I'm wondering if anyone can help me with this. I love my oils and use them regularly, but I know there are some to be avoided when pregnant and that they change over the course of the pregnancy. Anyone got info or experience?
The following essential oils should be avoided altogether during pregnancy:
Angelica; Aniseed: Basil; Bay; Birch; Bitter Almond; Camphor; Cassia; Caraway; Carrot Seed; Cedarwood; Celery; Chamomile; Clary Sage; Clove; Cinnamon; Comphrey; Cumin; Cypress; Eucalyptus; Fennel; Galbanum; Hyssop; Jasmine; Juniper; Marjoram; Melissa; Mugwart; Mustard; Myrrh; Nutmeg; Origanum; Parsley; Pennyroyal; Peppermint (and during breastfeeding as it could discourage the flow of milk); Rose; Rosemary; Sage; Santolina; Spearmint; Tarragon; Thyme; Wintergreen; Wormwood; Yarrow.
All of the above oils are emmenagogues, which means they promote and regularise menstrual flow, causing your period to start.The main reason why pregnant women are encouraged not to use essential oils during pregnancy is that due to their tiny molecular structure, plant essences can easily slip through the skin and into your bloodstream. When pregnant, your skin becomes more permeable, making it even easier and quicker for the oils to enter the bloodstream and cross the placental barrier.
I would recommend you stay away from using essential oils in your first trimester (if using in baths especially), as Jemima says, they can seep through the skin and into your uterus / womb etc if used in baths for example, which can cause harm to baby.
However, i would recommend (if your suffering with nausea / morning sickness) adding a few drops of ginger or peppermint oil to water (or candle wax) and having it on your desk etc to help with this....
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