Pregnancy is a very special time. Many people are tempted to use natural essential oils to relieve minor discomforts during this time, such as morning sickness , body aches, and stress. They think that the scent will bring peace to their minds. But how safe is it to use these during pregnancy? Let's talk about this today.
What are these essential oils?
Simply put, these are highly concentrated extracts from plants. These aromatic compounds are extracted by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant, such as flowers, leaves, and bark. They are so concentrated that sometimes it takes several pounds of a plant to make a small bottle of oil.
The results of research on the effectiveness of these oils are really mixed. While some studies have shown that they are beneficial for people, others have not shown any improvement. Therefore, we need to be very careful when using them. They are often used during pregnancy for things like mental calmness, pain relief, and concentration. But do not use them for any reason without asking your doctor.
Is it really safe to use these during pregnancy?
This is the most important question. There are many types of essential oils . While some are safe to use during pregnancy, others should definitely be avoided.
Now let's look at which oils are considered relatively safe to use during pregnancy. But remember, it's essential to talk to your doctor before using these.
| Aromatic oils that can be used during pregnancy | |
|---|---|
| Oil Type | Commonly used situations |
| Cardamom / Ginger | For relief from morning sickness. |
| Frankincense / Chamomile / Lavender / Neroli / Rose / Rosewood | To achieve mental peace, relaxation, and sound sleep. |
| Geranium / Lemon / Patchouli / Sandalwood / Wild Orange | To improve the mood and bring happiness to the heart. |
Okay, now let's see which oils should never be used during pregnancy . Some of these can cause miscarriage or even harm the baby.
| Fragrance oils to avoid during pregnancy | |
|---|---|
| Oil Type | Oil Type |
| Aniseed | Parsley Seed or Leaf |
| Basil | Pennyroyal |
| Birch | Peppermint |
| Camphor | Rosemary |
| Clary Sage | Rue |
| Hyssop | Sage |
| Mugwort | Tarragon / Thyme |
| Oak Moss | Wintergreen |
How to use this essential oil safely?
Imagine that you have decided to use this type of oil after talking to your doctor and getting his approval. So, be sure to take these things into consideration.
- Start small: Try using just one drop of oil at first. Our sense of smell is very sensitive during pregnancy , so some scents can be overwhelming. Put a drop of oil on a cotton ball or tissue and inhale it slowly.
- Do not apply directly to the skin: Since these are highly concentrated, applying them directly to the skin can cause skin allergies, redness, or burns. Always dilute them with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil.
- Do not ingest these for any reason: There is no scientific evidence to prove that ingesting these is safe. Therefore, do not even think about ingesting essential oils for any reason.
- Again, seek medical advice: If you have any concerns or doubts, definitely talk to your doctor .
What are the possible risks of using it?
Some people may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation or itching when using this essential oil. If you already have a skin condition like eczema (atopic dermatitis) or have had previous allergic reactions to cosmetics, you are at higher risk.
There are several oils that are particularly at risk of causing skin allergies. These should be used with caution, even if you are not pregnant.
For example:
- Oregano oil
- Cinnamon bark oil ( CIN namon bark oil)
- Jasmine oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Ylang-ylang oil
- Chamomile oil
- Bergamot oil
If you develop red, itchy bumps or hives on your skin after using this type of oil, it could be a sign of an allergy. Stop using the oil immediately and see your doctor.
How to choose a good quality fragrance oil?
When you're buying essential oils, the most important thing is the quality. Not all oils are created equal. Sometimes, there may be ingredients inside the bottle that aren't on the label.
These tips will help you choose a good quality oil:
1. Check the label carefully: A good quality oil bottle will list information such as the botanical name (Latin name) of the plant, its ingredients, purity, and the country where the plant was grown.
2. Research the manufacturing company: Buy products from a reputable company that has a good reputation and has been in the industry for a long time.
3. Choose dark glass bottles: Highly concentrated oils can dissolve plastic over time. This can cause chemicals to accumulate in the oil. Therefore, always choose oils packaged in dark glass bottles.
4. Avoid Fragrance Oils: These are oils that have been chemically treated to add fragrance. They are not suitable for aromatherapy. Always choose an essential oil that is 100% pure, with no additives or fillers.
5. Compare prices: Sometimes the price of these oils can give you an idea of the quality. If a certain oil is being sold at an unbelievably low price, you may be suspicious of its purity.
Take-Home Message
- Before using any essential oil during pregnancy, be sure to talk to your doctor.
- Not all essential oils are safe during pregnancy. Be sure to know exactly which oils to use and which to avoid.
- Do not ingest essential oils for any reason. Mix them with a carrier oil and use with extreme caution when applying to the skin.
- If skin rash, redness, or other allergic symptoms occur, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor.
- When purchasing, make sure to choose a good quality product that is 100% pure, from a trusted company.
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