If you're reading this article, you're probably expecting a happy event (or have a patient or loved one in this situation). Pregnancy is undoubtedly an exciting and joy-filled journey, but it can also bring its share of worries and existential questions. You're probably wondering what's best for you and your baby-to-be, and perhaps you've considered incorporating essential oils into your well-being routine, either as a diffusion or a massage.
At Landema, we understand that it can be difficult to find reliable information on essential oils during pregnancy. That's why we've created this practical and reassuring guide to help you navigate the world of essential oils, revealing their potential benefits and addressing possible risks during pregnancy.
With safety as our top priority, we'll cover the precautions you need to take when using essential oils. Our advice is based on serious bibliographical sources so that you can make informed decisions for yourself and your growing baby, but does not replace medical advice, which will always prevail: we therefore recommend that you seek medical advice before using essential oils during pregnancy.
It's not just a question of safety; we also want to show you how essential oils can be beneficial during pregnancy, a time when taking medication is inadvisable and should be limited.
Whether you're experiencing morning sickness, muscle aches, heavy legs or insomnia, we'll look at the essential oils best suited to the main problems encountered during pregnancy. We'll also give you practical advice and suggestions on how to incorporate them effectively into your daily routine.
One of the most common misconceptions is that all essential oils are dangerous during pregnancy. While it's true that some essential oils should be avoided or used with caution, not all essential oils are forbidden, and some can even be very useful, as you'll see below.
As a precaution, however, it is prudent to assume thatno essential oils should be used for self-medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. On the other hand, some doctors or midwives will be able to recommend essential oils for specific situations during your consultations, and will specify the specific conditions of use to be respected in the context of pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.
Some essential oils should not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women (at any stage of pregnancy), due to their high concentration of aromatic molecules with abortifacient or hormonal effects.
As a reminder, here is a table summarizing the main essential oils not to be used during pregnancy:
|
Aromatic families |
Examples of essential oils to avoid |
|
Oils rich in trans-anethole |
Star anise (Illicium verum) Green anise (Pimpinella anisum) Fennel, except to stimulate lactation (Foeniculum vulgare) |
|
Oils rich in sesquiterpenols and diterpenols |
Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia cineolifera) Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) |
|
Oils rich in ketones |
Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) Italian helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) Lavender stoechas (Lavandula stoechas) Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) Spearmint (Mentha spicata) Rosemary, camphor (Rosmarinus officinalis camphoriferum) Rosemary verbenone (Rosmarinus officinalis verbenoniferum) Sage (Salvia officinalis) Eastern white cedar (Thuja canadensis) |
|
Oils rich in phenols and aromatic aldehydes |
Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) True cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) Clove (Eugenia carryophyllus) Oregano (Origanum compactum) |
|
Oils rich in sesquiterpenes |
Annual tansy (Tanacetum annuum) |
Many other essential oils, however, can be used without difficulty during pregnancy, when self-care and relaxation become a priority.
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Whether you're sorting through your wardrobe to select the essential oils to keep on hand during your pregnancy, or you want to build up a basic aromatic kit to deal with most ailments that might arise, here's a selection of gentle yet safe essential oils to use during your pregnancy:
- Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora)
- Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
- Lemon (Citrus limon)
- Green mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
- Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
- Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
- True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
- Geranium (Pelargonium asperum)
- Thyme (Thymus officinalis thujanoliferum)
Find out more in our Essential Oil Usage Guide.
As well as knowing which essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy, it's equally important to know how to diffuse them correctly for optimum safety and effectiveness. Diffusing essential oils is an excellent way to enjoy their benefits while creating a pleasant environment, but it's essential to observe the following guidelines:
1. Choose a good-quality diffuser: invest in a reliable diffuser specially designed for essential oils. Look out for those using ultrasonic technology or nebulizers, as these methods maintain the potency of essential oils without heating them.
2. Start with small quantities: if you're new to diffusing essential oils during pregnancy, it's wise to start with just a few drops. Start by diffusing for short periods, around 10 to 15 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as you feel more comfortable, up to a maximum of 30 minutes per session.
3. Maintain good ventilation: make sure the room in which you diffuse is well ventilated. Open doors to allow air to circulate and avoid the accumulation of too many essential oils in the room.
Find out more about diffusing in our article How many drops of essential oil should you put in a diffuser?
Don't forget that massages with vegetable oils, with or without essential oils, also offer many benefits for body and mind, especially during pregnancy.
From soothing tense or tired muscles to promoting deep relaxation, the beneficial properties of a massage with plant oils are truly remarkable.
What's more, all vegetable oils have the advantage of being safe for pregnant women. From popular choices such as Coconut oil(Cocos nucifera) and Sweet almond oil(Prunus dulcis) to lesser-known gems such as Hemp oil(Cannabis sativa) and Jojoba oil(Simmondsia chinensis), there are many vegetable oil options to set up massage rituals to relax or even prevent the appearance of stretch marks in areas where the skin is stressed.
You'll find all these vegetable oils in Landema's online boutique.
Essential oils can also be your allies during pregnancy. From soothing nausea to restoring better sleep, we'll explore the various benefits they can offer during this very special time.
Essential oils have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Their aromatic properties can help calm the mind, ease anxiety and create a peaceful environment conducive to restful sleep.
During pregnancy, it's common to experience sleep disorders, such as night-time awakenings or insomnia. They become even more frequent during the3rd trimester.
True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) essential oils will become your best companions.
The compounds in Roman chamomile essential oil, rich in terpene esters (mainly isobutyl angelate, isobutyrate and isoamyl butyrate) and terpene ketones (pinocarvone), calm the nervous system, soothe and relax, promoting sleep.
Lavender essential oil, concentrated in linalyl acetate, a molecule with calming effects on the nervous system, promotes deep relaxation, ideal for restful sleep.
Directions for use: Diffuse a few drops of True Lavender and/or Roman Chamomile essential oil 20 minutes before bedtime for a deep, restorative sleep.
You can dilute 1 drop of Roman Chamomile essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil to massage the solar plexus or the soles of the feet, to help you fall asleep.
You can also apply 1 drop of True Lavender essential oil to each wrist to inhale as you fall asleep.
Nausea during pregnancy is quite common and often overwhelming. While it's important to consult your healthcare professional for personalized advice, there are natural remedies, such as essential oils, that can help relieve symptoms. We would remind you to wait until the end of the1st trimester before using them, and always seek your doctor's advice.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) essential oil, concentrated in sesquiterpenes (mainly alpha-zingiberene) and monoterpenes, is traditionally used to relieve nausea and aid digestion.
Lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil, with its monoterpenes, is also an excellent choice. Known for cleansing the liver and purifying the digestive system, it calms nausea in pregnant women.
Directions for use: In ¼ teaspoon of vegetable oil, add 2 drops of organic Lemon essential oil and 1 drop of organic Ginger essential oil, to be swallowed after each meal. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
The sensation of heavy legs frequently appears during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. You may find your legs tense or heavy, feeling tingling or cramping, swelling or even pain. This is because the uterus is becoming larger, and tends to slow down the flow of blood from the legs and pelvis to the heart.
Essential oils offer a way to remedy these problems without resorting to aggressive medication. You can use Laurier noble (Laurus nobilis), which relieves pain with its unique combination of terpene oxides, monoterpenols and lactones, and True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which helps relieve muscular pain and promote better blood circulation.
Directions for use: Dilute 30 drops of organic Noble Laurel essential oil with 30 drops of True Lavender essential oil. bio in 100 ml vegetable oil and massage your legs morning and evening, starting from the ankles and working up to the calves and knees, or even higher, in 3-week cures (with a minimum 1-week break). Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after massage.
Back pain tends to appear between the 5th and 7th months of pregnancy, mainly in the lower back. Whether to soothe tense muscles or help reduce inflammation, essential oils can provide relief here too.
Here again, your best allies are True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil, accompanied by Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora), concentrated in terpene aldehydes (citronnellal) that make it an exceptional anti-inflammatory, painkiller and antispasmodic.
Directions for use: In a tablespoon of vegetable oil, dilute 6 drops of organic True Lavender essential oil and 3 drops of organic Lemon Eucalyptus and massage into the painful area twice a day.
Find all the essential oils you need for your pregnancy on Landema's online boutique.
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When it comes to using essential oils during pregnancy, the quality of those you choose is absolutely crucial. Inferior essential oils may contain impurities or synthetic additives that can be harmful to you and your baby. To find out more, please refer to our article "Adulteration".
That's why it's essential to use only high-quality, pure, therapeutic-grade and preferably organic essential oils.
Here are just a few reasons why oil quality is so important:
1. Safety: using high-quality, certified organic essential oils ensures that you don't expose yourself or your baby to potentially harmful toxins or chemicals.
2. Strength: pure essential oils are concentrated plant extracts containing powerful aromatic compounds.
3. Efficacy: not all essential oils are created equal. Superior quality oils are carefully selected, harvested and distilled to maintain maximum potency and efficacy.
4. Peace of mind: when you choose high-quality essential oils, you can have peace of mind knowing you're using a product that has been tested to the highest standards and meets the most stringent norms for purity and quality.
For more details, read What makes the quality of an essential oil.
Whether you're a first-time mom or have already experienced pregnancy, it's natural to have questions and concerns. Our practical, reassuring guide is just the beginning of your journey to understanding the benefits and risks of using essential oils during pregnancy.
To explore this subject in greater depth, we invite you to explore complementary and reference resources such as Danièle Festy's books dedicated to the use of essential oils during pregnancy.
Our Landema.com website features numerous expert articles, blog posts and frequently asked questions that complement the information provided in this guide. In addition to offering you the highest quality essential and plant oils, direct from the producer, we are committed to providing you with accurate, up-to-date information.
Sources: Manuel de formation en Aromathérapie scientifique by Stéphanie Plamondon and Ma Bible des huiles essentielles by Danièle Festy.