Aromatherapy for pregnancy, labour, and birth
What is Aromatherapy?
It is considered safe to use essential oils throughout your pregnancy and during birth. Essential oils are powerful mixtures of aromatic plants and scents that can trigger reactions in your body and brain that can help you keep calmer and more comfortable during labour. Essential oils and the conditioning that can be created through their use, are said to be helpful in relieving anxiety, nausea, and pain during labour and birth.
What is the safest way to use essential oils?
The safest way to use essential oils is via a spray bottle or an electric aromatherapy diffuser (at intervals). It is not considered safe to ingest oils – simply smelling and inhaling the aromatherapy supplies their benefits. You can also use essentials to massage, although it is recommended that you use a carrier oil in combination (to avoid possible irritation) and test a patch of skin beforehand.
What does the evidence say?
A study at Oxford Brookes University (1990–98) involving 8,000 women concluded that aromatherapy was effective in managing pain during labour and using essential oils helped reduce maternal anxiety and fear. The use of essential oils have been attributed to helping achieve a sense of overall well-being.
What are the benefits?
Clary sage oil is a very common essential oil used during labour and birth and it’s also traditionally used to soothe period pain and some symptoms of menopause. It is important to note that it is recommended you not use Clary Sage until after 37 weeks of pregnancy though,, because it has been said to help promote the onset of labour.
Lavender oil is a great oil to help you relax during labour or whilst you’re pregnant, you can add lavender oil to your bathwater or via a diffuser. Using an essential oil spray mist bottle is a great way to utilise the benefits of the oils during your labour. You can also use this oil safely after your birth to help sleep better.
What essential oils are safe to use?
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
- Tangerine
- Tea Tree
- Ylang Ylang
Eco Modern Essential offers a great range of essential oils, and diffusers available for purchase, they even have a selection of pure essential oils & blends to support every step of your pregnancy journey paired with our beautiful Bliss Diffuser. If not for yourself, this kit will make a beautiful gift. Shop essential oils now for your labour and birth.
