Pregnancy is the most crucial phase of a woman’s life. The feeling of giving birth to a new life is ecstatic and beyond explanation. However, with the happy period comes a lot of complications. Beyond the anxiety, you may get loads of advice from everyone around that may make you conscious and nervous.
Add to it, the list of do’s and don’ts can further complicate things. As a caring mother, you would love to adopt ideas that would keep your baby safe. There are certain essential oils for pregnancy that can aid in healthy pregnancy and minimize the complications that may arise during the phase.
Waiting to hear the news of your pregnancy? While missing your period might be an indication, but that does not confirm pregnancy. However, along with missing your periods if you notice some of the signs mentioned below, there are chances that you are pregnant. Notice the following symptoms and know that you are pregnant or not:
If you feel such symptoms and there is an intuitive feeling of being pregnant, take a home pregnancy test to confirm it.
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The types of pregnancies depend upon the place of implantation of fertilized egg.
Essential oils are potent extracts obtained from plants. These are of good use in aromatherapy which is getting popular as a complementary treatment.
Pregnant women too are benefitted from them as they help alleviate problems like nausea, backache, swollen ankles, etc. However, as they are quite powerful, one should use them carefully to avoid any risk.
When similarly consumed these work as other chemicals in the body and due to their small size may enter the placenta. Hence, you should use them sparingly. Following are the essential oils for pregnancy that you may benefit from:
Castor Oil has been used since ancient times to induce labor. So, when it is the time of delivery, but labors aren’t starting, you may use castor oil for the purpose. Castor oil causes spasms in the intestine which stimulates the vagus nerve and the bowels. Such stimulation may cause the uterus to contract.
[Read: Tips For Retroverted Uterus]
Fish oil is known to have significant benefits for pregnant women(1). It is known to minimize various pregnancy-related complications like miscarriage, high blood pressure, etc. Further, it also positively influences infant development. Thus, pregnant women are advised to include the oil in their diet to reap the benefits of it.
There are certain contradictions regarding usage of Primrose oil for pregnancy. The oil is generally used during the first trimester to evade early complications like discomfort, breast pain, etc. However, after the development of the fetus, it is best to avoid taking primrose oil. Midwives generally refer to it during labor as it ripens the cervix and prevents tearing.
Vitamin-E oil is known to boost the production of collagen that maintains the elasticity of the skin. It makes the surface less likely to develop stretch marks that occur due to tear in the middle layer of the skin owing to rapid stretching. This property helps to cure pregnancy stretch marks very efficiently.
Coconut is a powerful and most beneficial of all the essential oils for pregnancy. Its anti-fungal and anti-viral properties help keep you at bay from viral infections. Consuming it may also relieve you of pregnancy nausea and other symptoms. Further, it is known to strengthen the immune system of the baby.
One of the widely recommended essential oils for pregnancy is Tea Tree Essential oil. It can be quite beneficial in treating acne and other pregnancy complications like swollen ankle and feet. You can use it to fight infections and address respiratory problems during pregnancy.
Lavender essential oil counts among the most reliable essential oils for pregnancy(2). You can start using it after 12 weeks of pregnancy to get relief from pain and reduction in water retention. Its pleasant aroma also helps in keeping you calm and relaxed.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is quite helpful in comforting pregnant women. It helps in relieving stress and pregnancy headaches. Women feeling too anxious or stressed can use it to calm themselves.
Eucalyptus Essential oil can expertly help you relive from respiratory congestion. Thus, if you are feeling stuffy, then try inhaling the pleasant aroma of the oil. It is one of the most effective natural remedies to have by your side.
[Read More: Eucalyptus Oil Benefits]
The refreshing fragrance of lemon can be great to start your day. The citrus scent of the fruit is all the more beneficial for expecting mothers.
Essential Oils are a quite potent source of chemicals and can affect the development of the fetus. Hence, expecting mothers should use them in moderation. Some of the oils may cause:
Expecting mothers should avoid essential oils during the first trimester.
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Besides the essential oils for pregnancy, you can try some effective home remedies for alleviating the pregnancy symptoms. These include:
The frequency of migraines is likely to increase during pregnancy in some women. To get the relief, you can try taking cold compress that will eventually solve the trouble.
Avoid spicy, greasy, and fizzy foods if you suffer from heartburn during pregnancy. Mint and chocolate can also averse the condition.
Keep a water bottle beside you every time. You must remain hydrated to ensure normal body functioning.
Not all essential oils are good for pregnancy. While some are beneficial, a few can have a counter-effect. Here is a list of Essential oils which expecting mothers should avoid:
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Response: Use the essential oils for topical application. Only a few are edible. Ingesting some of them can prove dangerous.
Response: The first trimester is the most crucial time of pregnancy. As essential oils contain strong chemicals, it is better to avoid them during this time. You can use them during second and third trimester when the fetus has developed.
Pregnancy brings a lot of happiness, but some anxieties and worries also accompany it. To ensure a healthy pregnancy, it becomes necessary to avoid stress and enjoy the phase. You may face specific complications due to hormonal changes. To ease the pregnancy symptoms like nausea, headaches, mood swings, etc., use essential oils for pregnancy. These greatly help in keeping you calm and relaxed.