During my decade of being a Midwife aromatherapy and the use of essential oils has gradually become a new trend and everyone appears to be using scents and smells to help with various ailments from nausea and vomiting to stress and relaxation. 

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and mental wellbeing health (Conrad et al, 2012).

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated oil extracted from plant leaves, bark and roots by either using distillation or cold pressing. Once extracted, they’re then combined with a carrier oil, creating a product that’s ready for us to use. (Note: An essential oil that hasn’t been diluted should never be used directly on skin as they can be harmful). 

There are many ways to use essentials oils.  The most common are inhalation and topical but within these there are various options so i will discuss these below.

Inhalation

Candle: This is the cheapest to infuse any environment with the scent of your choice. If making your own candle never use pure essential oil directly on an open flame as these oils are extremely flammable. Precious Delivery offer aromatherapy candles as part of a pregnancy wellness box. 

Diffuser: These devices are a helpful way to easily infuse any setting with the scent of your choice. There are many different types of diffusers available on the market and they vary in use. Some involve water, some involve heat so be sure to follow the device directions, including how much essential oil to use.

Dry Evaporation:  This is another easy method. Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue and let it sit somewhere close to you. Essential oil can be very strong when not dilute so please try to avoid getting this on your skin also avoid sniffing essential oil directly from cotton wool or tissue as it can be too strong. 

Spray: Spritz or spray with essential oils can deodorize a room, set a mood or transform a space into an aromatherapy session. Spray liberally in your bedroom, bathroom or wherever you desire. You can also mist it lightly on your sheets or pillowcases.

Topical Use

Bath Salt: Pregnant women can use Epsom salt while soaking in the bath.  Epsom salt dissolves very easily in water. These bath salts are usually mixed with the himalayan salts (the pink ones we see) and essentials oils to create a perfect smelling bath. Warm baths have been proven to help ease sore muscles (which is very common during pregnancy). Please be mindful when having a bath during pregnancy the water isn’t too hot as this can raise your body temperature and also baby’s temperature leading to complications. 

Massage Oil: Your body absorbs the oil and diffuses the scent into the environment around you. If using essential oils as massage oils please make sure you check the concentration as essential oil needs to be diluted with a carrier oil like olive oil, grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil. Also only use oils that are safe during pregnancy (not all oils are). 

Most essential oils will last up to a year when you store them in a cool, dark place. Toss them if they have lost their odor or turn thick and cloudy.

NOTE: If you are pregnant or have a health condition, check with your doctor before using essential oils topically . Even though they are natural, they are still potent if used wrongly and should be used with care.

In general, Inhalation aromatherapy is a safer option for pregnant women as opposed to topical use. 

Top 5 essentials oil to use during pregnancy?

1. Lavender 

Lavender is one of the most researched, most popular and widely available options for pregnant women to use. Studies, have shown that when used properly, it is an excellent aromatherapy treatment that encourages relaxation, especially during labour and delivery (which can be a stressful experience for some). A 2018 review of studies concluded that lavender reduces labour pain. Perhaps consider asking your birth partner to massage you with diluted lavender oil during labour.

Effect: Calming, Relaxation, 

2. Ginger

Ginger essential oil has been studied as a remedy for nausea and motion sickness. Many pregnant clients i have come across swear by it and the research agrees that it works! Ginger oil can be diffused into the air with an oil diffuser and rubbed onto pressure points at your forehead and wrists. Ginger is also generally considered safe for pregnant women experiencing nausea.

Midwives encourage consumption of food such as ginger snaps and dry foods when suffering with nausea as research suggest this also helps. Just be mindful not to limit consumption of ginger root as too much of this can lead to pregnancy complications. 

Effect: Calming, Relaxation, Nausea Relief

3. Lemongrass

Lemongrass essential oil is a popular fragrance in aromatherapy to help relieve many conditions.

People in one study who were exposed to lemongrass essential oil immediately saw anxiety and tension level slashed, and they recovered more quickly from a stress-inducing situation compared to those who didn’t inhale the scent (Tiago et al, 2015). Another study showed that when Lemon/Lemongrass oil was used consistently in aromatherapy it reduced the frequency of nausea and vomiting.

Effect: Calming, Relaxation, Nausea Relief

4. Ylang-Ylang

Ylang ylang has a fruity, sweet scent and is a popular ingredient in many perfumes and cosmetic products. In aromatherapy, inhaling the aroma of ylang ylang essential oil (or absorbing ylang ylang essential oil through the skin) is thought to transmit messages to a brain region involved in controlling emotions (Moss et al, 2008)

Effect: Calming, Relaxing, Mood Boost

5. Rose 

Rose essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. Sourced from the Rosa damascena plant, it contains the flower’s aromatic compounds. Rose oil is a great option for reducing anxiety, encouraging calm, and helping you get some sleep. Similar to lavender, rose oil can help ease anxiety and keep you relaxed during labour.

Since most people like the smell of roses, this might be a great option if you’re not a fan of how lavender smells.

Effect: Calming, Relaxation

Have a look at our pregnancy wellness box.

Do you need more information about early pregnancy nausea and vomiting? Book a consultation today to discuss any pregnancy concerns with our UK Registered Senior Midwife.

References:

 Conrad P., Adams C. The effects of clinical aromatherapy for anxiety and depression in the high risk postpartum woman—a pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2012;18(3):164–168.

Tiago Costa Goes, Fábio Reis Carvalho Ursulino, Thiago Henrique Almeida-Souza, Péricles Barreto Alves, Flavia Teixeira-Silva. Effect of Lemongrass Aroma on Experimental Anxiety in Humans. J Altern Complement Med. 2015 (12):766-73.

Moss M, Hewitt S, Moss L, Wesnes K. Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang. Int J Neurosci. 2008;118(1):59–77.