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Welcome, mums-to-be!
Aromatherapy is the use of highly concentrated extracts from plants (including flowers, seeds, leaves, fruits, and roots).
It takes a significant amount of plant matter to make a tiny amount of oil, for example, you would need approximately 1200 roses to make 1ml of essential oil.
The extracts contain lots of different chemical compounds which all have a different perceived effect on our bodies, for example, relaxation, anti-nausea, anti-spasmodic or even pain relieving!
As they come directly from plants, they are never going to be able to be studied like pharmaceuticals as each 'batch' of the oils can be different and therefore they don't lend themselves to controlled clinical environments!
There are, however some studies (usually with much smaller populations than we are used to seeing with drug trials) that show positive effects of using essential oils , due to the small populations and inconsistent makeup of the oils, the majority of these conclude there is some effect but state 'more evidence is needed'.
And we already know that a clinical trial that could improve the overall well-being of women in pregnancy and labour but doesn't follow the standard medical model is unlikely to be pursued.....right?
Along with herbal medicine, aromatherapy has been used for hundreds of years to support pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!
Recently, I delved into a masterclass with a clinical aromatherapist (I will pop a link to her website below). I learned so much and will share her amazing handout with my Virtual Doula clients. Still, I thought that if I could help you with your pregnancy nausea and tell you about some unsung hero essential oils that can be your companions through pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, it would be a win-win!
Aromatherapy in labour is not a 'magic key' but it is a great tool in your birth toolkit!
A word about individualism and safety of essential oils in pregnancy and birth
The most important part of using an essential oil, especially during pregnancy and birth when your sense of smell is heightened is that you like the smell of the oil, and do not feel like you have to keep using an oil because it has 'great benefits'.
Essential oils come in a 'group' or 'families' so if you don't like one, you may like another with similar benefits!
Essential oils should never be used neatly directly onto the skin or ingested, I will give you some ideas of safe ways use them later!
Are essential oils safe in pregnant women? - Check the information about a specific oil carefully as some need to be used in a weaker dilution than others, and some are contraindicated in pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy: Essential Oils for Pregnancy Nausea
Pregnancy sickness (sometimes referred to as morning sickness) is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, especially in the first trimester which can stretch into the second and even the third trimester as well.
It can happen most frequently in the morning but for some people, it can be all day, or even worse in the evenings.
It can vary from constant nausea, to waves of nausea but no vomiting, or it can also include vomiting.
The aim of this blog is not to provide medical advice , if your sickness is severe and is affecting your day to day life you should speak to your midwife, GP or other health care professionals. Sometimes it can be beneficial to be medically reviewed, as things like dehydration can be dangerous in pregnancy.
The pregnancy sickness charity is also a great resource.
Bergamot (A citrus oil)
Like a hug from the Mediterranean sun, known for its calming and uplifting properties. During pregnancy, when emotions can soar, Bergamot reduces tension! Clinical evidence suggests that Bergamot may help reduce stress and anxiety levels (Watanabe et al., 2015), promoting a tranquil environment for you and your baby to flourish.
Being part of the citrus family it may also be useful in reducing nausea!
Lemon (A citrus oil)
Inhaled on a cotton ball, diffused into a room or made into a massage oil for your pulse points lemon essential oils can help reduce nausea in pregnancy (Watanabe et al., 2015).
Ginger (Zingiberaceae family of flowering plants)
A popular remedy for pregnancy nausea is ginger biscuits, ginger ale, and ginger sweets! So it should come as no surprise that ginger essential oil is also great for nausea.
One study has found that ginger essential oil reduces postoperative nausea after abdominal surgery (Lee at al 2017)
Peppermint oil (Lamiaceae family)
Another popular remedy for nausea is eating mints or peppermint tea,
When applied diluted topically peppermint oil has a mild cooling effect that can relieve anxiety, tension, and relieve pain.
It has been shown in a randomized controlled that when combined with lemon, peppermint has the ability to reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (Safajou et al 2022)
Ease Quease - Anti Nausea massage oil
Ingredients:
Lemon essential oil
Peppermint essential oil
Ginger
Dropper bottle
Carrier oil (sweet almond oil or olive oil)
You want to aim for a 1% dilution of the oils, so work out what that would be using the dilution calculator linked below.
You are aiming for a ratio of 1 drop peppermint, 1 drop ginger to 3 drops lemon.
For example, a 60 ml container is looking at 12 drops of oil, so that would be 2 drops peppermint, 2 drops ginger, and 6 drops lemon.
You have 2 drops left over here, so fill your bottle with the carrier oil and try some on your skin, if you want to adjust the scent you can add two more drops.
Aromatherapy for Labour: Envelop Yourself in Rose
I couldn't let you go without letting you know about some more oils to use in your labour and postpartum journey, so here are a few bonus oils!
The most common oil you hear about for birth is clary sage, although this oil is a powerhouse (anti-spasmodic, relaxing, pain relieving and oxytocin inducing)and you probably already know about lavender, there are plenty of other oils that can help as well.
As you embark on the exhilarating journey of labor, Rose stands ready to be your pillar of strength. With its soothing fragrance evocative of blossoming gardens, Rose has been associated with reducing perceived pain intensity during labor and anxiety offering you comfort during this intense phase. (Kheirkhah et al 2014)
Postpartum: Bask in Sweet Orange
After the whirlwind of childbirth, the Sweet Orange oil becomes your warm embrace in the postpartum period. Its invigorating citrus scent banishes fatigue and uplifts the spirits, gently coaxing your body and mind into a state of rejuvenation. Studies suggest that Sweet Orange may promote relaxation and feelings of happiness, vital elements in your postpartum recovery. (Rashidi-Fakariet al 2015)
Ways to use essential oils
Remember, these essential oils are most effective when used mindfully, diluted in carrier oils like sunflower, olive, or sweet almond oils. Additionally, diffusion or incorporation into baths and footbaths, using in a diffuser, or smelling on a tissue could be a good way to use them!
I was recommended to dilute essential oils to be used topically in pregnancy to a 1-2% solution, I use this dilution calculator:
Inhale. Exhale. Embrace the magic of aromatherapy in your pregnancy journey!
Remember, these essential oils are helpers on your journey but always consult with an expert (like Meyu aromatherapy!) if you have any questions or concerns!
If you would like full access to the wisdom of around 13 essential oils to use in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, check out my Virtual Doula packages where this resource is available!
Who am I?
I am Charlotte, a Virtual Doula, providing bespoke evidence-based pregnancy support to families who want an empowering birth.
With 10 years + of clinical research experience, a biomedical science degree, and two hospital births under my belt, I use my knowledge to provide pregnancy support to help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
I provide pregnancy support for all types of births, including hospital births, helping you to navigate NHS guidelines and have an empowering positive birth.
References
Eri Watanabe, Kenny Kuchta, Mari Kimura, Hans Wilhelm Rauwald, Tsutomu Kamei, Jiro Imanishi; Effects of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Mood States, Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in 41 Healthy Females. Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine 1 February 2015; 22 (1): 43–49.
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