Aromatherapy is a natural complimentary therapy that blends concentrated essential oils together into a carrier oil based product which can then be applied to the skin during pregnancy and labour (please see safety instructions below). It can also be inhaled by either burning the oil through the use of incense sticks or diffusers.

Each essential oil offers its own unique healing qualities which can help ease the symptoms of swollen joints, headaches, nausea and general aches and pains associated with pregnancy.

Here are a list of aromatherapy oils which are safe to use during pregnancy:

Muscle Aches & Pains: 

Ylang Ylang, ginger, chamomile, frankincense, Patchouli

Relieve Nausea: 

Peppermint, ginger, Sandlewood, Lemon, Neroli

Improve Sleep: 

Mandarin, frankincense, Ylang Ylang

This is a list of essential oils to AVOID completely during pregnancy: 

  • Basil
  • Cedarwood
  • Cinnamon
  • Clary Sage
  • Clove
  • Cypress
  • Fennel
  • Hyssop
  • Jasmine
  • Juniper
  • Lemongrass
  • Pennyroyal
  • Sweet Marjoram
  • Parsley,
  • Thyme

Aromatherapy During Labour

Aromatherapy during labour is a natural alternative therapy to conventional drugs, so if you are one of those people who would like a medicine-free birth then aromatherapy will really be of use to you!

The use of essential oils assist in pain management during labour as it sends chemical messages to the part of the brain which affects your moods, the theory behind this quite simply being the more relaxed you are the more relaxed baby will be during the birth.

Aromatherapy can also be very soothing when combined with massage for labour, it can help with breathing, circulation, relaxation and pain management.

Here are a list of essential oils which can be used to aid in labour: 

Mandarin, Lemon, Peppermint, Frankincense, Neroli, Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium

 

 

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – HOW TO BLEND

You may want to talk to a certified aromatherapist before using aromatherapy in pregnancy and labour.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated and need to be diluted before use. You can do this by purchasing a carrier oil (i.e Grape Seed Oil, Almond Oil) and then blend by using the following instruction:

10 drops of essential oil to every 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.