Author Login | Popular Articles | RSS Feeds | Sitemap

Home | Home-and-family | Pregnancy


Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

By: Lorna Findlay

Aromatherapy is a natural healing science employing essential oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. During pregnancy, aromatherapy can prove to be extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while also being very easy to employ and use. In order to use essential oils safely during pregnancy a few extra safety guidelines will need be followed. Though, there are reports of side effects, the user must be cautious enough to report any adverse effects to the physician immediately.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and volatile. They must be diluted before use. A common dilution for aromatherapy blends during pregnancy is 2 %, which would equal approximately 10 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil). For an aromatherapy pregnancy bath, add 6-10 drops of essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting in to the tub. 3-6 drops essential oil in a bowl of warm water wrung out in a washcloth works well for a compress. Use the same dilution in a bowl of steaming hot water for a steam inhalation. An aromatic bath is supposed to provide relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles and aid in avoiding stretch marks.
How ever, there are many essential oils that need to be avoided during pregnancy. The following list contains oils that should be avoided during pregnancy and oils that are recommended for use during pregnancy.
OILS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labor.
Oils to avoid during pregnancy include:
Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and Pennyroyal
OILS RECOMMENDED DURING PREGNANCY
The following oils will be comfortable for using during pregnancy. As always, use caution if you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If you feel you may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first. Good oils for pregnancy include:
Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress (after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender. Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine
If you are currently pregnant and have been using any of the essential oils that need to be avoided, but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then there most likely is nothing wrong. However, it is strongly encouraged you to consult your doctor or midwife and discontinue use of the "to be avoided" essential oils.
Aromatherapy Benefits for Pregnancy
Listed below are some of the benefits and therapeutic effects of the essential oils recommended for use during pregnancy:

Bergamot: Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.

Chamomile: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular aches, headaches, toothaches and Indigestion.

Cypress (ok after 5 mos.) Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles.

Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion.

Frankincense: Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming

Geranium (ok after 3 mos.) Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation.

Grapefruit: Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Helps with Water retention.

Lavender: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, Relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.

Lemon: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, Tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in Massage for varicose veins.

Mandarin: Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.

Neroli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, Relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell Regeneration and for easing nervous tension.

Patchouli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy.

Petitgrain: Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.

Rosewood: Antiseptic, sedative

Sandalwood: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.

Tangerine: Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.

Tea Tree: Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.

Ylang Ylang: Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, lowers blood Pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Find more great aromatherapy information at http://www.essentialaromatherapy.co.uk

| Print | Ezine Ready | |

Recent Pregnancy Articles

  • Yeast Infection in Pregnancy - find the cure-00-1560 By: wealthmaker - The cause of yeast infection is due to the fungus overgrowth. It is that simple and it happens to pregnant women too. This is normal fungus that women usually have in their genital areas. However, yeast infection during pregnancy is more apparent because yeast is at an all time high during this period due to the hormone imbalance in pregnant women. If you were vulnerable with yeast infection before your pregnancy, then the likelihood of it happening in pregnancy is higher. There is no harm in having a yeast infection. They are, however, painful, embarrassing and annoying.
  • The best nutrition for pregnant women By: Aliceshown - Pregnancy is a time when your body begins to undergo sudden and rapid changes. There was a time when mothers to be were advised to eat enough for two. Today, this advice is way off the mark because new research finds that in terms of quantity, pregnant mothers need take in an extra 300 calories only. So, pregnant mothers who habitually eat enough for two may find themselves developing undesirable health conditions. Therefore, it is important for pregnant mothers to understand what kind of food is best for them and their baby.
  • What is the best diet for pregnant women? By: Aliceshown - There are many myths surrounding the diet for pregnant mothers. We often hear the elders of the family advising young mothers to eat enough for two individuals. Today, we know that this is not true. In fact, unbridled eating during pregnancy can make you put on a lot of weight and can make your child unnecessarily overweight. What then could be the best diet for pregnant women? The growing fetus derives all its nourishment from its mother through the umbilical cord.
  • Pregnancy Tips: Nutritional Diet and Prenatal Vitamins By: sunniesouthern - Congratulations! In nine months you're going to be a mother, BUT it will never be an easy task. Your body will physically experience changes, your moods will swing, your senses will be sharp, and you'll crave for a lot of things -- and food. As an expecting mother, what you EAT matters to your unborn baby as he or she is dependent on you for nourishment. In pregnancy check-ups, your doctor might tell you this mantra: you are what you eat, and what your baby eats.
  • Baby Girl Conceive Myths - Debunked! By: anita bern - Have you ever been in a situation to ask (yourself, or someone supposedly knowledgable): 'How can I tell from early signs of pregnancy if it's a girl?', or anything along the lines of 'Is it true that I am having a baby girl if: my belly looks like a giant watermelon/I'm having terrible acne outbreaks/sooo craving sweets' etc.
  • How You Can Touch and Massage-Baby Care? By: mamta bhandari1 - Being touched is an essential part of the bonding process that helps young creatures to thrive. Premature babies gain more weigh on lamb's-wool blankets than cotton ones because it feels as if they're being stroked when they move, and they feel contented. The Importance Of Touch Your baby is born sociable, and he craves physical affection. This is best communicated through touch, cuddles, being gently held, kissed, and nuzzled. It's important, there fore, that you're both completely free with your physical affection from the start.
  • Is Caffeine During Pregnancy Harmful? By: Cyndra Neal - Pregnant but still craving your caffeine fix? A new study published by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology may help dissuade you from reaching for a second cup of coffee. It finally answers the question of how much is too much caffeine during pregnancy. First of all, let’s discuss why caffeine may be harmful to a developing fetus. Caffeine does cross the placenta, from mother to baby, constricts blood vessels and can inhibit blood flow. The fetus can metabolize small amounts of caffeine but very slowly which can cause a caffeine build up to dangerous levels.
  • How to Get Pregnant Fast Naturally By: Yvonne Wilson - When a woman has a budding embryo or fertilized egg inside her uterus, it is termed as pregnancy. How to get pregnant fast is the principal query for many women, as the only thing they require after a short span of marriage, is a baby. However, scores of people are acquainted with the fact how to get pregnant fast, but still the information is incomplete. How to get Pregnant Fast Talking of pregnancy, the first thing to be considered is not to do anything that would reduce the possibility of conceiving.
  • Pregnancy First Stages and Video By: mark dally - There's little doubt that when you become pregnant, your whole life is just about to be turned inside out and upside down. Indeed pregnancy is a life changing experience for both the mum and dad to be. By virtue of your stumbling across this article right now, like most people nowadays you've turned to the internet for answers to your hundreds of pregnancy first stages questions. Then once you've got your head around that, all of the other things you need to know about your new baby – giving birth, unique baby names, how to breastfeed, etc.
  • Novel Way to Pamper Pregnant Moms By: Jack14 Bottash14 - Novel Way to Pamper Pregnant Moms Giving Pampered Pregnancy gifts is a novel way to show that you love and care your near and dear ones who are pregnant. You can give a would-be-mother a series of gift that would fit her month of pregnancy. The Pampered Pregnancy gifts ensure that the pregnant woman would continue to receive wonderful gifts each month until the due date arrives. The gifts meant for the pregnant women are designed to suit the wide need they come across during each stage of her pregnancy.

Search Ebay

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!


Submit Your link to the Open Link Directory Project

Copyright 2005-2008 MJE Sales, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Proud member of the ArticleCkr Search Network Search Network!
ArticleSnatch.com is free for both publishers and authors to use and is supported entirely from advertising revenue.
Use of our service is protected by our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.