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Essential oils and Pregnancy
There is a lot of confusion and inaccurate information around concerning the use of essential oils in pregnancy and it is understandable that many Therapists decide to err on the side of caution in recommending the avoidance of certain oils. Some will even recommend avoiding all essential oils during pregnancy.
The only oils to avoid are the ones that wouldn't normally be on general sale anyway and some are in fact prohibited (birch, wintergreen, wormwood, cotton lavender, rue) The only slight caution I could find from a reputable author was not to use clary sage early on in the pregnancy if you are at a high risk of miscarriage although the reason for this is uncertain.
Many oils are listed in popular publications as a contraindication in pregnancy because they have a reputation of being emmenagogic (bring on menstruation) - this includes clary sage, cypress, lavender, marjoram, peppermint and rose. Thereb is no evidence to suggest that these oils are in any way dangerous (Balacs et al. 1995, p110). Juniper also may have a reputation as being listed abortifacient, again, there is no real evidence to support this. We do in fact consume the essences all the time in food products, drinks, perfumes and other beauty products without any ill effects.
You may find many references to lavender, rose, peppermint and fennel, and geranium being unsuitable but this is not so - only perhaps if you consumed them in large quantities orally!!! - Use your oils sensibly, if they are pure, use them 2 drops per teaspoon of carrier.
Visit Julie Slater's page to see how essential oils can help you during pregnancy and labour.
Jane Ellwood
May 2000