essential oils are plant abstracts made by steaming or pressing different parts of a plant to capture the compounds that produce fragrance. It turns out that there are two types of chamomile, each of which serves a different purpose. Are Essential Oils Safe? For thousands of years, people have used essential oils as a natural, holistic treatment for ailments. In general, most medical experts agree that aromatherapy is a safer option for pregnant people as opposed to topical applications. Stick with quality essentials oils from a reputable brand unadulterated, advises the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA). Many doctors wont recommend aromatherapy because of the lack of randomized controlled studies proving its an effective treatment during pregnancy for illness or discomfort. The key is sticking to recommended amounts and following all suggested guidelines (below!). [1] From Exploring Aromatherapy Safety Information, naha.org, [2] From Essential Oils, fitpregnancy.com. Welcome to flourish, a haven for all things homemade bath and body. Once you hit your second trimester, the following essential oils should be safe to use. Using these essential oils during pregnancy can be best option as these are safe and provide real and lasting results. When Will This Ever End? By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. These can soothe the swelling and irritation, Galper says. Its important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brands products. Lemon Essential Oil Lavender Essential Oil Grapefruit Essential Oil. Its our way of encouraging everyone to thrive in a healthy and vigorous way to empower wellness in all aspects of your day-to-day life. We encourage you to consult with your doctor on this topic . You shouldn't use essential oils in early pregnancy because they could potentially cause uterine contractions or adversely affect your baby in their early developmental stages, explains Jill Edwards, N.D., an Oregon-based doctor of naturopathic medicine who specializes in prenatal care. [1], Even so, many experts recommend not using them in the first trimester. Youre scrolling through what you think is a pretty cool lifestyle blog, enjoying the authors fun little tips and musings. These essential oils likely wont cause you harm if encountered incidentally, but too much exposure could lead to toxicity and put both you and your little one in harms way. Roman chamomile is a great aromatherapy option to help encourage relaxation and banish severe migraine attacks, according to a 2014 study. Exclusive tips + updates delivered to your inbox. When used as a topical application, massage oils or other skin-care products are absorbed through the skin. Here are some of the essentials oils you should skip until your baby arrives, and remember to ask your doctor if you're unsure. Top Treatment Tips, Ovulation Tool: Find Your Most Fertile Days. Which Essential Oils May Be Helpful for Labor? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Many essential oils can pose toxicity risks when ingested for you and, potentially, your baby. Essential oils can be diluted with a base or carrier oil for. Like we mentioned earlier, the concern with many of these essential oils is that if a pregnant person takes more than the recommended amount, theres a toxicity risk. Galper makes the following recommendations for her patients, but again, check with your health provider before trying them on yourself. Overall, one of the main concerns with the use of essential oils by pregnant women is that they could become toxic if you use more than the recommended amount, and in general, you need to be a bit more careful with your health if youre pregnant. Also remember that this list isn't exhaustive. Some essential oils that may carry a higher risk of causing an allergic or skin irritation include: If you get a red, itchy rash or hives after using essential oils, contact your doctor as these symptoms are often signs of an allergic reaction. To soothe muscle aches: Lavender, ylang-ylang, ginger, chamomile, frankincense. Exactly how long does morning sickness last? Some essential oils are high in ketones, and should be avoided in pregnancy! Mix one drop with at least a teaspoon (5ml) of a base oil before you smooth it on your skin. Consult with your doctor and a qualified aromatherapist with questions or concerns. Yes, we know there are only three trimesters. Hello! You can also apply essential oils diluted significantly with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) to the skin. But as long as you take care to ensure the essential oils youre using dont have any negative effects and stay mindful of your dosage, once youre past your first trimester, you can re-introduce essential oils into your daily routine. With so many things to keep track of, adding one more complication to your list of concerns may seem daunting. So the question were looking at in this article is this: Do you need to worry about using essential oils during pregnancy? FREE EXPEDITED SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $35! So if you wisely gave essential oils a miss during your first trimester, you might want to ease back in to make sure you dont overwhelm yourself. Lisa Milbrand is a copy writer for Real Simple, with a passion for writing about food, travel, and hacks to make life easier. Our Willow and Sage Botanicals are 100% pure and all-natural. What Vaccines Do You Need Before and During Pregnancy? Essential oils that are safe for use in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy include: Its important to remember to always do your own research with products, especially when the safety of your baby is a factor. Once inside the nasal cavity, the molecules send chemical messages to the part of the brain that affects emotions. stay happy and healthy. Essential oils such as lavender, Roman chamomile, and ylang-ylang are thought to promote healthy sleep habits. When using essential oils in the second or third trimester, youll want to use them much in the same way youd use them any other time. Safety Scoop: Can You Paint the Nursery While Pregnant? You might also ask your labor partner to massage you with diluted lavender oil during labor. Willow and Sage magazine offers recipe after recipe of natural bath and body products that are healthy for your skin and fun to make too! Genetic testing may be a part of care during pregnancy. Lets start by saying theres not a wholesale ban on the use of essential oils while youre pregnant. Some essential oils can cause skin irritation or. I have a question regarding using lemongrass, included in your above list of safe for pregnancy oils. For the safest, most effective essential oil experience, read on. These include fennel, clary sage, marjoram, tarragon, caraway, cinnamon, thuja, mugwort, birch, wintergreen, basil (estragole CT), camphor, hyssop, aniseed, sage, tansy, wormwood, parsley seed or leaf, and pennyroyal. How Long Morning Sickness Lasts, Understanding Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Testing, help reduce irritation and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. But in order to do so, its important to be aware of the risks and to know which essential oils to steer clear of so that you and your little one (or ones!) Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A 2018 review of studies even boldly concluded that lavender reduces labor pain. But as a whole, its because these oils lack sufficient testing and research to prove that theyre safe for use while youre pregnant, even when taken according to dosage recommendations. Its just better to discontinue use until youre sure the essential oils youre incorporating into your life are safe. I have found a few sources that warn against using lemongrass during pregnancy, due to its ability to stimulate uterine contractions, and also to possibly cause birth defects. Its a unique time, full of magical, meaningful moments while you wait to meet the newest addition to your family. This is because essential oils are very concentrated and can irritate skin when applied directly without being diluted. Most people know that a cup of chamomile tea can be very calming. Or they can be used to create scents for your bath and body projects which are wonderful relaxers for those achy muscles and tired feet. How do essential oils for pregnancy work. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) says that essential oils may cross the placental barrier and have the potential to affect the fetus. Will it cause bleeding? Download The AppDaily pregnancy & newborn updates with our FREE app. To treat hemorrhoids: Tea tree, cypress, geranium, lavender. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Sitting May Raise Risk of Heart Failure Nearly 50%, Broccoli Reigns Supreme as Americas Favorite Veggie, Vaccinations for Youngest Kids Gets Final CDC Approval, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, The Future of Food: What You Need to Know, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Only use essential oils externally because ingesting them may cause miscarriage, lead to. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Tip from a studying herbalist: please do not use eucalyptus during pregnancy! So if it took a little while for you to find out and youve been using essential oils, or if you just didnt know that they might not be as good for you during pregnancy, you dont need to panic. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. If you're newly pregnant, you may be experiencing what seems like endless nausea and vomiting. Powerful Photo Series Raises Awareness on Mortality Rates for Black Moms and Babies, Postpartum Recovery Tips for Treating Your Vagina After Birth. 2014-2022 Stampington & Company. to relax, theres a way to continue using essential oils while pregnant, safely. Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. The most common way essential oils are used during pregnancy is to help treat anxiety, aches, and lack of focus. Its just better to discontinue use until youre sure the essential oils youre incorporating into your life are safe. Your email address will not be published. Everything You Need to Know About Breast Development During Puberty, Everything You Need to Know About Schizophrenia In Kids. Lemon oil is another great option if youre dealing with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Safety Risks of Using Essential Oils While Pregnant, Pregnant With Allergies? You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances. In particular, some pregnant women have had luck with frankincense and peppermint oil to deal with nausea and cedarwood and lavender oil for help with sleep. As always, we recommend consulting a health care professional if youre unsure about what will be safe for your body. Grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil work well as base oils. While there arent any studies showing that normal use of essential oils is dangerous, exceeding the recommended dosages can be especially if youre using them topically. It's probably safe to use some oils, as long as you're healthy, you choose your oils carefully, and you use them sparingly. Don't ingest essential oils. But German chamomile can be used topically with a carrier oil after you give birth to help repair the skins elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. We use your health information to make our site even more helpful. Baby Beware Are Essential Oils Safe to Use During Pregnancy. This oil is good for aromatherapy uses and should be added to a diffuser. All rights reserved. Words: Jana HolsteinPhoto Credit: Alex Pasarelu. Thanks to their volatile compounds, essential oils are fragrant and therefore used in aromatherapy, which can be thought of as plant medicine, says Amy Galper, executive director and founder of the New York Institute of Aromatherapy in New York City. Dont eat lunch meats. Dont consume too much fish for fear of mercury (but do incorporate healthy fish into your diet). Last medically reviewed on August 10, 2021. [2]. Youve probably heard the phrase essential oils many times, or at least read it. So if you wisely gave essential oils a miss during your first trimester, you might want to ease back in to make sure you dont overwhelm yourself. A 2014 study in pregnant women showed that, when used consistently in aromatherapy, lemon oil reduced the frequency of nausea and vomiting. You can reap the benefits of most essential oils just by smelling them during labor. Loves fancy restaurants, good coffee and her family (of course); not a fan of waiting in lines. In this article: If you still feel unsure as to whether or not your favorite essential oil is safe to use while pregnant, you should consult your doctor. Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are common and can occur during pregnancy. But preliminary evidence from an older 2013 study suggests that when used solely for aromatherapy, peppermint oil can be a great option for reducing nausea in pregnant people. Required fields are marked *. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The Best Stretch Mark Creams for Pregnancy in 2022, What You Need to Know About STIs and Pregnancy. All rights reserved. Essential oils could cause uterine contractions or adversely affect your baby in his early developmental stages, according to naturopath Jill Edwards, who specializes in prenatal care. Not all essential oils are harvested the same way, and you might find that theres something in them thats not listed on the label. Add a total of 12 drops of essential oil to 2 tablespoons of distilled water in a spray-mist bottle, and mist pillows before bed, she says. More and more patients are trying to use alternative ways to handle illnesses due to the large side-effect profile of most medications. (Richardsons favorite essential oil is lavender, which she uses to fall asleep, in case youre wondering.). There are more than a few essential oils youll want to avoid once you know youre pregnant. When shopping for essential oils, the most important thing to look for is quality. Pregnancy is an exciting period in your life. But before you take out your credit card, do some research. Just be mindful not to overdo it! While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesnt monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. Using tea tree oil in pregnancy is mostly safe, but there are some special considerations to keep in mind. However, you might want to abide by the less is more philosophy. While we aim to supply as much research and inspiration as we can, so readers can make better, informed decisions, we are not medical practitioners; therefore we cannot give medical advice. Remember to choose scents safe for your little one and to always dilute before applying them to your skin. When we experience a scent, it triggers all sorts of responses in our body that affect our well-being, Galper says. Whether youre an all-out essential oil maven or just occasionally turn on. We always recommend consulting your health professional on specific ingredients you may have concerns about. Youre under so much pressure to take care of the baby and yourself, and the guidelines for doing so can seem complicated. Studies, including this one from 2016, have shown that when used properly, lavender is an excellent aromatherapy treatment that encourages relaxation, especially during labor and delivery a stressful moment. We explain what to look for, treatment options, and how to protect. If reaching for your standard medicine isnt an option, eucalyptus oil for pregnancy ailments when used properly may provide some relief. What Genetic Testing Is Available During Pregnancy? In the earliest stages of your pregnancy, its probably best to err on the side of caution. Some essential oils could be used to help mitigate the emotional difficulties and pains of labor if implemented safely. What are essential oils? So if youve hit the point in your pregnancy where its impossible to get comfortable, sensible uses of these essential oils can be an excellent sleep aid. (OK, we dont mind that last one.). Youre discovering the importance of loving your skin, and everything in-between. But in your second or third trimesters, keep the following safety protocols in mind when youre using approved essential oils. Start with a small amount (maybe just a drop) and gradually increase based on your tolerance. Here, the lowdown on what oils can help during pregnancyand what to avoid. Dont scoop the kitty litter. More research needs to be conducted on the topic, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. , but you should especially avoid this while pregnant even in your second and third trimesters. When using essential oils in the second or third trimester, youll want to use them much in the same way youd use them any other time. Essential oils can be really beneficial to your body in a lot of ways, but when youre pregnant, some essential oils could instigate uterine contractions. 1997-2022 All rights reserved. Finding a high-grade quality variety is recommended. You can also consult your healthcare provider before using a product youre unsure of. The first trimester is the most critical period during pregnancy, and any risk of exposing the fetus to a toxic substance should be avoided at all costs. Here are some tips: The following essential oils are generally considered safe in pregnancy, according to the IFPA. You can get the benefits of essential oils through aromatherapy, whether your preference is using an essential oil diffuser or using a spray bottle to lightly mist some fabrics in your home with diluted essential oil. We'll break it down. First off, avoid using essential oils during the first trimester. All contents copyright BabyCenter, L.L.C. Essential oils can be very beneficial during pregnancy; its all just a matter of being cautious and aware. We dont recommend ingesting essential oils in general, but you should especially avoid this while pregnant even in your second and third trimesters. Morning Sickness Remedies That Really Work, Essential Oils in the Second and Third Trimesters, Woman's Warning About Third-Degree Burns from Essential Oils Is a Must-Read for Everyone, Tips for Easing Aches and Pains During Pregnancy, Everything You Need to Know About Elon Musk's Family, Your Guide to Drinking Tea During Pregnancy, How Safe Are Essential Oils? If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. Best essential oils for pregnancy, The term essential oil is actually derived from quintessential oil, which, in turn, comes from Aristotles notion that while fire, air, earth and water make up natural materials, its the fifth element, aka quintessence, that gives a certain material its life force., Of course, now we know that essential oilswhich are sourced from plants, flowers and seedsare in fact made up of a combination of chemicals and can be isolated via distillation or a mechanical process. Thats why smelling something delicious can make us hungry or smelling something sexy can get us in the mood. Essential oils may be a smart option for reducing some common pregnancy symptoms like nausea without the need for medication. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that may be done in the first trimester. Not only do they fill any room with beautiful scents, but theres nothing quite as luxurious Plus become an insider and never miss out on EC new products, deals, promos, and so much more! Essential oils can be put in a vaporiser to release droplets into the air. (You can always ask your doctor if you aren't sure.). Here are some tips to finding a quality essential oil. Regardless of whether youre pregnant or not, if you do decide to use oils topically, youll need whats known as a carrier oil to do so safely. Hi Megan, we recommend checking with your health physician . There is not enough evidence to prove that this is safe. Its also important to make sure youre using even these essential oils in a safe manner. However, you might want to abide by the less is more philosophy. In general, youre not really meant to consume essential oils theyre much more safely used for aromatherapy or topical application when properly diluted. By reading flourish, youre not just taking care of your skin. Avoid putting essential oils directly on the skin unless otherwise directed. Rose oil is another great option for reducing anxiety, encouraging calm, and helping you get those coveted 40 winks at night. Were breaking down the important details that you need to know to make an informed decision if you decide to incorporate essential oils into your pregnancy routine. The fact is that there's simply not much research on the effect of the substances on developing fetuses. There are many varieties of oils to choose from. These include lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang, which calm, relax and aid sleep. It's best to be cautious with essential oils during pregnancy.
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