The initial euphoria of a positive pregnancy test is often replaced with rollercoaster hormones and emotions rapidly swinging from tears to joy. This is followed by the uncensored - albeit well-meaning - pregnancy advice from those who have ‘got the T-shirt’! It can all be a bit confusing and overwhelming. And then, as nausea settles in and sleep patterns are disrupted, someone mentions pregnancy essential oils and eyebrows get raised and cautionary tales abound. We are here to silence those naysayers with our list of oils that will offer an extra bit of support and TLC.
As nature takes its amazing course in your changing body, certain pregnancy-safe essential oils are a pure and gentle solution to your antenatal care
We have highlighted some pregnancy-safe essential oils that are powerful in helping to relieve pregnancy-related nausea, stretch marks, unbalanced moods, muscle aches, haemorrhoids and insomnia.
Please note: Essential oils are directly distilled from plants so they contain highly concentrated compounds. It is always advisable to first consult your doctor or certified midwife before using any aromatherapy oils and experts also advise that you only use pregnancy essential oils in the 2nd and 3rd trimester, Never ingest the oils - only diffuse or use topically by diluting in a carrier oil. ((If you are concerned, our recent blog highlighted the essential oils you should probably avoid during your pregnancy.)
Nausea support
Morning sickness and nausea - to varying degrees - are par for the course during pregnancy and organic essential oils come to the rescue. Lavender is a staple pregnancy essential oil - in fact, if you are only going to invest in one organic essential oil during your pregnancy, then Lavender is that one.
Ginger has long been celebrated for relieving nausea and so this essential oil is definitely a pregnancy favorite. Cardamom, from the same spice family as Ginger but with its own unique aroma and beneficial properties, will also help to relieve nausea. Then there is the refreshing and citrusy scent of Sweet Orange oil. Last but not least, is Spearmint oil. Peppermint tea is popular for relieving nausea and so organic Spearmint essential oil is a milder and gentler alternative offering soothing comfort and relief when used as an antenatal aromatherapy oil.
As your sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy, decide which of these oils will offer you the soothing support you need.
These pregnancy essential oils, when diffused or diluted in a carrier oil of choice and applied to pressure points are any mom-to be’s go-to holistic alternative to relieve nausea symptoms.
Sleep support
Any mom-to-be is likely to suffer from restlessness at night and insomnia due to discomfort as her baby grows and her muscles start to strain. Any of the following oils are pregnancy-safe and will assist with sleep support:
Diffuse any of these oils for 30 minutes before going to bed, or add a maximum of 12 drops to 2T distilled water in a spray bottle and spray a scented mist onto your sheets or pillow before bedtime.
Emotional support
There is no denying that hormones take on an unexplained and unscheduled life of their own during pregnancy - often resulting in worry, anxiety, heightened emotions and mild antenatal blues. The calming essence of pure essential oils is just the natural ‘antidepressant’ to restore a sense of harmony and balance. Pregnancy can also zap your energy, making you feel lethargic. The best emotional support pregnancy essential oils are:
- Geranium Rose - diffuse for stabilizing your emotions and uplifting your mood Take a moment to pause and breathe and immerse yourself in the alluring essence of this floral oil.
- Lavender (your all-rounder pregnancy essential oil
- Ylang Ylang - this exotic sweet and fruity oil is known to help relieve stress and alleviate mild depression.
- Patchouli - to make the most of this oil’s grounding emotional and mood-harmonizing effects, dilute in an organic carrier oil such as Jojoba or Almond and apply a few drops to your neck or temples, or place 3-4 drops in a diffuser.
- Sandalwood & Cedarwood - used to help with anxiety, balancing emotions and calming nervous tension. Both are tree oils, so slow down and take advantage of nature’s secrets of the forest.
Skin support
Stretch marks and breakouts are unavoidable in most expectant moms. But organic essential oils such as Frankincense, Grapefruit, Helichrysum or Tea Tree, diluted in a moisturizer or carrier oil will help to nourish your skin, sort out blemishes and improve your skin’s elasticity.
Mix 2-3 drops in your favourite carrier oil and apply to the affected area morning and evening.
Muscle ache support
To soothe muscle aches during pregnancy, 12 drops of either Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, Ginger, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense (or a blend) added to 2T of a carrier oil of choice and massaged into the muscles will ease the aches and help with overall pregnancy relaxation and calm.
Haemorrhoid support
A lesser spoken of, but very real issue during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (and labour), is the uncomfortable and painful onset of haemorrhoids. Tea Tree, Cypress, Geranium Rose and Lavender are your go-to oils to help relieve the discomfort and swelling. Try blending all 4 essential oils together (total of 8 drops) and mix with 2T of aloe vera gel. Apply directly with a cotton ball or tissue.
Sanctus Essence Support
Sanctus Essence is your online essential oils support for aromatherapy advice during your pregnancy. Our oils are sustainably and ethically sourced and are 100% organic - providing you with pure droplets from nature that retain their specific beneficial chemical compounds.
Take some time and browse our blog page where you will discover the numerous benefits of aromatherapy essential oils and how they can positively impact your life.
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