How To Use Essential Oils For Morning Sickness | Top 5 Essential Oils And Pregnancy

Overview

Morning sickness, a common discomfort experienced by pregnant women, can make those early months of pregnancy feel like a rollercoaster ride. Nausea, vomiting, and overall unease can put a damper on what should be a joyous time. 

Morning sickness, often misleadingly named, can strike at any time of the day or night during pregnancy. It typically begins during the first trimester and subsides by the second trimester for most women. While the exact cause remains unclear, hormonal changes and heightened sensitivity to certain odors are believed to contribute to this discomfort.

While there are various remedies and treatments available, many women seek natural alternatives to alleviate morning sickness. Essential oils are one such natural remedy. Essential oils are concentrated extracts from various plants, each carrying unique properties and benefits. When it comes to managing morning sickness, some essential oils have shown promise in providing relief. These oils can be used through aromatherapy, topical application, etc. However, it is advised to use essential oils with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Top 5 Essential Oils For Morning Sickness

1. Peppermint Essential Oil: Nature’s Antinausea Solution

Peppermint oil is renowned for its soothing effects on the stomach. Its natural properties can help alleviate nausea and reduce the urge to vomit. To use peppermint oil for morning sickness relief, add a few drops to a diffuser or inhale its scent directly from the bottle when you feel queasy.

Peppermint Essential Oil is often regarded as the best oil for nausea relief. Known for its refreshing and invigorating scent, this essential oil has powerful properties that can ease feelings of queasiness and discomfort.

2. Ginger Essential Oil: The Time-Tested Remedy

Ginger has long been known for its ability to calm an upset stomach. Ginger essential oil, derived from the same root, carries the same benefits. It is recognized for its ability to ease nausea and digestive discomfort. Many pregnant women find it helpful for managing morning sickness. It is one of their favourite essential oils when it comes to reducing nausea and vomiting. It can be diluted and applied topically to the abdomen or diffused to create a calming atmosphere that eases morning sickness symptoms.

3. Lemon Essential Oil: Uplifting and Refreshing

Lemon essential oil is not only refreshing but also known for its ability to combat nausea. Inhaling the citrusy aroma of lemon oil can help ease queasiness and promote a more positive outlook during bouts of morning sickness. It has a fresh and uplifting scent. It can be used to combat fatigue and improve mood, which are common pregnancy-related issues. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy can be challenging, but lemon essential oil offers a natural solution to ease these symptoms.

4. Lavender Essential Oil: Calm Your Nerves

While lavender oil is commonly associated with relaxation and stress relief, it can also play a role in managing morning sickness. Lavender oil is effective in reducing nausea and is also safe for pregnancy. Its calming properties can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate nausea. Diffuse lavender oil in your space or add a few drops to your pillow for peaceful sleep, a key factor in managing morning sickness.

5. Chamomile Essential Oil: Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Chamomile essential oil is another great oil to offer relief from nausea during pregnancy. Chamomile oil, particularly Roman chamomile, is known for its gentle and calming effects. It can be useful for reducing anxiety and improving sleep, both of which can be challenging during pregnancy. Chamomile essential oils can effectively relieve nausea and reduce the frequency of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. 

How Do Essential Oils During Pregnancy Work?

Essential oils have gained popularity as natural remedies for various conditions, including pregnancy-related discomforts. For expectant mothers seeking natural ways to relieve nausea, essential oils are a safe and effective option. Understanding how essential oils work during pregnancy requires delving into their properties and mechanisms of action.

1. Aromatherapy and Inhalation

One of the most common ways to use essential oils during pregnancy is through aromatherapy and inhalation. When you inhale the aroma of essential oils, the molecules enter your nasal passages and interact with your olfactory system. This interaction can have several effects:

• Emotional Support: Essential oils can impact your mood and emotions. For example, lavender oil is known for its calming and soothing properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy.
• Nausea Relief: Managing pregnancy symptoms like nausea can be made more comfortable through the use of essential oils and aromatherapy. Inhaling certain essential oils, such as ginger or peppermint, can help alleviate nausea and morning sickness. These oils can signal your brain to reduce feelings of queasiness.
• Improved Sleep: Essential oils like chamomile and lavender can promote relaxation and better sleep, which is essential for expectant mothers.
• Stress Reduction: Pregnancy can bring about stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy with oils like citrus or frankincense can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of well-being.

2. Topical Application

Applying diluted essential oils topically is another way to harness their benefits during pregnancy. When essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin, they can have localized effects, such as:

• Pain Relief: Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and frankincense, when applied topically, can help relieve muscle aches and pains, which are common during pregnancy. You can use diluted essential oils in the form of massage oils. 
• Skin Health: Some essential oils, like jojoba or coconut oil, can be used to address skin issues like dryness or stretch marks, which often occur during pregnancy.
• Circulation Improvement: Massaging essential oils into the skin can improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs and feet, a common concern during pregnancy.

3. Potential Physiological Effects

While research on the physiological effects of essential oils during pregnancy is ongoing, some studies suggest that certain oils may have specific actions:

• Anti-Inflammatory: Essential oils like lavender and chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with conditions like swollen ankles or joints.
• Antiemetic: When it comes to using essential oils like ginger and peppermint they are known for their antiemetic properties, which can alleviate nausea and vomiting.
• Hormonal Regulation: Some essential oils, such as clary sage, are thought to influence hormonal balance, potentially aiding in labour preparation. However, clary sage should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

4. Personalized Responses

It’s essential to understand that the effectiveness of essential oils during pregnancy can vary from person to person. Each pregnancy is unique, and what works for one individual may not work for another. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence how your body responds to essential oils.

What Essential Oils Not To Use During Pregnancy?

While some essential oils can be beneficial during pregnancy, it’s equally important to be aware of essential oils that should be avoided due to potential risks. Here’s a list of essential oils to avoid during pregnancy as they are generally considered unsafe for use:

1. Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage is known to have properties that may stimulate uterine contractions. This can potentially lead to premature labour or complications during pregnancy. It’s best to avoid clary sage oil until after childbirth.

2. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil contains a compound called camphor, which can increase blood pressure and potentially harm the fetus. High blood pressure is a concern during pregnancy, so it’s advisable to steer clear of rosemary oil.

However, after pregnancy, rosemary is also regarded as one of the best essential oil for stretch marks thanks to its natural circulation-boosting abilities. When applied topically, it can reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.

3. Thyme Oil

Thyme oil also contains thujone, a compound that can stimulate the uterus and lead to contractions. Avoid using thyme oil, especially during the first and second trimesters.

4. Basil Oil

Basil oil can potentially act as a uterine stimulant, making it unsafe for use during pregnancy. It’s best to avoid both sweet basil and holy basil essential oils.

5. Juniper Berry Oil

Juniper berry oil is known for its potential to stimulate the uterine muscles, which can increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labour. It’s recommended to avoid this oil during pregnancy.

6. Pennyroyal Oil

Pennyroyal oil is a known abortifacient and can be extremely dangerous during pregnancy. It should never be used by expectant mothers.

7. Cinnamon Bark Oil

Cinnamon bark oil can potentially irritate the skin and mucous membranes. It’s best to avoid it during pregnancy, especially in high concentrations.

8. Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen oil contains a high amount of methyl salicylate, which can be toxic when absorbed through the skin. It’s best to avoid this oil due to potential risks.

9. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is potent and can cause irritation when applied topically. It’s best to avoid it during pregnancy, especially in undiluted form.

10. Tansy Oil

Tansy oil contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic and potentially harmful to both the mother and the fetus. It should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.

11. Hyssop Oil

Hyssop oil can stimulate the uterus and potentially lead to miscarriage. It’s best to avoid it during pregnancy.

Safety Measures For Using Essential Oils While Pregnant

Using essential oils for pregnancy is usually not considered safe by many. But with proper care and attention towards essential oil safety, it can be used during pregnancy. It is important to use essential oils safely and to make sure that oils are safe, there are certain precautionary measures that should be adopted. 

Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before using any essential oils during pregnancy, consult with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific circumstances.

Dilution: Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying them to your skin. Follow recommended dilution ratios to prevent skin irritation. You can use carrier oils like coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, etc. 

Avoid Ingestion: Do not ingest essential oils during pregnancy unless advised by a qualified healthcare professional.

Ventilation: When using essential oils for aromatherapy, ensure proper ventilation to prevent overexposure.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that essential oils are natural, and when used correctly, they can help relieve nausea without harmful side effects. When using essential oils during pregnancy, it is important to make sure that it is diluted with a carrier oil to ensure they are gentle and safe for your skin. Always purchase pure and quality oil for morning sickness during pregnancy.

Also, there are many essential oils that are not considered safe for use during pregnancy; the list has been included in this article. When it comes to essential oils, not all are created equal, so it’s crucial to select the safe essential oils that align with your well-being goals.

Incorporating natural oils into your daily routine is considered one of the best ways to enhance your well-being. Exploring the benefits of essential oil blends can lead you to discover which oil is good for your unique needs. So, give these essential oils a try if you have morning sickness and nausea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source:

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