Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?

Aromatherapy uses essential oils made from natural plant extracts that have a profound effect on the body systems.

The oils help relieve pain, induce slower breathing, lower blood pressure and make you feel relaxed and less stressed.

Avoid using any essential oils completely during your first trimester as this is when your baby does most of his developing.

But essential oils, when diluted properly, can bring lots of benefits throughout your second and third trimester, as well as during labour.

However, there are some oils you should avoid altogether:

  * Basil
  * Cedarwood
  * Cinnamon
  * Clary sage
  * Clove
  * Cypress
  * Fennel
  * Hyssop
  * Jasmine
  * Juniper
  * Lemongrass
  * Myrrh
  * Parsley
  * Pennyroyal
  * Peppermint 
  * Rosemary
  * Sweet marjoram
  *  Thyme

A note of caution

Don't exceed the doses prescribed here. Aromatherapy oils are potent and must be used in the right proportion to the almond or grapeseed oil.