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Using Essential Oils for Support During Pregnancy and Labor

Transforming the process with aromatherapy for a happier, healthier experience

In This Issue:

Testimonials of essential oil use in pregnancy and delivery


This article is adapted from Grade A Notes.
Used by permission.



Aromatherapy has long been used to smooth the process of pregnancy and childbirth, the practice dating back at least to the ancient Egyptians.  Its most common applications are for the relief of tension, and to promote relaxation.  However, the application of therapeutic-grade essential oils has benefits far beyond this.

The importance of quality oils

To achieve the best effects and avoid toxic reactions, it's imperative that you use only therapeutic-grade essential oils, of a quality suited to medicinal aromatherapy.  The gold standard in top-quality essential oils is the AFNOR standard ; so make sure that all of your oils are AFNOR-certified, each batch tested in an independent lab.  (To my knowledge, only a very few oil companies meet that standard.)

Even many so-called pure, organic or "Grade A" oils cannot match this standard.  Shortcuts are often taken in production, or chemical fillers are added to extend the oils or enhance their fragrance.  All of these lead to poor quality oils, which are — unbelievably — still marketed as pure, organic and Grade A.

Price is usually a good indicator of quality.  I've seen lavender oil that sold for $5.00, and rose oil that sold for $10.00.  This simply cannot be.  It takes around 4000 pounds of rose petals to make 1 pound of rose oil.  Think about that.  So, if you see rose oil selling for under $100.00, there is no way that it's a pure rose oil.

But price isn't the only consideration.  Many companies are willing to sell their oils at a high price, even if the oils are of poor quality.

It's very important to either know your oils, and have testing facilities at which to certify their quality, or buy from a source you know you can trust.  Some things are just too important to compromise.

Testimonials of essential oil use in pregnancy and delivery

Aromatherapy applications for pregnancy

Aromatic massage, using high-quality essential oils in a carrier oil, is especially good for a women during pregnancy.  It helps to relax the body, and eases discomforts associated with carrying a child.  However, there are other aromatherapy applications that you may want to consider.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is one of the most common problems to occur in early pregnancy.  Therapeutic-grade essential oils can be very helpful for this.

Applying the digestive blend to the outer rim of the ear, behind the ear (on the mastoid bone) and around the navel, as well as taking 1-2 drops as a nutritional supplement, can be very helpful.

Another oil you could use is peppermint.  Placing a few drops of this oil in a bowl of hot water and inhaling the vapors provides excellent results.  Just be certain to keep your eyes closed while inhaling.  Peppermint contains menthol, and its vapors, if too concentrated, can sting the eyes.

If you're confident of the quality of your oils, placing a drop or two of peppermint oil on your tongue, and letting it dissolve there before swallowing is also helpful.  However, unless the oil is Grade A, AFNOR-certified, do not take internally.  It may contain chemical adulterants that you would not want in your system — or in your child's.

Patchouli and spearmint are also helpful.  Apply behind the ears and over the abdomen.  They may also be taken as dietary supplements.

Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Scenting the air can be very relaxing or rejuvenating, and it's easy to do.  Just add 2 to 6 drops of therapeutic-grade essential oil to a mister bottle, and spray it into the room.  Or, you could put 2 to 4 drops of the oil into a clay diffuser to add a soft fragrance to the air.  Actually, just putting a few drops of oil behind your ears or on your chest will diffuse the oil very nicely.

As a simple alternative to this, you can do what I do: When I'm trying to relax, or am having trouble sleeping, I'll put 2 to 6 drops of a gentle essential oil, such as lavender, on a cotton ball and place it on my pillow.  Sometimes, since it's non-staining, I put lavender on my hand, and then rub my hand over the pillow.  You can also drop the oil directly on the pillow.  This creates a very soothing, balancing effect.

But, something that's very important to remember: When diffusing essential oils, never heat the oils.  It will change their chemical structure, fracturing the delicate aromatic molecules, possibly changing a very therapeutic oil into something quite toxic.  (Remember, a therapeutic-grade oil is always distilled at low temperatures to preserve the chemical integrity of the oil.  It makes no sense to burn an oil that is so carefully crafted.  See the article What's so wrong with my scented candle? for more details.)  Always use a cold-air diffuser.  Heating the oils with a candle or potpourri burner — or an electrical charge — is not diffusing.  It's not even aromatherapy.

Essential Oils for Labor & Delivery

During labor and delivery, aromatherapy can be a very useful tool.  Essential oils are ideal for helping ease some of the problems that occur during labor.  Used correctly, therapeutic-grade essential oils can help ease pain and discomfort, aid in opening the breathing passages, and provide you with a general sense of comfort and relaxation.

The following are some applications you might want to consider.

Here are some other oils to use during labor and delivery.  They are truly wonderful, and should prove very helpful.

Essential Oil Recipes for Pregnancy & Labor

The following are recipes for blends you can make yourself.  If you use high quality oils, they're very safe; but if the oils contain chemical adulterations, or are incomplete in their chemical profile, they should be used only with great caution.  I wouldn't use them at all.

Water Retention Massage Oil:

This can be used throughout the pregnancy.  Just relax on the sofa, with your legs raised on pillows.  Apply this aromatic massage oil to your feet, ankles and legs, massaging toward your heart to help circulation.  (The help of your partner would certainly be appreciated.)

Pregnant Itchy Skin Blend:

This blend uses basically the same essential oils as the Water Retention blend, just with differing amounts of the oils.  It can be used almost daily during pregnancy.  After showering, apply it to wet skin, especially on the growing belly.  It may help in relieving the itch that most mothers speak of, plus it could have the added benefit of reducing stretch marks.  (The mother-baby blend and the extra balancing moisture cream also work well on stretch marks).

Three Weeks Before Delivery:

Mix and rub on the perineum three times a day.  This helps to soften the cervix and thins the membrane to get ready for delivery.

One Week Before Delivery:

Apply this on the perineum to further ready it for delivery.

Labor Diffusing Blend:

Diffuse into birthing room, if possible.

Labor Cooling Compress Blend:

Put the oils in a bowl of water; swish the water clockwise, and while the water is still agitated, place a wash cloth into the water, wring out slightly, and use to cool mom's head and face.

During Labor:

Apply only after the labor starts.  Massage the inside of the ankles, on little toes, little fingers and lower tummy and back.



If you have never used therapeutic-grade essential oils,
or if you have been using adulterated oils . . .
You don't know their power!

 

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