Aromatheraphy during Pregnancy

Aromatherapy during pregnancy

A guide to essential oils

Carrier oils

Properties of essential oils

Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracts from flowers, herbs and trees to treat various physical and mental conditions. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years in the Far East and is now one of the more popular natural therapies in western countries. The therapeutic properties of essential oils are aimed at restoring harmonious balance of energy (Yin and Yang) within the body to combat ill health.

Essential oils are highly concentrated, with dosages measured in drops. They are usually administered by adding them to hot water in a bath, vaporised for inhalation, adding them to plain carrier oils for massage or as compresses applied to the skin. They can also be diluted in a hydrosol spray. Aromatherapy has been used for stress, anxiety, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, depression, infections, aches and pains, addictions, circulation, respiratory problems, nausea, digestion and as an aphrodisiac.

Essential oils are pure oils. They are usually quite expensive and sold in small, dark, coloured glass bottles and should be labeled Pure Essential Oils. They are different from scented creams or soaps that can be purchased.

It is recommended you seek the advice of a qualified aromatherapist for specific treatments. Their training is normally about 2 years and the practitioner should be a member of a professional organisation. Ideally they would be experienced in working with pregnant women.

Aromatherapy during pregnancy

Aromatherapy has been used by pregnant women for many years, probably more liberally and indiscriminately than was safe. In recent years the use of aromatherapy has been more cautious. Their potency and medicinal properties can also have the potential for some health complications and side affects.

Essential oils can be absorbed into the blood stream through skin contact, or inhalation via the lungs.

Their high volatility means that an aromatherapy massage or a bath will be absorbed not only through the skin, but also the lungs, as it evaporates into the air. Vaporising the oils means only lung absorption. Essential oil chemicals in the blood steam have the potential to cross the placenta to the baby and to be passed onto the baby through breastfeeding. It is for these reasons restrictions may be placed on their use.

Some oils have the potential to induce uterine contractions and therefore their use should be limited until at least 37 weeks of pregnancy (or during labour). Precautions or avoidance are also recommended for certain medical conditions, new babies, children and the elderly. Caregivers who are pregnant when caring for women in labour should be aware of their exposure to certain oils.

It is difficult to provide a strict guide for the use of aromatherapy oils during pregnancy and after birth. There is little research on their side effects and much of the information available is conflicting. What we have concluded is that the potential for side effects is too unknown to risk any health affects on your baby therefore:

Never knowingly use essential oils before 12 weeks of pregnancy or if you are trying to conceive.

and

Never use essential oils on babies under 2 years.

There are some oils that are generally not recommended during pregnancy because they may cause uterine bleeding or be toxic over a period of time, or can affect the unborn baby or possibly cause miscarriage or premature labour. This is by no means a definitive list and others may be added, but can include:

Aniseed
Basil
Birch
Bitter almond
Camphor
Cassia
Cedarwood
Cinnamon
Clary Sage (used for labour only)
Clove
Comfrey
Cypress
Eucalyptus
Fennel
Hyssop
Juniper Berry
Jasmine
Marjoram
Melissa
Mugwort
Mustard
Myrrh
Nutmeg
Oregano
Parsleyseed
Pennyroyal
Peppermint
Rose (used for labour only)
Rosemary
Sage
Tarragon
Thyme
Wintergreen
Wormwood

A guide to essential oils

After much reading and research from various sources, we have managed to put together a broad guide on the use of essential oils. This is by no means a tool for self-prescription and you should always check with your caregiver or aromatherapy practitioner before using aromatherapy oils during pregnancy.

The following is a very general guide to give you an idea about the possible restrictions and precautions for the use of essential oils during pregnancy. If you are seeking to treat a condition, you should consult your aromatherapist.

Precautionary guidelines can include:

	Being aware that some oils are more toxic than others.
	Avoiding the use of essential oils if you have complications in your pregnancy such as liver problems or diabetes.
	Being aware that essential oils are different and more concentrated than herbs. Precautions for the use of herbs and essential oils with similar names (because of their origins) may differ.
	Being aware that essential oils can react with other substances in the body. If you are taking any medications, herbs or homeopathics consult with your aromatherapist first. For example Eucalyptus can act as an antidote to homoeopathy and Rosemary should not be used if you have high blood pressure.
	People with epilepsy should not use Clary Sage, Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary or Sage. They could provoke an epileptic fit.
	People with asthma should use essential oils sparingly, if at all, to avoid triggering an asthmatic reaction.
	Essential oils should never be taken internally (including douches). Never put essential oils onto open wounds or apply them undiluted to the skin (although some practitioners make exceptions for tea tree and lavender oils). Avoid putting them on the face, or near the eyes.
	Being aware that if following adult directions, most aromatherapists will dilute the dosage to half for pregnant women. The amount recommended should be the amount used, as more is not better.
	Knowing that adding milk to the bath disperses the oil and reduces skin irritation but also increases the absorption of the oil and is not recommended during pregnancy.
	Occasionally oils can cause sensitisation and allergic reactions in some people. It is usually recommended that you dab a small spot on the inside of your arm (as a skin test) and wait for 24 hours. If the spot becomes red or irritated, dilute the area by rubbing in plain carrier oil, and don't use the essential oil again. This is far better than massaging your entire body and then suffering the consequences!
	Oils should be kept out of the reach of children and pets and are flammable, so generally stored in a cool dry place, in a dark, tightly sealed bottle. Most oils have a shelf life of about 18 months after opening. In hot climates store in the fridge and allow oils to 'thin out' after removal from the fridge. Citrus oils (such as orange and lemon) will last for around 3 - 4 months.
	When essential oils are added to carrier oils these blends will keep for around 3 to 4 months. Wheat germ oil is a natural anti-oxidant and added to a blend will help keep it longer. Jojoba oil will also do this and is highly moisturising for the skin.
	Some essential oils are phototoxic. This means they can react and cause skin sensitivity when exposed to sunlight. Don't sunbake or use tanning lights with essential oils on your skin. Some citrus oils cause skin irritations in some people, avoid these oils if this is the case. Examples of phototoxic oils include:

 

Bergamot
Citronella
Ginger
Lemongrass
Nutmeg

This post contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.