Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms, Week by Week Pregnancy Guide

Essential oils are natural oils those have a distinctive smell of the plant source or any other source from which these are extracted. Doctors claim that it is safe to use some of the essential oils during pregnancy and not all. Here, in this article we shall discuss the safe and unsafe essential oils during pregnancy and also learn the reasons why they are unsafe –

Safe Essential Oils

Below given is a list of the essential oils that you can you use during pregnancy:

• Roman chamomile
• Bergamot
• Grapefruit
• Eucalyptus
• Ginger
• Lime
• Lemon
• Lemongrass
• Tea tree
• Rose Otto
• Ylang ylang
• Sandalwood
• Sweet orange
• Geranium
• Mandarin
• Petitgrain
• Lavender
• Patchouli
• Rosewood and
• Neroli

Essential Oils to be Avoided During Pregnancy

Below given is a list of essential oils that you should avoid during pregnancy and so if you are planning to take an aromatherapy or use any essential oil, consult your doctor beforehand to avoid any complications.

• Basil
• Arnica (homeopathic is safe)
• Bitter almond
• Cassia
• Birch
• Cinnamon
• Cedarwood or thuja
• Broom
• Calamus
• Boldo leaf
• Buchu
• Camphor
• Fennel
• Clove
• Clary sage
• Coriander
• Horseradish
• Mustard
• Jaborandi leaf
• Rosemary
• Pine
• Tonka
• Thyme red
• Wormwood
• Nutmeg
• Wintergreen
• Peppermint
• Jasmine
• Parsley
• Rue
• Melilotus
• Juniper berry
• Origanum
• Tansy
• Savin and many more

Why these Should be Avoided?

Essential oils happen to be highly concentrated and that is one reason as to why they should be avoided. Even if you use the essential oils those are safe, it is important that you use them in sparing amount. Also make sure to buy the best quality ones from a reputable seller.

Essential oils can affect your hormones as there are evidences that prove that these can enter through your skin and through your placenta and to the baby as the molecules of these oils are very small. They work in the same way as medicines do when they enter your body. There are not enough evidences to proof what essential oils does to the baby during pregnancy but it is a risk that is not worth taking. Studies have been conducted on animal babies and the results were not positive.

Precautions to Take While Using Essential Oils

When it comes to essential oils, it is best if you avoid all as it is better to be safe and avoid any risk during this period. Still if you are using these oils then make sure to take some precautions as below:

• Do not use more than 1 drop of the oil at one time
• Avoid using the same oil for a long period of time
• Dilute the oil with some base oil to lower the concentration before adding it to your bath water
• Use them only after your first trimester