Which Essential Oils Can You Use in Pregnancy?
Many moms-to-be enjoy aromatherapy and want to carry on with it to help them ease the aches and pains or other symptoms of pregnancy. If you want to continue to use your aromatherapy routine, remember these general guidelines:
1. Just use one drop of oil at a time
2. Don’t overdo the same oils – mix them up.
3. Dilute the essential oil with at least a teaspoon (5ml) of base oil in a bath or if using it on your skin.
4. Some experts recommend waiting until the first trimester is over before you use aromatherapy.

Oils That Are Safe
As long as your pregnancy is going well, it's fine for you to use:
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Citrus oils, like Tangerine and Neroli
- Frankincense
- Peppermint
- Ylang ylang
- Eucalyptus
- Bergamot
- Geranium

You Should Avoid
- Nutmeg, which can react with pain-relieving drugs in labor.
- Rosemary, can cause contractions.
- Basil, some people think it could contribute to abnormal cell development.
- Jasmine and Clary sage, can trigger contractions
- Sage and Rose, may cause bleeding in your uterus

As always, check with your doctor before starting the use of any medication, supplement, or topical agent during pregnancy.

Otherwise known as aromatherapy massage, a massage using essential oils is a real treat, and has many positive effects that make it a treat worth investing in. There are two main reasons why a massage therapist may use essential oils in their treatments:

• The essential oils used in massage can have beneficial effects on your body and overall health.
• They smell great.

But the aroma isn’t just a pleasant addition to your treatment. By inhaling the oils and applying them topically, you can receive multiple layers of benefits. Essential oils can have physiological effects like helping to relieve muscle tension and stiffness, reduce muscle spasm, and enhance circulation. They can also have psychological and emotional benefits such as helping individuals cope with pain, reduce stress and relax, and improve mood.

Essential oils and pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, you should always tell your massage therapist before an aromatherapy massage because although essential oils are safe in the vast majority of cases, there are a few specific essential oils that are best avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Essential oils and pain relief
Using essential oils in a massage is ideal if you’re experiencing symptoms like inflammation or pain. The aromatherapy adds an extra layer of benefit to a soothing massage and seems to magnify the effects of a treatment which can give you even more relief than a basic massage.

Essential oils and stress
Just breathing in the relaxing scent of lavender essential oil can calm you down and help you sleep. Lavender essential oil is great for pain relief and widely used in stress-busting massage treatments.

So what is an aromatherapy massage like?
The first thing you’ll need to do is have a talk with your therapist about what you are hoping to get from your massage, and explain all about any existing health conditions so that they can choose the best combination of oils for you. There are pre-blended mixes of essential oils for general use, but many therapists also make up their own mixes for each session.

When therapists are putting together a custom blend, they will often ask you to pick a fragrance that makes you feel good. There’s not much point in creating perfectly blended massage oil for you if you don't enjoy the smell of it and can’t wait to get off the massage table!

If there’s any of your custom blended oil left after your massage, you’ll be given the rest to take home and use, which is a definite bonus. After an aromatherapy massage you’re likely to feel absolutely amazing – not only have you had the physical benefits of a therapeutic massage but the psychological boost that you’ll get from the essential oils as well.

What’s your favorite aromatherapy oil?