Essential oils in pregnancy & labour
Essential oils are aromatic, concentrated plant extracts that are carefully obtained through steam distillation, cold pressing, or resin tapping. Oils have been used for thousands of years, with benefits ranging from holistic treatment purposes to spiritual and religious use. The use of essential oils in pregnancy has a range of therapeutic effects, from easing tension, nausea and anxiety, to grounding or energising mama.
The ‘International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists’ have listed the following oils as being safe to use during pregnancy, in the correct low doses - Bergamot, Chamomile, Clary Sage (after 37 weeks), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Ginger, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Mandarin, Marjoram, Sweet Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Sweet Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang. You can read their guidelines here.
Benefits of essential oils ?
Where do I begin? the list is endless, reducing inflammation, anxiety & nausea, improving sleep, relieveing headaches, mood boosting, and helping upset tummies. The list goes on but we are here to discuss the magic of oils pregnancy and labour, there are also many benefits/uses for postpartum but that’s a whole other blog. So, studies have shown time and time again that aromatherapy is effective in managing pain and reducing fear & anxiety during labour. One study even showed the use of clary sage during labour INCREASED oxytocin levels, how amazing is that.
I used oils during my labours, and have witnessed many women do the same - it is magic watching the behaviour of a woman change when she applies her oils. Did you know smell holds the longest memories of any of the senses? It has the ability to spark a vivid memory from a single smell. Have you ever smelled a scent and it instantly takes you straight back to a time and place in the past? This is because your smell-sensing neurons travel directly to the olfactory bulb of the brain, which links to the hippocampus the area responsible for emotions and memory. This is why by conditioning your mind to relax with a particular scent, by using it in regularly in pregnancy that come birthing day you will be easily transported to that calm, relaxed zone.
My favourite must haves are -
Lavender – calming & relaxing, it is great for use during pregnancy to relieve any niggling fears. This is an old favourite and very popular with mamas on their birthing day.
DiGize - pregnancy normally comes with some tummy issues, nausea in the early months, and potential heartburn or reflux in the later stages. Apply DiGize to your belly, or throat for relief.
Peppermint - gives a numbing effect when applied to the lower back in posterior labours. Peppermint reduces nausea and tension, so perfect for all those pregnancy aches and pains. It is also a perfect ‘pick me up|energy boost’.
Gentle Baby - a must have during pregnancy and postpartum. This blend is super moisturising so you can rub onto your bump or have in a diffuser when ever you need some mental clarity/zen time. .
Frankincense – is a calming oil and a personal favourite that’s perfect for labour. It has powerful anti-inflammatory compounds for the brain, and has the ability to bring you into the ‘hear and now’ - Place a single drop on palms, or rub some on your lower back and bump as labour progresses to keep you grounded.
Clary sage – you will find this oil in every doulas bag of tricks, many midwifes will also recommend the use of it during labour. Be sure not to use before 38 weeks as it is a uteronic, meaning it cause contractions and increase their efficiency - Using this oil in can help a stalled labor, and potentially induce labour. It aids mama into a euphoric state and reduces emotional stress and muscle tension during labour.
Lemon – you may have heard of peppermint or ginger for nausea, but a study in 2014 showed that during pregnancy lemon oil had better outcomes in reducing nausea and vomiting!
Safe use of oils
Essential oils are organic substances and therefor can cross the placental barrier, as all the other products you are putting on your skin, air fresheners or cleaning products can. However, the amount of essential oil that is absorbed into your skin is very minimal, and therefore the amount that reaches the placenta is miniscule if proper dilutions are being used. For example 4 or 5 drops of oil is all that’s needed for a FULL body massage, which equates to less than 0.25 ml, most of which will evaporate or remain in the outer layers of the skin. Thias is why it is always important to know the origins of your oils, and their quality. You do not want a bottle that is in fact full of fillers and artificial fragrance.
TIPS
Do not ingest oils during pregnancy
Use only quality, 100% pure oils
Be cautious in your first trimester
Know your personal medical health
Know the ‘unsafe’ oils during pregnancy
Contraindications
Certain oils are deemed unsafe during pregnancy, and therefor should not be used. Others can only be used in the later stages of pregnancy, during labour.
Oils contraindicated for all women in pregnancy are: angelica, basil, bay, clary sage (before 38 wks), cedarwood, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper berry, myrrh, marjoram, rose, rosemary, spearmint, Spanish sage, sandalwood, thyme, yarrow. Some oils are also contraindicated with specific health conditions, such as diabetes and epilepsy, so always get advice from your health professional before introducing oils during pregnancy if you have a medical history..
why I use Young Living oils
I have always been conscious on what came into my home, and even more so since having children. Being a once Beauty Therapist, and now a Registered Nurse I have always had an interest in the health and wellness realm. Essential oils have been a part of my life for many years, with a roller always in my car, nappy bag and who knows where else. I have also been working on some new Enlightened Mama essential oil focused products that are set to launch very soon, so watch this space.
I only recently decided to join the ‘business’ side of Young Living, which for me is an opportunity for me to share the importance of low tox options during pregnancy and with little ones in your home. You’ve heard me say it before ‘knowledge is power’ and this platform allows me to reach many mamas and families and teach them things they perhaps weren’t aware of before hand. If you are a client of mine you will know im a huge advocate for brining aromatherapy into your pregnancy journey, and having your roller and diffuser ready to roll for your birthing day. We discuss the benefits of conditioning your mind in the lead up to birth with scent, and how it acts as a trigger to allow you to enter a state of deep relaxation.
After using oils for many years, and going down many a rabbit hole into their origins and companies Young Living was the stand out. They are the only oil company that offer a ‘Seed to Seal’ standard, meaning they oversee every grower, farm, pick, and oil processing, and there are NO artificial fillers or fragrances. They are also a one stop shop offering. So yes they are more expensive than ones you can find in a random store, but If I am applying or diffusing oils in my home I only want the real deal.
How to get some oily goodness into your home?
There are a few ways to get your hands on these oils….You can always purchase Young Living products at RRP here using my brand partner number #38900549, but in all honesty I would never pay RRP as they are quite expensive (with good reason) OR if you want bang for your buck you can make a one off purchase of a Premium Starter Kit with a diffuser (valued at over $500) for only $267, that also gets you:
24% off the RRP of all Young Living products including, essential oils & the cult status Theives home cleaning range.
The option to join the Essential Rewards Loyalty Program (ER) to get discounted shipping, access to monthly promos and earn free products
There are no requirements for regular purchases, ongoing costs or having to join the business (unless you are curious like I was and enjoy free products)