Why can’t you have lavender while pregnant?
According to the WHO monograph on selected medicinal plants, inhalation of lavender EO for symptomatic treatment of anxiety and restlessness and to induce relaxation is safe and supported by clinical data, but due to its traditional use as a possible emmenagogue, it should not be used orally during pregnancy [18,20]. More research needs to be conducted on the topic, but when it comes to pregnancy, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Pregnant people should also avoid aromatherapy products and treatments in the first trimester since essential oils are the key ingredients used in aromatherapy.Generally, I do not recommend undiluted topical application during pregnancy. Other methods of essential oil use include baths, inhalation, wash-off products, and leave-on products. This will come down to personal choice, but the safest plan is one you’ve heard before: everything in moderation!The safest ways to use essential oils during pregnancy include: Diffusing: Inhalation through a diffuser allows gentle exposure without direct skin contact. Add a few drops of lavender or lemon balm essential oil to a diffuser for relaxation or congestion relief.During pregnancy, essential oils—ones that are safely sourced, that are CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade™, as doTERRA’s are—become a really effective, supportive option for women while pregnant to take care of themselves.In general, most medical experts agree that aromatherapy is a safer option for pregnant people as opposed to topical applications. This simply means that you should use your essential oils in a diffuser rather than applying them to your skin.
What to absolutely avoid while pregnant?
Pregnant women should also try to avoid all marinated foods, pickled goods, processed foods, foods that are high in monosodium glutamate, as well as caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee and carbonated drinks as these all contain substances which could have adverse effects on the health of your unborn child. Certain foods and drinks can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy by causing infections, hormonal changes, or triggering contractions. Items like unripe papaya, excess pineapple, raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy, high-mercury fish, alcohol, and too much caffeine should be avoided.Lifestyle habits to stop or avoid during pregnancy include smoking, drinking alcohol, gaining too much weight, consuming too much caffeine, eating certain foods like raw or undercooked meat and eggs, raw sprouts, some seafood, and others.Spices and Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy Chamomile – Very well known for improving sleep quality but increases the risk of preterm labour and miscarriages. Rosemary – This herb is safe when added as a seasoning to our favourite dishes but when consumed in excess, it can stimulate your uterine contractions.Commonly used oils which are normally safe but may have adverse effects when pregnant. These include angelica, basil, birch, calamintha, cedarwood, celery seed, citronella, clary sage, cypress, jasmine, labdanum, lovage, marjoram, melissa, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, yarrow.
What not to smell when pregnant?
Avoid air fresheners. This means they may contain phthalates, which you should try to avoid when you’re pregnant. Avoid unpleasant odors from developing in the first place by opening your windows and “airing out” your house whenever possible. Use your oven vent when cooking, if you have one. Many experts — including aromatherapy and homeopathic practitioners — avoid the use of peppermint oil on pregnant people entirely. But preliminary evidence from an older 2013 study suggests that when used solely for aromatherapy, peppermint oil can be a great option for reducing nausea in pregnant people.Pregnancy can increase sensitivity to smell, and some people find aromatherapy overwhelming. It may even trigger symptoms such as nausea. Try placing the oil on a tissue or cotton ball for inhalation, which can easily be removed if you don’t tolerate the fragrance. Avoid placing essential oils on your skin.
What scents are safe during pregnancy?
Many pregnant women have found that citrus scents help alleviate nausea and are not over-powering, but rather leave a refreshed, rejuvenated, and calm feeling. Citrus scents such as sweet orange, neroli, and mandarin are especially popular among pregnant women. Finally, pregnant women should avoid ingesting and topically applying undiluted essential oils throughout pregnancy. Instead, try inhaling essential oils or adding them to a diffuser.Many essential oils, such as basil, clary sage, clove, cedarwood, cypress, juniper, sweet marjoram, peppermint*, rosemary, rose and thyme are commonly classified as contra-indicated in pregnancy.Lemon essential oil (Citrus lemon) is one of the most widely used herbal oils in pregnancy and is considered as a safe drug in pregnancy. One or two drops of lemon essential oil in an oil burner or a diffuser in bedroom helps to soothe and relieve NVP (10).Natural cosmetics, including fragrances can be a safer alternative to synthetic ones, but not all essential oils are safe for pregnant women. Oils like lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang are generally considered safe in moderation.Citrus scents such as sweet orange, neroli, and mandarin are especially popular among pregnant women. Other softer scents you may want to sample are lavender, rose and chamomile. Look for massage lotions in these scents and you’ll be doing yourself a double favor.
What should you not inhale while pregnant?
Avoid pesticides, household cleaners, and paint. Fumes from these substances can be harmful, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Use chemical-free cleaning alternatives while you’re pregnant. If you must use chemical cleaners, wear gloves, ventilate the area, and avoid inhaling fumes. Do avoid exposure to pesticides, lead, and mercury. Don’t smoke or vape tobacco or marijuana, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs during your pregnancy. If you face addiction or substance use challenges, tell your pregnancy health provider. They can help you to quit and connect you to support groups.Avoid pesticides, household cleaners, and paint. Fumes from these substances can be harmful to a baby, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Use chemical-free cleaning alternatives while you’re pregnant. If you must use chemical cleaners, wear gloves, ventilate the area, and avoid inhaling fumes.Generally, it’s only long-term exposure to large amounts of chemicals that are harmful during pregnancy. Being exposed once is very unlikely to cause any harm.
What can I use to make my house smell good while pregnant?
Avoid Synthetic Fragrances Skip the plug-ins, room sprays, and heavily fragranced candles. If you prefer a subtle scent, try beeswax or soy candles scented with natural essential oils. A stove-top simmer with citrus peels and herbs. Mix a DIY room spray: Purchase essential oils (which are safer than synthetic fragrances) such as cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and orange. Mix a few drops of each oil into one cup of distilled water, then put the mixture in a spray bottle.
Can a pregnant woman smell lavender essential oil?
When you enter the second and third trimesters you can start to use lavender oil and other types of essential oils to support your pregnancy. For example, certain oils may be able to provide relief from things such as swollen ankles, stretch marks and nausea, all of which you may experience at some point. Because rosemary may have uterine and menstrual flow stimulant effects, it is best to avoid using it. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the topical use of rosemary during pregnancy. This is a prime example of how the method of use of the herb changes its safety rating.Risks of Aromatherapy During Pregnancy Oils like rosemary and oregano are known for their stimulating properties and should be avoided to prevent premature labor. Pregnancy hormones can also make the skin more sensitive, increasing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions when using essential oils topically.Pregnant women should start with one drop of their chosen essential oil and increase up to three to five drops based on their tolerance. Pregnancy can increase sensitivity to smell, and some women can find aromatherapy overwhelming. It may even trigger symptoms, such as nausea.Research has found that use during the first 13-week period could cause uterine contractions that can adversely impact the baby. When you enter the second and third trimesters you can start to use lavender oil and other types of essential oils to support your pregnancy.