Should essential oils be avoided in pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a red flag. Simple as that for most practicioners unless there are specific physical care reasons to continue more diluted treatments. For mental care then inhalation is good and can continue anyway. Come delivery yes Jasmine at the birth.

On dilutions a 3% blend in 5 ml of carrier, 20 drops to a ml so thats just one drop of three essential oils in the blend with higher dilutions for children eg 10ml of carrier.

Having the evidence base to hand for each essential oil used is good practice and these days very easily assembled as part of your protocol.

Standard stuff I know but you cant say it too often. 

 Caution is the word.  The term emmenague is used for herbs which stimulate menstruation so naturally its best to stay away from those oils. Some oils like parsley oil are downright dangerous in pregnancy and must be avoided. 

Many mums are well into the first trimester before realising they are pregnant.  Some mums can tell straight away.  As ever it comes down to the individual before you.  If they are finding light EO inhalation supportive for conditions eg weight loss or depression before finding themselves pregnant there seems no particular reason to stop as that will be supportive of the pregnancy. Fortunately though most mums have children young so would be less likely to be using EOs for self care or pleasure so less likely to miss them. 

EOs do find their way into fruit juices and bakery in particular as flavouring but obviously in tiny proportions (yes in home cooking the lemon or vanilla cake might get a good dose but you only need a little to impart the taste!). 

Tiran makes a very good point that medically chemicals are avoided if at all possible during pregancy so if medication is being avoided that must also apply to EOs in any significant dose but the mum will know.  Particularly in the latter stages of pregnancy the heightened sense of smell in pregnancy warns of danger.  When teaching a class we warn pregnant nurses to excuse themselves if it doesnt feel right.

Ian Brealey

READING

"Clinical Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth" Denise Tran

Bakerink, JA. Gospe Pediatrics 98(5) 944-947 Multiple organ failure after ingesting pennyroyal

"Clinical Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Labor" Course by RN, Aromatherapist Pam Conrad

Burns, E. "Using Aromatherapy in childbirth" Nursing Times 90 (9) 54-60

"American College of Healthcare Sciences" Aromatherapy Program, Portland, Oregon
"Clinical Aromatherapy" Jane Buckle and her Aromatherapy Course

"Aromatherapy for Health Professionals" Shirley Price

Essential oils in pregnancy

Denise Tiran's book Clinical Aromatherapy in Pregnancy and Childbirth written for midwives is good value on this. Childbirth is very differant to pregnancy. (Sorry girls I cant believe I just wrote that). But you know what I mean. There are restricted uses for the oils in pregnancy but at childbirth and afterwards their properties really come into their own. Many peoples first experience of essential oils is on labour wards, either oils the midwife is cleared to use or the oils people bring in themselves. You dont have to apply the oil to your partner. For example a dab of diluted sandalwood on your wrist will be just as enjoyable for you as for them. 

 Medical advice is to limit medication of any kind in pregnancy to avoid damage to the child. the same thinking must apply to eos in any quantity beyond modest inhalation or a stretchmark oil until you get to childbirth except in exceptional circumstances (when you usually reach for the EOs anyway). Others have a lot more experience in this that I but that must make sense. 

It is important to keep essential oils well away from a baby's nose. While baby massage with a vegetable oil like jojoba may be relaxing and good for the baby's skin it is very inadvisable to add essential oils. There is never any need to do this as the jojoba is excellent for dispelling any nappy rash and pain. 


Ian Brealey