Pregnancy is a unique period of anticipation, joy about the future baby, but also physical and psychological changes. Nausea, fatigue, mood swings or sleep problems are a common part of this time. Aromatherapy can be a gentle helper, if used correctly and safely. Some essential oils can have a negative effect on the course of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, when the placenta is not developed and does not protect the fetus. At the beginning, we prefer to gently inhale essential oil - one drop on a tissue is enough. In the first three months, women are most often bothered by nausea and often reach for citrus essential oil, for example oranges, tangerines or even lemons.
First Trimester: Caution and Gentle Relief for Nausea
Why use aromatherapy during pregnancy? Essential oils act directly on the limbic system of the brain, which affects emotions, memory and hormonal balance, through the olfactory system. Properly chosen scents can relieve morning sickness, which can last all day, several days or even several months! Promote peace and psychological well-being. Let's face it, pregnancy is a beautiful time, but a woman is going through changes. Both emotional and physical. There are worries and fears, whether everything is okay. Furthermore, aromatherapy can improve the quality of sleep, relieve tension and stress or support the connection with the baby. However, it is important to emphasize that less is more. During pregnancy, we work with low concentrations and choose only safe essential oils.
Safe Essential Oils After the First Trimester: Lavender and Its Alternatives
After the first trimester, we can work with, for example, lavender essential oil. It calms the nervous system, helps with insomnia and relieves tension. Lavender essential oil is one of the most versatile and safest oils. If you have low blood pressure and lavender just doesn't go down your nose, replace it with tangerine essential oil, which has similar effects to lavender. Mandarin helps with nausea, improves mood and has a gentle and effective effect. That is why it is very popular during pregnancy, thanks to its gentleness.
Emotional harmony and a sense of security: The power of Rose and Rosewood
I would also like to mention Damask rose essential oil Rosa damascena, which harmonizes emotions, supports femininity and brings a sense of security. Just one drop in a roll-on and whenever any worries come your way, the rose will drive them away. If the scent of the rose didn't appeal to you, then in this case I suggest rosewood essential oilwhich is distilled from the wood of a tree Aniba rosaeodora. Like lavender, it contains a high percentage of linalool (approx. 80-90%), which gives it a delicate, floral-woody scent. It is one of the gentle, non-irritating oils without a known uterine astringent effect. It can be beneficial for anxiety and emotional instability, fatigue, to support self-confidence or as a gentle harmonizing scent. It is ideal for women who need a gentle embrace.
Attention! Which essential oils should you avoid during pregnancy?
Some essential oils can stimulate the uterus or affect hormonal balance. These include clary sage, wormwood, hyssop, rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, and cloves, and are not safe during pregnancy.
Conscious Ritual and Intuition: Listen to Your Body
Pregnancy is a time to slow down. Aromatherapy can be a wonderful evening ritual. A few minutes of conscious breathing, calm music and a gentle scent can support not only the mother but also the baby. Remember that every body reacts differently and every pregnancy is different. If you don't like the scent, simply don't use it and replace the essential oil. with flower waterIntuition is very strong during pregnancy, listen to it.
Want to know even more? Read on SoZoLe Rose An aromatherapy guide for expectant and new mothers.
Author: Aneta Jirchářová
A graduate of art school, a professional aromatherapist and phytotherapist specializing in aromatherapy massages, who likes to perceive aromatherapy from the perspective of colors.
"I most often seek inspiration in nature, which I admire and respect for its wisdom. In my drawings, I try to capture the soul and power of the plant."
