Aromatherapy for Pregnancy: Creating a Safe Sanctuary

Article published at: Jul 3, 2024 Article author: Stephanie McBride
Aromatherapy for Pregnancy: Creating a Safe Sanctuary
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The gentle art of aromatherapy can transform your pregnancy into a more tranquil and harmonious experience. Essential oils, when applied mindfully, can create a sanctuary for both mother and child.

Although essential oils are incredible safe when used correctly, they should always be approached with mindfulness, especially during pregnancy.

Indeed, essential oils have the ability to cross the placenta due to their small molecular weight and often negatively charged nature. This means that while they can offer benefits due to their calming, anti-inflammatory, and many other properties, they must be used with care during pregnancy to ensure the safety of both mother and child​​.

When discussing essential oils in the context of pregnancy, this information serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility we hold in recommending and using these potent natural remedies. It underscores the importance of being well-informed and cautious, ensuring that any use of essential oils is supported by a thorough understanding of their properties and effects.

As an author and educator on maternal wellness, I've encountered numerous accounts of women who've had enriching experiences using essential oils during pregnancy. But there have also been some stories of mishap. A particular instance stands out when a woman shared with me the aftermath of using an essential oil blend containing Bergamot. While Bergamot is known for its uplifting scent, it's also the most photosensitizing essential oil and can cause severe reactions when exposed to the sun—reactions that are more likely during pregnancy due to increased levels of the melanocytic hormone. This hormone makes pregnant women more susceptible to the effects of photosensitizing oils, leading to the angry sunburn she showed me. Her experience, which had been safe before pregnancy, turned adverse due to the heightened sensitivity caused by pregnancy hormones​​​​. It's a poignant reminder of the respect and caution essential oils demand, especially during such a transformative time as pregnancy.

Don't miss out on expert tips for using essential oils during pregnancy—download our free e-book on Essential Oil Safety in Pregnancy.

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