We previously learned that essential oils should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, in the second and third trimester, the baby inside the mother’s womb is more developed. Thus, some essential oils can be used to relieve some discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, body aches, swollen ankles, and stretch marks. Because medications are not usually allowed for pregnant women, many turn to aromatherapy and the use of essential oils to naturally cope with pregnancy symptoms.
Here, we cover some essential oils that are safe to use during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before using essential oils when pregnant.
- To relieve nausea due to “morning” sickness, use lavender, chamomile, ginger or peppermint essential oil. They can be inhaled directly from the bottle or from a cotton ball with one or two drops. These essential oils can also be diffused.
- To soothe muscle aches and swollen ankles, lavender, ylang-ylang, ginger or frankincense can be used. Mix 12 drops of the essential oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil like jojoba. Apply the oil mixture and massage lightly on the affected area.
- To help repair stretch marks, 2 to 3 drops of lavender mixed with a carrier oil can be used. Apply this oil mixture to the skin with stretch marks, once or twice every day.
- To treat hemorrhoids, use tea tree, cypress, geranium, and lavender. Blend together two drops each of these four essential oils and then add to two tablespoons of aloe vera oil. Using a cotton ball or bud, apply this mixture to the affected area to relieve the swelling and irritation.
- To aid in sleep, diffuse lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile, mandarin or frankincense essential oil. Add just a few drops to your diffuser and diffuse for only 10 to 15 minutes.
- To clear the sinus and treat congestion, eucalyptus essential oil is safe for pregnant women. Eucalyptus essential oil can be inhaled directly or through steam and it can also be added to a diffuser.
- To improve hormonal mood swings and overcome feelings of irritability and anxiety, orange, ylang-ylang, and bergamot are safe to use during pregnancy. Simply diffuse any of these oils and enjoy its safe, relaxing effects.
Expecting mothers should equip themselves with the right information and knowledge about the proper use of essential oils. Essential oils are powerful and should be used with caution and care during pregnancy. Remember that the essential oils mentioned above are only recommended for the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Since essential oils are very potent, use only a few drops at a time. Inhalation and topical application work best for pregnant women. Do not ingest any essential oil. It is also best for the mother and the developing baby to consult with a doctor or certified midwife before using essential oils.
For the last note, pregnancy might be hard but it is such a wonderful and life-changing experience for women. Enjoy it while you can with the proper use of essential oils.
