Aromatherapy For Pregnant Women: Locating What’s Safe By A Nutt At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Any woman who has been reading about the 101 things they need to avoid during pregnancy knows that essential oils is among the many no-no’s. This is primarily due to the fact that researchers have linked uterine contractions with the use of some of these natural botanicals.

To avoid this, many women avoid essential oils all together, mitigating their ability to enjoy aromatherapy.

Thing is, a woman may not have to avoid these oils altogether.

Safe oils for use during pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a stress filled time and aromatherapy is one of the many ways women can unwind.

If you have relied on this relaxation technique, you needn’t worry. There are many fragrances that you can indulge that are safe for both mother and child.

Below is a list of the oils that are essentially harmless and can be used by a pregnant woman during any stage of her pregnancy.

Lemon – along with other citrus products like grapefruit, orange and lime, lemon can help combat morning sickness. It is also an antiseptic and fights bacteria and fungi. Many women swear by its use to combat the development of varicose veins and in some cases cellulite during pregnancy.

Bergamot -- the most heralded and touted of all the oils and with good reason as it the most effective mood elevator in the aromatherapy arsenal. With a woman constantly having to battle her own raging hormones as her body changes, this can be a fairly significant aid. Mothers-to-be who suffer through depression during pregnancy may find bergamot to be a truly wonderful ally.

Lavender -- a proven sleep aid, lavender can help pregnancy woemn induce slumber. This is very important, especially in the final trimester when finding a comfortable position in bed become increasingly difficult. As an added benefit, lavender may reduce swelling and bloating, making it a fantastic god send for ladies who suffer through edema in the latter months.

Chamomile -- not only does chamomile calm the nerves, it sooths the stomach, alleviating things like heartburn, gas and flatulence. Some pregnant women have stated that muscle aches and pains have been eradicated via the use of chamomile as well.

Tea tree oil - tea tree oil can be extremely useful to pregnant women but one has to be sure to dilute it prior to application. Used to treat thrush during pregnancy, this fragrant oil should remain close at hand and readily accessible.

Properly using the oils

Any woman who wants to use aromatherapy oils during her pregnancy should be made aware of how to apply it. For instance, many of the oils must first be diluted before they can be put anywhere on the body.

One may find it simpler to place a few drops of the scent into a full bath tub or have it massaged into the skin by gentle hands.

Essential oils to avoid during pregnancy

To ensure the safety and health of your unborn child, gravitate only towards scents that have been Okayed for use during pregnancy.

The oils that may be especially harmful during your pregnancy are Jasmine, fennel, myrrh, black pepper, cloves, parsley, cypress, basil cinnamon, pennyroyal, clary sage and cedar wood.

This list is far from comprehensive, and some of the scents listed may be safer for handling in the latter stages of pregnancy.
If in doubt about which oils are okay and which ones are not, consult with your obstetrician to see what they recommend. Until you can ask him or her, refrain from using the oil you are unsure about as it is always better to be safe than sorry.

While it is true that you have to give up many of the things you enjoy during your pregnancy, always remember that at the end of nine months you will have someone in your life that makes all your sacrifices worthwhile.

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