Aromatherapy During Pregnancy

There are many critics who say that you should never use any Essential oils during your pregnancy, while others say that it is perfectly safe. With so many different opinions on the subject, it is no wonder that pregnant women get confused. So is it safe to use aromatherapy when you are pregnant, or are the critics right?

The Negatives

The reason there are so many skeptics regarding the use of oils during pregnancy, is because there have been proven negative results. It has been proved that certain oils have caused spontaneous abortion and uterine contractions. Diabetics also should not use the oil and since many women become temporarily diabetic during their pregnancy, pregnant women are advised against it.

However, although the results are proven, it has not been discovered whether the oils in question were taken internally or externally. All oils should never be taken internally unless advised as they can be extremely harmful. Some oils to avoid during pregnancy include

Cinnamon
Cedar
Basil
Rosemary
Myrrh
Jasmine
Peppermint

Whilst it may be dangerous during pregnancy, Jasmine is Ok to use whilst giving birth.

Overall it is thought that you definitely should not use the oils for the first four months during pregnancy. Also, you should contact a professional practitioner before you even attempt to use any oils on yourself while you are pregnant.

The Positives

If you do decide to use aromatherapy during your pregnancy it is assumed that you have already sought advice from a practitioner. The practitioner should be able to tell you which oils to avoid and which ones are safe to use.

The great news is if you do choose the right oils, aromatherapy can really help to ease the symptoms of morning sickness. This is a problem suffered by most pregnant women so this will come as welcome news for them. Aromatherapy can also help with stretch marks, skin problems, indigestion and fatigue.

Gentle massage using essential oils can really help to soothe the mind and relax the body. During pregnancy a woman's hormones are all over the place, and so the sweet aroma of essential oils can really help to calm them down and balance their emotions.

If you dilute the oils a little more than you usually would, you should be ok, and the oils should be perfectly safe to use. Some oils which you can use during pregnancy include

Frankincense
Chamomile
Bergamot
Lavender
Ylang, Ylang

So, there are both negatives and positives for using aromatherapy whilst you are pregnant. However, the negatives are quite serious and the effects can be devastating. This means that it is essential to seek advice from a professional practitioner before you even think about using any essential oils.

The positives on the other hand can be great and so if you can find something safe for you, you should start to see the benefits straight away. Overall it all depends on whether or not you are willing to take the risk. Some women prefer simply not to bother with aromatherapy at all during pregnancy, whilst others use the oils after a certain amount of time. Always seek professional advice and make sure you have enough prior knowledge.

Tracey Mumford is owner of Scentsible Aromatherapy, offering a range of aromatherapy and incense products for the family.

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