Essential Oils for Pregnancy and Lactation

When used properly, essential oils are safe for use during pregnancy and can help the expectant mother through nausea/vomiting, swelling of ankles, muscle spasms, insomnia, stress, and much more. In addition, essential oils used properly can be an excellent tool for accelerating milk production during breastfeeding.

Cautions: Always use oils that are for certain pure. Many company mislead buyers with false labeling. Using chemical laden fragrance oils that are disguised as essential oils is never a good idea, and are dangerous during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use essential oils sparingly while pregnant, especially in the first trimester. Great for labor, but not in birthing pool. See: Labor Essential Oil

Essential Oils Safe Choices When Pregnant or Breastfeeding

This is not a complete list, as many essential oils really have never been clinically tested for use during pregnancy. Other essential oils not mentioned here may be OK for use if properly diluted.

• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) – Do not use topically before going out in the sun.

• Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

• Chamomile, German/Roman (Chamaemelum nobile, Matricaria recutita)

• Copaiba (Copaifera langsdorfii, Copaifera officinalis)

• Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

• Fir Needle (Abies alba, Abies sachalinensis, Abies sibirica)

• Frankincense (Boswellia carteri, Boswellia frereana, Boswellia neglecta, Boswellia rivae, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia serrata)

• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

• Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) – Do not use topically before going out in the sun.

• Juniper berry (Juniperus communis)

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Lemon (Citrus x limon) – Do not use topically before going out in the sun.

• Lime (Citrus x aurantifolia) – Do not use topically before going out in the sun,

• Marjoram, Sweet (Marjorana hortensis)

• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

• Neroli (Citrus x aurantium)

• Orange, Sweet (Citrus sinensis)

• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

• Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)

• Pine, Scots (Pinus sylvestris)

• Rose (Rosa x centifolia) – is safe for use during the third trimester

• Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)

• Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)

• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

• Thyme ct linalool (Thymus vulgaris)

• Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) – Extremely pungent, so use sparingly

Remember, we are here to help. If you have questions, please ask your certified aromatherapist, or contact us.