Aromatherapy oils in pregnancy: what's safe and what's not

When you're pregnant, it's essential to stay as relaxed, calm and anxiety-free as you can. So what better way to help you do exactly that than with a dab, inhalation or splash of essential oils?

The only slight problem with that plan is that while many are absolutely fine to use in moderation, not all of them are considered 'safe' during pregnancy.

Here's the low-down on what's safe and what's not when it comes to indulging in a spot of aromatherapy during pregnancy.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy that uses essential oils to help you relax, de-stress or invigorate your body and mind.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are added to what's called a base or carrier oil, such as almond or grapeseed, and massaged over the body.

Mixed with a base oil, essential oils can also be added to bath water for a relaxing soak in the tub.

Why is aromatherapy useful during pregnancy?

Independent midwife Kay Hardie, from Kent Midwifery Practice explains the benefits:

'Essential oils are very powerful. Once they're absorbed into the bloodstream, they work a bit like medicine, whether it's to help relieve sickness, calm your mind or help you feel more energetic.'

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Indeed in its advice regarding complementary therapies in pregnancy, the NHS says that 'there is some evidence to support the use of aromatherapy for treating anxiety.'

But similar to medicines, it's important to know which essential oils do what – and most importantly, which are safe to use during your pregnancy.

Which oils are safe to use during pregnancy?

NICE guidelines state that complementary therapies be used 'as little as possible' during pregnancy.

The NHS also says the following:

'Few complementary or alternative medicines are known to be safe during pregnancy. And some herbal remedies, such as blue cohosh, can actually be harmful for the baby.' (More on this below).

However, that's not to say they're unsafe, rather that there's simply not enough research out there to prove their safety in pregnancy.

So, if you do still want to use aromatherapy oils, it's always best to start using essential oils once you are past the first trimester.

If you do want to use them earlier than that – or even when you've passed that 12-week mark, make sure you speak to your midwife, GP or a trained aromatherapist first.

This is because there's a risk of adverse health reactions, from stimulating contractions to raising blood pressure or interfering with other medication.

Aromatherapy oils for pregnancy niggles and morning sickness

Generally speaking these oils are considered ok to use in pregnancy with your midwife's consent:

• Peppermint (to relieve nausea)
• Ginger (to relieve nausea)
• Geranium (for anxiety)
• Tea tree oil (antibacterial; relieve blocked or stuffy nose)
• Ylang ylang (de-stressing)
• Bergamot (relaxing)
• Cypress (pain-relieving; sedative)
• Spearmint (pain-relieving; anti-fatigue)
• Frankincense (calming)
• Black pepper (energising; calming)
• German chamomile (insomnia)
• Citrus oils, such as tangerine or neroli (relieve fatigue)
• Lavender* (to help promote good sleep).

*Because lavender can also be used to regulate periods, there's a lot of confusion about whether it's safe to use in pregnancy. Most experts believe it is, although if you have a history of miscarriage it's probably best not to use any essential oils at all, including lavender.

Which oils are NOT safe to use during pregnancy?

Not all essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy because they could trigger contractions, interfere with other medication or cause bleeding in the womb.

ALWAYS avoid the following:

• Rosemary (increases blood pressure and may cause contractions)
• Basil (can trigger abnormal cell development)
• Sage and rose (may cause bleeding)
• Nutmeg (can have hallucinogenic effects and interfere with pain relief)
• Citronella (could stimulate contractions)
• Blue or black cohosh (could induce early labour).

When's it NOT safe to use aromatherapy oils?

Generally speaking you should always check with your midwife before using aromatherapy and essential oils during your pregnancy but especially if you have:

• high or low blood pressure
• diabetes
• epilepsy
• thyroid problems
• skin problems.

Some oils can trigger breathing problems, especially if you have asthma or a similar respiratory condition, so don't use either as part of a massage or in an oil burner.

If you've experienced any bleeding at all during this pregnancy, it's probably better not to use essential oils.

Which are the best aromatherapy oils for labour?

Some women like to use aromatherapy oils during labour too, to help strengthen contractions or keep them relaxed and focused.

And there's even research that proves it can help prevent complications or intervention in labour.

The NHS states that:

'Aromatherapy and massage have been proven to be beneficial in labour to facilitate normal birth, reducing the need for pharmacological or surgical intervention ...' [L Wallbank (V3.0 March 2018]

Research taken from a study of 8058 women [Burns et al, 2000. Allright et al, 2003. William et al, 2007] found that:

• Significantly fewer women used an epidural when they used aromatherapy during labour.
• Fewer women needed pain relief when aromatherapy was used.
• Less than 1% of women reported any side effects following the use of aromatherapy.
• Women expressed feelings of empowerment and feeling supported when using aromatherapy.

Two popular 'labour' oils include:

• frankincense, for its calming properties
• clary sage, which can help to strengthen contractions - handy if your labour is a bit stop-start.

Be warned though, says Kay:

'Clary sage has a strong, heady aroma – not all women like it. And you must make sure you are in established labour before using this oil – check with your midwife that it's OK.'

Peppermint or spearmint can also be handy natural ways to relieve nausea – use a couple of drops on a handkerchief and breathe in as required.

Can I use aromatherapy oils after I've given birth?

All essential oils have antibacterial properties, so can aiding healing, but never use them directly on the skin, or inside the vagina, as this could cause a painful reaction.

Instead, you could put a couple of drops of tea tree oil, mixed into a base oil, such as almond or grapeseed oil, into a warm bath to help soothe and heal in diluted quantities.

Always check with your midwife before using anything, especially if you're breastfeeding.

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