Safe oils you can use when pregnant or breastfeeding include:
There is a lot of confusion over the safety of lavender essential oil in pregnancy and this is because lavender can be used to regulate periods. This does not mean using it in pregnancy raises the risk of miscarriage. However, for ease of mind, you may want to wait until your second trimester before using it.
Don't use the following essential oils while you are pregnant:
- Nutmeg, which may have hallucinogenic effects and react with pain-relieving drugs in labour.
- Basil, which is thought to contribute to abnormal cell development.
- Jasmine and clary sage, which may trigger contractions.
- Sage and rose, which may cause bleeding in your uterus (womb).
- Juniper berry, which may affect your kidneys.
- Laurel, angelica, thyme, cumin, aniseed, citronella and cinnamon leaf should also be avoided as they could stimulate contractions.
There is no proof that these oils can harm your baby, but it does help to think about the oils that you are using and the effects that they have on your body. Some of the dangerous oils for example, may not harm you but when they are absorbed into the body, they are then being absorbed by your baby and this can make things very difficult.
You should also avoid adulterated oils because they may have constituents that are harmful.
