Essential oils to use in pregnancy .....
So, last week, I wrote about essential oils that you can use in a diffuser to deepen your relaxation during self-hypnosis. Today, I’m going to look at some oils that you can use for massage or skin care during pregnancy and labour. Please note that these oils are only considered to be safe to use AFTER the first trimester.
Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil as they are generally too powerful to use neat. You can, of course, use a cream or a lotion to dilute the essential oils. Oils, however, tend to be the most commonly used as they are very versatile. Carrier oils also offer a wealth of health-giving benefits of their own. They contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, and many of them soften and improve the skin. The most commonly used carrier oils are Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Wheatgerm and Grapeseed and these are available from many retail outlets including supermarkets. Make sure that the oil you use is cold pressed and organic.
Whatever you put on your skin will filter through to your baby, which is why you need to be careful about what oils you can use. Some essential oils contain plant hormones, while others strongly affect the central nervous system, which makes them unsafe for use during pregnancy.
To be clear, I only now use DoTerra essential oils because I consider them to be the safest oils to use at any time.
Second trimester ( 14-26 weeks)
This is a time where you may find you have increased skin sensitivity and this can increase through the length of your pregnancy so always start off using a very small amount of essential oil. Discomfort in your lower back can also start around this time due to the uterus and abdomen expanding. The following oils can be used either singly or as a blend if you prefer and want to mix up the aromas as well as the benefits. Always use a carrier oil. A simple back massage recipe would be to combine your chosen essential oil or oils (five drops to 15ml of carrier oil) and ask your partner to massage over the lower back and hips.
Black pepper is comforting and stimulating but it can cause extreme irritation so only use a couple of drops in a carrier oil.
Deep Blue Soothing Blend is a blend of Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Helichrysum, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile and Osmanthus. It is a strong cooling and soothing oil.
Frankincense helps to focus energy and is anti-inflamatory so a good oil to use on areas discomfort.
Lavender is one of the most versatile oils to use, promoting relaxation and easing tension.
Roman Chamomile is good for the nervous system and can help with muscle tension.
Wild Orange is a calming and uplifting oil for the mind and body.
Third trimester (up to 40 weeks)
You may find that you have fluid retention in your legs towards the latter part of pregnancy or you can see stretch marks across your skin. The oils above can all be used during your third trimester as well as the following:
Cypress oil - good for a leg massage or varicose veins as it can help to strengthen blood capillary walls.
Eucalyptus - an anti-inflamatory oil, it’s good for high blood pressure and for muscular pain.
Myrhh - a good oil to use on the skin, especially on stretch marks
Yarrow Pom - a blend of yarrow and pomegranite seed carrier oil, it has powerful antioxidant properties and can help the skin to heal from sunburn and wounds.
Stretch marks oil: combine 2 drops of lavender with 3 drops of myrrh in 5ml of carrier oil and apply on your stretch marks once a day.
If you’d like to know more about DoTerra essential oils or anything else about safe oils to use during your pregnancy, then do get in touch.