| There are some divided ideas on the dangers | | | | and supple. The Joyous blend of essential |
| of certain essential oils used in | | | | oils of Tangerine, Lime, Grapefruit and |
| aromatherapy during pregnancy, but since this | | | | Sandalwood in a base of Sweet Almond, Apricot |
| time should be a time to enjoy and to prepare | | | | and Wheatgerm oils is another ready made |
| for the upcoming birth of your child, it | | | | alternative. Not only will these oils help |
| would be wise to rather give some essential | | | | with your skin condition they will also help |
| oils a miss. Essential oils can play a | | | | your mood especially if you already have |
| significant role in balancing the ups and | | | | young toddlers or babies to care for. |
| downs and bring some pleasure to what should | | | | |
| be the most rewarding time of a woman's life. | | | | When birthing time is approaching and you get |
| Due to this factor and other | | | | that nesting feeling this is the perfect time |
| contraindications, the below essential oils | | | | to get some oils organised for the big day. |
| should never be used during pregnancy, not | | | | Once you are in labour you tend to have |
| even in diluted or cut amounts; | | | | enough to focus on and it's a time to stay |
| | | | calm allowing your breath to guide you. This |
| * Anise | | | | is where the support person comes in handy as |
| | | | your partner can also have enough to focus on |
| * Angelica | | | | when labour drags on. The support person can |
| | | | be more detached and is there to make you |
| * Basil | | | | feel as comfortable as possible. It would be |
| | | | good to have the support person and partner |
| * Laurel | | | | learn a simple figure of eight massage |
| | | | technique over the sacrum to perform during |
| * Cedarwood (all sorts) | | | | labour. This feels wonderful so get them to |
| | | | practise well before you go into labour. |
| * Cinnamon | | | | Otherwise the midwives these days have had |
| | | | massage experience which really is a bonus as |
| * Clasry Sage | | | | they know what you are going through and are |
| | | | not afraid to be assertive if you need them. |
| * Clove | | | | |
| | | | Here's a summary of the rules to remember: |
| * Fennel | | | | |
| | | | * Do not apply pure essential oils directly |
| * Hyssop | | | | onto the skin or take them internally |
| | | | |
| The first trimester is also the time when the | | | | * Do not use the same essential oil all of |
| sense of taste and smell are heightened and | | | | the time |
| the skin is more permeable. Certain smells | | | | |
| can seem sickly sweet or too strong and can | | | | * Do not exceed the recommended dosage |
| turn one's stomach. This is the body's own | | | | |
| natural protection mechanism so it is | | | | * Safe dilutions for making massage oils |
| important to listen to the changes you are | | | | varies for adults, children and people with |
| going through. Using a mist spray with | | | | sensitive skin |
| spearmint essential oil may help with nausea | | | | |
| or if you prefer something more earthy and | | | | * Photosensitivity - avoid bergamot, lemon |
| warming try ginger essential oil in a mist | | | | and cold pressed lime |
| spray. A warm lemon drink last thing at night | | | | |
| and first thing in the morning (if you are | | | | The essential oils you should use for dry |
| feeling nauseas get your partner to make it | | | | skin are geranium, lavender, and rose. For |
| so you can have it before you get up) | | | | inflamed skin, use chamomile. For itchy skin, |
| followed by gentle slapping with your hand | | | | use a combination of chamomile and lavender. |
| over the liver (the liver is found under the | | | | These remedies should soothe the skin and |
| right breast). This technique worked not only | | | | make it smoother. There's just no getting |
| for me but for other woman to whom I have | | | | around stretch marks. If you are getting |
| recommended it to. | | | | them, though, you might like to have a way to |
| | | | soothe them and keep them from itching. Just |
| During the second trimester hopefully the | | | | put lavender, geranium, and rosewood |
| morning sickness will be gone and you can | | | | essential oils in your vegetable oil for |
| start to feel good about yourself again. | | | | massaging. |
| Citrus essential oils can be used to help | | | | |
| prevent stretch marks and this is the best | | | | If you are a pregnant woman reading this and |
| time to begin your prevention ritual. A safe | | | | are still unsure which oils are safe and |
| and effective bath and massage oil is the New | | | | which ones are not it is advisable to consult |
| Life blend containing essential oils of | | | | the proper professionals. Medical doctors are |
| Tangerine, Neroli and Sandalwood in a base of | | | | the best source of advice as well as |
| Sweet Almond, Apricot, Avocado, Carrot, | | | | aromatherapy specialists. |
| Camelia and Wheatgerm oils. Use this to | | | | |
| massage the tummy and thighs not forgetting | | | | It is important to do as much research as |
| breasts and buttocks. These beautifully | | | | possible before making the decision to use |
| moisturising oils will keep your skin soft | | | | different scented oils during pregnancy. |