Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

Written by Vicki Hobbs ©

Aromatherapy For Pregnancy
There is so much to write about Aromatherapy; however this is just a very basic
overview of aromatherapy in pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period
highlighting the important things to help mums and their birth partners understand
how they can use essential oils confidently and safely.

Aromatherapy is the use of 100% pure essential oils, which have been extracted
from roots, leaves, flowers, bark or stems of the plant.

They are not to be confused with fragrance oils that have no therapeutic benefits at
all except to smell nice.

Essential oils have the power to rejuvenate your mind, body, emotions and spirit. It
is based on the ancient practice of using essential oils to heal by “therapeutically”
stimulating the olfactory senses, mental responses, circulatory and respiratory
functions.

Aromatherapy provides benefits from stress and anxiety leading up to conception,

through your whole pregnancy, during labour and birth and well into the postnatal
period and beyond. Essential oils provide you with a positive sensory environment
for birth especially if you do not like the smell of hospitals. Plant essences stimulate
sensory cells in the nose, which send chemical messages to the limbic area of the
brain, which cause neurochemicals to be released into the bloodstream.

These essences are energising and

stimulate the release of endorphins,
which are your body’s natural healing
hormones so you may be less likely to
use pain medication.

As you inhale essential oils, notice

how your breathing becomes slow and
full, while when you are experiencing
fear or anxiety your breathing will be
short and rapid.

A study at Oxford Brookes University

during 1990–98 looked at the effects
that essential oils can have on a
mother to help her cope mentally with
labour and more deeply relax into that trance like state. During the eight-year study
involving 8,000 mothers, they found that aromatherapy was effective in managing
labour pains and using essential oils reduced maternal anxiety and fear while helping
to give a sense of overall well-being. Fear and anxiety are two emotions which can
slow or stall labour or make the labouring mother unable to cope with the pain of
labour. The study showed a drop in the use of opiate pain relief by those mothers
who used aromatherapy during labour. The normal uptake of opiate pain relief
would have been expected to be 30% in the Oxford study this dropped to 0.4%.
The oils that were used included: Lavender, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Rose,
Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemon, Mandarin and the methods of practice
used were massage, added to baths and foot baths and then as drops on the
forehead and palms of the hand.

There has been a lot of negative publicity about using essential oils during
pregnancy. Franzesca Watson is one of the world’s leading authorities in
aromatherapy. She is the founder and principal for the International School of
Aromatherapy. She writes in her book titled Aromatherapy Blends and Remedies
that “it is important to be aware of the potential hazards when essential oils are used
inappropriately, particularly if using the more powerful oils such as pennyroyal and
sage, however when essential oils are used topically in low doses and not ingested
the threat to pregnancy is minimal.”

Ms Watson also states that “the use of essential oils during pregnancy is safer than
some medicinal drugs, household chemicals and environmental factors surrounding
pregnant women.”

Many of the reasons given for not using essential oils in pregnancy are based on
myths, misinformation and lack of education. There is also a lack of understanding
of how the body works in pregnancy. There are some oils that should not be used
but most of these are not readily available anyway.

Some oils are considered to be ‘emmenenagogues’ which stimulate blood flow in the
pelvic area and uterus and stimulate menstruation. Oils such as Mugwort have been
used to cause an abortion or prevent pregnancy however these would have had to
be used in extremely high doses and ingested daily for long periods of time.

Many women are advised not to use lavender during the first trimester, however it is
only “spike lavender” taken internally that may be a concern as normal lavender is
not a uterine stimulant according to Robert Tisserand, who is a leader, world expert
and advisor on aromatherapy and essential oils.

Tisserand also confirms that Rose essential oil can be used during all stages of
pregnancy as it is a uterine relaxant and helps the ligaments to soften, enabling the
pelvic bones to expand, and also to regain elasticity after birth. There is no sound
evidence for you not to use Rose essential oil during all stages of pregnancy.
Turkish women spend many hours picking rose flowers for distillation and enjoy
using rose oil in massage daily and consider it to be highly beneficial for pregnant
women.

Due to my previous training where rose essential oil was listed as an emmenagogue
I also contacted Robert Tisserand personally to ask his advice on using rose
essential oils with pregnant women and this is what he had to say: “There's no
evidence that rose oil stimulates menstruation. Even if there was, this would not
mean a contraindication in pregnancy because menstruation and abortion are totally
different.”

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy “a common myth in

aromatherapy is that massage oils containing essential oils such as Clary Sage,
Rose or even Rosemary can cause a miscarriage and hence should be avoided
throughout pregnancy. Authors such as Ron Guba, Kurt Schnaubelt, and Chrissie
Wildwood have all pointed out that there have been ‘no recorded cases of
miscarriage or birth defect resulting from aromatherapy massage using therapeutic
applications of any essential oil.”

However, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that essential oils do penetrate the
body after application, no matter how you use the oil. Medical professionals and
herbalists will always exercise caution with drug administration and herbal remedies
during pregnancy, therefore a degree of caution is also warranted when using
essential oils, as not enough is known about their pharmacodynamics (the
physiological effects on the body) and their pharmacokinetics (how they move
through the body – absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion).
There is also not enough information about the effects of ingesting oils (taken orally).
Traditional teachings advocate that therapists do not prescribe the administering of
essential oils orally. All cases of death due to essential oils have been attributed to
internal use. It is increasingly easier to overdose when taking oils internally. A study
in Germany showed that essential oils can be detected in your mouth just 20 minutes
after application to your feet. When they are absorbed so readily, there is no reason
to take them internally.

Well known researcher and advisor of aromatherapy Ron Guba wrote the article
"Toxicity Myths – The Actual Risks of Essential Oil Use" and it became the most
published paper ever in Aromatherapy. In his article he wrote “the oral ingestion of
an essential oil is generally both fully and rapidly absorbed into the portal blood
circulation. However, all other types of applications do not represent the same level
of absorption and dosage.”

When you are considering massage with you and your partner or support person, we
recommend that you use 25ml of carrier oil or cream and add a total of 10 – 12 drops
in total of 100% pure essential oils to make a blend for massage. We give you a list
of oils that are all safe to use in pregnancy but it is wise to do a skin patch test first,
especially if you have sensitive skin.

Simply apply some of the diluted oil or blend on the inside of your arm, and wait to
see if you have any reaction. If the area becomes red or itchy, rub some vegetable
oil over the area and don’t use those essential oils again. You could try pinpointing
which oil you are sensitive to by doing a patch test with each oil individually again
blended with carrier oil.

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to develop hypersensitive skin issues, so

skin reactions may occur.

With skin application of essential oils chronic toxicity requires regular use at high
volumes over long periods of time (with the exception of Wintergreen and Sweet
Birch).

With inhalation, chronic toxicity could occur if someone were to sit in an unventilated
room everyday using a diffuser constantly with high doses of essential oils.
ESSENTIAL OILS CONSIDERED SAFE TO USE DURING PREGNANCY

The following essential oils have been listed by the ‘International Federation of
Professional Aromatherapists’ as being safe to use during pregnancy, in the correct
low doses (as described on the previous page).

BENZOIN
BERGAMOT
BLACK PEPPER
CHAMOMILE GERMAN
CHAMOMILE ROMAN
CLARY SAGE – from 37 weeks
CYPRESS
EUCALYPTUS
FRANKINCENSE
GINGER
GRAPEFRUIT
GERANIUM
JUNIPER
LAVENDER
LEMON
LEMONGRASS
MANDARIN
MARJORAM SWEET
NEROLI
PETITGRAIN
ROSE OTTO
SANDALWOOD
SWEET ORANGE
PATCHOULI
SANDALWOOD
TANGERINE
TEA TREE
YLANG YLANG
CARRIER OR BASE OILS TO USE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

As oil penetrates the skin it makes sense to use the best quality and least processed
oils, such as using organic, cold pressed and virgin wherever possible. It is
important to select carrier oils, creams or lotions which are not made of mineral oils
as these are petroleum-based products and are not beneficial for the skin and may
deplete it of Vitamin D.

It is also important to select lotions, which do not contain perfumes.

Many therapists prefer not to use a nut carrier oil to avoid allergies, however
research is not conclusive to support this caution as allergies are more linked to
peanuts, and there are some lovely nut oils such as macadamia, almond, hazelnut,
kukui and walnut.

Wheatgerm oil is rich in fatty acids and has the highest content of vitamin E of any of
the plant oils, and so will be effective in nourishing the skin and helps minimise the
appearance of stretch marks. Rosehip seed oil has become very popular in
massage for its wound-healing abilities and wrinkle prevention. It has high levels of
the essential fatty acids including Omega 3 and 6 as well as Vitamin C.

Wheatgerm and Rosehip Oils can be combined to make a beautiful blend. There are
so many different types of carrier oils that you can use to blend with your essential
oils.

A very luxurious carrier oil to use during pregnancy is the Camellia Oil (or Tea Seed
Oil). Geishas in Japan use Camellia Oil regularly to keep their beautiful skin soft and
supple. This very precious and luxurious oil has been recognised for centuries in
Eastern Asia for its highly restorative and rejuvenating effect on the skin. Camellia
Oil is rapidly absorbed and is also high in fatty acids, Vitamins A, B, and E and other
skin soothing minerals.

It also possesses a unique active constituent known as ‘squalene’ which is an

important component of the skin's natural emollient system.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR LABOUR AND BIRTH

The aroma of essential oils helps to reduce anxiety during labour. The benefits are
increased if the labouring mum has been using the essential oils for relaxation and
stress management prenatally as she would have already conditioned her
subconscious mind to the smell promoting relaxation.

The trigger for relaxation through aroma will also help to release endorphins,
therefore reducing the intensity of pain felt during labour and birth.

NOTE - Essential oils should not be used in a birth pool or bath during birth as a
newborn surfaces the water with their eyes open and therefore the essential oils
could irritate their eyes or their new sensitive skin.

CLARY SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL

Clary Sage is a plant native to Italy, Syria and

Southern France and grows in dry soil. The essential
oil is distilled from the flowers and flowering tips.

It is recommended that Clary Sage only be used from

37 weeks onwards. It may be used to induce labour if
the body is ready to go into labour. It may stimulate
the release of oxytocin in pregnant women; therefore it
is highly recommended for use during labour to help
contractions to intensify and become more effective in
pulling up the horizontal uterine muscles to open the
cervix and move baby down into the pelvis and into the
birth canal.

The simplest and most common way to use Clary

Sage during labour is to put a few drops onto a dry
cloth or flannel and mum will inhale the aroma when
she needs it to help herself become more calm and relaxed during contractions.

A great way to use Clary Sage essential oil is to soak a few cotton balls in the oil and
put them under the pregnant mums’ pillow. The aroma will eventually make its way
through to the mums’ olfactory system and will have many benefits such as
relaxation, reducing muscle tension, calming the nerves and increase effectiveness
of contractions of the uterus.

You can also put 20 drops of Clary Sage oil in 50ml carrier oil and massage gently
around the abdomen, hips, lower back and pelvis.

This blend can be rubbed onto the feet and palms of women in labour or if they are
waiting to go into labour. This is a great way of introducing the oil into the body.
Clary Sage oil can also be added to a bath for a relaxing soak.
Essential oils that form a beautiful synergy for massage during labour and birth are:

 Rose – Is a uterine relaxant and helps the ligaments to soften, enabling the
pelvic bones to expand, and also to regain elasticity after the birth.

 Neroli – Works on the nervous system and facilitates easy breathing,

especially during labour. Its calming effect increases the oxygen supply to the
blood and brain and helps the woman to avoid hyperventilation.

 Lavender – Helps to stimulate the circulation and has a very calming effect
on the mother.

 Clary Sage – This essential oil facilitates birth and helps breathing by calming
the lower part of the spinal cord. It creates more effective contractions, and
helps labour to progress well when you put a few drops on your labour focus
points (see diagrams). You can also try this as a natural way to induce labour
– remembering that your body needs to be ready to go into labour. It can also
be used to reduce pain and aid in circulation.

Other oils that have been recommended by midwives and aromatherapists to use
during labour and birth include:

BERGAMOT
CHAMOMILE ROMAN
CLARY SAGE
EUCALYPTUS
GRAPEFRUIT
JASMINE
LEMON
MANDARIN
MARJORAM SWEET
ROSEMARY
SPEARMINT
YLANG YLANG
MAKING YOUR OWN

So to give you an example of how easy it is to use essential oils for massage during
labour, you could make up your own.

Just use 50ml of carrier oil made from camellia seed, grapeseed, sunflower, canola,
apricot or jojoba oil and add the following pure essential oils to make a beautiful,
relaxing blend:

50ml – Carrier Oil – up to 25 drops total of essential oils (guide only)

8 drops Clary Sage

7 drops Lavender
5 drops Neroli
5 drops Rose

Not only can you use these essential oils while having a massage, they can also be
used in a bath, oil vaporiser, diffuser, compress or spray bottle (use one drop of each
essential oil).

Please note that your sense of smell is acute during pregnancy therefore it is
suggested that you use less drops of essential oils compared to what you would use
if you were not pregnant.
OILS THAT ARE PHOTOTOXIC

Oils that are phototoxic are also referred to as ‘photo sensitive’, and this refers to
constituents in the essential oil that absorb sunlight, which then increases the effect
of the sun on your skin.

These oils shouldn't be used in any sort of application where the essential oil will
stay on your skin and be exposed to the sun for a long period of time, such as going
out to the beach and sunbaking.

Bergamot is perhaps the most well-known phototoxic essential oil. Other cold
pressed (not steam distilled) citrus essential oils (like lemon or lime) can be
phototoxic as well. But folded oils, such as Wild Orange have had much of the
terpenes removed, so they are much less phototoxic.

ANGELICA ROOT
BERGAMOT
BITTER ORANGE
CASSIA
CUMIN
GINGER
GRAPEFRUIT
LEMON
LIME
MANDARIN
TANGERINE
ESSENTIAL OILS NOT TO USE DURING PREGNANCY

The following oils should not be used at all, regardless of whether the client is
pregnant or not, but they are not readily available from suppliers anyway:

SASSAFRAS
WORMWOOD
CASSIA
PENNYROYAL
MUSTARD
ELECAMPANE

Care should be taken with oils that contain high levels of phenols, ethers and
aromatic aldehydes, as they can irritate the skin due to their molecular shape. This
list is not exhaustive but gives an idea as to the types of oils that should not be used
during pregnancy.

ANISEED OREGANO
ANISE STAR PARSLEY
BASIL PEPPERMINT
BIRCH ROSEMARY
CAMPHOR SAGE
CLOVE SWEET BIRCH
CINNAMON TANSY
CUMIN TARRAGON
FENNEL THUJA
HYSSOP THYME
JUNIPER WINTERGREEN
MUGWORT WORMWOOD
LABOUR FOCUS POINTS

There are some pressure points that are very powerful that may help to speed things
up if labour has slowed or is prolonged and to also reduce the intensity of pain.
Clary Sage oil can also be placed on these points and then apply pressure to
stimulate contractions.

SPLEEN 6 (SP6)
This point is often used by non-pregnant women
for easing period pains because it regulates
earth energies and has a strong effect on
muscle tension. This point can help to stimulate
contractions, ease pain

Place the tip of your little finger on top of the

point of the ankle bone (malleolus), fingers
pointing to the front of the leg. SP6 will then be
beneath the second joint of your forefinger,
under the shin bone (tibia).

LIVER (LV3)
This point can be used any time during labour and is also good
to support the flow of energy in the second stage so you can
birth your baby. Working the point may help release tension in
the shoulders and neck and is helpful for headaches, which can
be common in labour, and is often useful if the mother finds
pressure on her neck and shoulder points too intense.

This point lies on top of the foot between the first and second
toes, one-and-a-half to two thumb-widths back from the margin
of the web.

GALL BLADDER 21 (GB21)

Pressure on this point can be incorporated into
a shoulder massage to relax tension in the
shoulder, neck and jaw and to help with the
opening of the mouth and the perineum during
second stage labour. Because it is linked with
the release of oxytocin – the hormone involved
in the third stage – this point is particularly
good to help with the release of the placenta.
The point lies in the hollow on top of the
shoulder, straight up from the nipple when you
are standing. It is in the highest point of the
muscle of the shoulder.
LARGE INTESTINE (LI4)
This point is known as the “great eliminator”
and is often used to relieve pain.

This can be especially useful if the mother is

feeling sick or has diarrhoea, which is often the
case leading up to labour and even during
labour itself. It is also good for headaches.

It is situated on the back of the hand, between

the thumb and forefinger. To locate it, have the
thumb and index finger closed and the point is
at the highest spot of the muscle.

BLADDER 60 (BL60)
This point activates the whole length of
the bladder meridian, so it can help ease
any tightness in the head, spine and legs.

It has a strong downward effect and is

very useful for inducing and
strengthening labour contractions, and for
the expulsion of the placenta.

The point lies in the hollow midway

between the knob of the anklebone on
the outside of the ankle and the outer
Achilles tendon of the foot.
POSTNATAL MASSAGE

Post-natal massage is designed to help restore the body to its pre-pregnant

condition. It also helps to relieve stress you may be experiencing from carrying and
caring for a newborn. It can speed up the recovery by bringing relief of sore muscles
and help the mother to relax more easily.

Abdominal massage helps shrink the uterus and relieve scar tissue. It may be given
as early as 24 hours after delivery in a vaginal delivery when approved by your
doctor or medical practitioner.

It is not uncommon for women to experience “post natal blues” after the birth of their
baby. This can be displayed with mood swings, tearfulness, poor concentration,
anxiety, irritation and despondency. Usually this subsides once their milk letdown
comes in, usually within 4 days after birth and hormones are more balanced.

Post Natal depression differs in severity and duration. It affects around 10% of
women and usually is not evident until after the new mother returns home and can
last for several months.

In the tribal world, massage is the most accepted recovery procedure immediately
after birth. The abdomen was massaged for the first five days and then intermittently
for the next month to help restore the mothers shape. A full body massage offers
relief from the aches and pains of muscle soreness, fatigue and promotes rapid
healing. It also helps to reduce stress that might prevent milk letdown. A mother
can use self-massage to stimulate milk letdown and offer relief in some cases of
engorgement.

Essential oils are ideal to use after birth not only because of their antibiotic,
antiseptic and disinfectant properties, but because they are emotionally and
spiritually uplifting. You can use most essential oils in massage for postnatal care,
however the ones that are most uplifting and healing are:

CLARY SAGE
FRANKINCENSE
GERANIUM
GRAPEFRUIT
LAVENDER
MYRRH
NEROLI
PATCHOULI
ROSE
HEALING AFTER CAESAREAN

One of the best treatments for healing after a caesarean is Calendula-infused oil as it
will help the area to heal at a much faster rate. You can continue to use oils and
butters to feed and nourish the tissue after the stitches have dissolved, which will
also continue to help the scar tissue.

Another way of healing is to gently massage essential oil cream into the caesarean
scar – a combination of Bergamot, Lavender, Rose, Roman Chamomile and Tea
Tree. This stops it from drying out and itching and helps with the discomfort and
healing of the scar.

For example, if you were making this for yourself:

50mls of carrier oil – 25 drops max added

Bergamot – 5 drops
Lavender – 5 drops
Rose – 5 drops
Roman Chamomile – 5 drops
Tea Tree – 5 drops

Frankincense is also a good essential oil to use for scar tissue added to some
massage carrier oil.

Massage is a very under-utilised modality for healing of caesarean scars. This can
minimise the scar tissue dramatically and prevents that hardening of the adhesion,
and should be a necessity for healing – gently to start with using creams as
discussed above, and then including the caesarean scar regularly in postnatal
massage. It encourages blood circulation and promotes lymph drainage away from
the area as well.

Arnica is also a natural anti-inflammatory that you can use on your wound when it is
“stinging”.

Reiki over the wound and surrounding area can really help speed up the healing
process. It may also help to balance your hormones and promote ongoing healing.
Go for regular walks as this will increase endorphins (healing hormones) through the
body as well as circulation.

In the first few weeks you must support your tummy muscles as they are healing so it
is really helpful to hold a pillow against your belly while coughing, laughing or
sneezing for support.

Don’t hunch over, allow your stomach muscles to stretch out while sitting or
standing, even though you may feel that they are stretching your wound, it is not, it is
actually helping with healing. You will have more problems if you continually have a
hunched over posture.

Rest and relaxation – everything can wait. Accept any help and support from others
when offered. Don’t feel too proud to accept help.

Drinking peppermint tea in the first few weeks helps with bowel movements, keeps
them soft and easy to push out so you are not straining against the wound.

Drinking lots of water and eating fresh, organic fruit to help with regular bowel
movements which are not hard, but not runny.

Diet is really important, but some of the top anti-inflammatory food sources that are
beneficial are salmon, blueberries, turmeric, ginger, garlic, green tea, sweet potato
and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, bok-choy, broccoli and
other green leafy vegetables.

WHEN IN DOUBT

Always check with your natural therapist if you are unsure of anything regarding
natural remedies, herbs and essential oils.
 REFERENCES

The Illustrated Encylopedia of Essential Oils, (Julia Lawless), 1995

Aromatherapy Workbook, (Shirley Price), 2000
Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, (Shirley Price), 1999
Aromatherapy For Natural Health (Judith White & Karen Downes) 1998
The Natural Way to Better Babies (Francesca Naish & Janette Roberts) 1996
The Fragrant Pharmacy (Valerie Ann Worwood) 1996
Aromatherapy Blends & Remedies (Franzesca Watson) 1995
Aromatherapy For Scentual Awareness (Judith White & Karen Day) 1995
The Art of Aromatherapy (Robert Tisserand) 1997
The Essential Oil Safety Data Manual (Robert Tisserand) 1977
Aromatherapy Workbook (Shirley Price) 2000
The Natural Way to a Better Pregnancy (Francesca Naish & Janette Roberts)
Mother Massage (Elaine Stillerman) 2006
Shiatsu for Midwives (Suzanne Yates) 2003
Pregnancy and Childbirth – A Holistic Approach to Massage and Bodywork
(Suzanne Yates), 2010
The New Pregnancy & Childbirth Choices & Challenges (Sheila Kitzinger)
Massage During Pregnancy (Bette Waters) 2003
Your Baby Your Way (Deborah Cooper) 2001
What to Expect When You’re Expecting (Heidi Murkoff) 2009
 WEBSITES / STUDIES REFERRED TO DURING RESEARCH

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

http://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/#pregnancy

International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists

http://www.naha.org/assets/uploads/PregnancyGuidelines-Oct11.pdf

Robert Tisserand
http://roberttisserand.com/2011/07/lavender-oil-and-pregnancy/

Aromatherapy Global Online Research Archives – Ron Guba

http://www.agoraindex.org/Frag_Dem/toxicitymyths.html

Martin Watt, 2013

http://aromamedical.org/PDF/oils-in-pregnancy.pdf

www.yourchildbirthguide.com
www.wellmother.org
www.mothermassage.net
www.Suite101.com
www.babycentre.co.uk
www.pregnancyetc.com
www.thegoodbirth.co.uk
www.wisegeek.com
www.innterwestmassage.com.au
www.expectantmothersguide.com
www.isthmusacupuncture.com
www.mothering.com
www.pregnancy.about.com
www.massagetoday.com
www.dare-to-give-birth-naturally.com
www.altmd.com
www.medicalnewstoday.com
www.femail.com.au/breast_ducts

Vicki Hobbs
Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Specialist
LANDSDALE WA 6065

Telephone: (08) 9303 9111

www.vickihobbs.com
Vicki@phoenixtherapies.com.au

Updated September 2015