What is Aromatherapy for pregnancy?
During pregnancy, aromatherapy can prove to be an extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while also being very easy to use. Aromatherapy treatments during pregnancy give support and nourishment to both mother and baby. It can be an extremely effective tool for treating some of the physical and emotional discomforts associated with pregnancy. Aromatherapy can take on many forms during pregnancy, not just the commonly perceived form of essential oils applied during massage, although that definitely has to be a favourite.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Morning sickness, achey hips, stretch marks and the itchy breasts experienced during pregnancy can all be helped by using aromatherapy. It can also help with the emotional preparation for giving birth. Aromatherapy treatments can help to soothe the extra strains placed upon a womans body during pregnancy, strengthening the body, reducing fluid retention and easing aches and pains.An aromatic bath is supposed to provide relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles.
Aromatherapy Oils recommended during pregnancy include:
Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labor.The following oils will be comfortable for using during pregnancy. As always, use caution if you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If you feel you may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first.
Good aromatherapy oils for pregnancy include:
Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress (after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender. Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine.
Precautions with Aromatherapy with Pregnancy
However, mums-to-be must be wary, there are side sffects to certain oils, so users must be cautious and report any adverse effects to their physician immediately.
Aromatherapy Oils to avoid during pregnancy include:
Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and Pennyroyal
Please note it is strongly encouraged you to consult your doctor or midwife before trying out any new essential oils.
Sources: www.aromaweb.com, Wendy Nicola Jackson www.sunflowerstudio.co.uk