Essential oils have powerful benefits that can be used as a natural option for supporting our bodies through every phase of our lives, including pregnancy. They can be used for a variety of ailments, including labor pains, anxiety, lack of focus, and even postpartum depression. In this article, we will be discussing ways you can use essential oils during pregnancy to help support the health of you and your baby.
This article was written in partnership with Genvieve Schmidt, who is a Health and Wellness Coach with dōTERRA Essential oils
*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any equivalent. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.*
The best way to support my body
When I became pregnant, it was important to me to figure out the best way to support my body. Throughout this process, I started learning about what was in my environment and how exactly it affected my pregnancy.
In one study I read, the researchers at the Environmental Working Group measured what moms were exposed to during pregnancy. They discovered that there were over 200 toxic chemicals getting into baby’s blood through the umbilical cord. These chemicals were endocrine disruptors, they were neurotoxins, and they were potentially cancer causing chemicals. This was new information to me, and as I began to research more, I found out they were the things that I was using every single day. These were—the cleaners and beauty products like lotions, shampoos, makeup and soaps. As we apply them to our skin and as we use them in our environment, they’re being absorbed by our body and being passed right on to our babies.
So as I began to educate myself, I began to educate other moms, and moms to be.
One thing to consider
One thing to consider, is the time before conception. Clear out the toxic products from your home and take a look at what you are putting in your body. I love using the Think Dirty App to see how clean (or dirty) products are on a scale of one to ten. I was shocked to see that what I thought were “greener” products in my home, were actually not as safe as I thought.
It was around this time that I discovered dōTERRA. Along with producing naturally extracted essential oils and oil blends (to diffuse, roll onto skin, and even take orally), they also make health and beauty products that I can trust. This is because instead of using chemicals, fragrances, and fillers, they let the plants do the work. This is information that our ancestors and many eastern cultures have known for thousands of years. Having grown up in North America, I assumed that what I could buy at my local stores and pharmacies was safe to use. Over time, I learned that many companies don’t consider the health of their customers. It’s not hard to change your ways, it just requires that you read the labels, and pay closer attention to what you’re buying.
The Top 12 Essential Oils During Pregnancy
Here’s where naturally sourced essential oils make it really easy – because in my opinion, 99% of what ails you, and what you need to have a clean home and a healthy baby can be solved by a balanced diet (for another article) and replacing commercial products with essential oil-based ones.
I have come up with a list of the “Top 12 Essential Oils” to use – before, during, and after pregnancy
- Digestzen: this is the tummy tamer blend of Ginger, Fennel, Peppermint, Caraway, Anise, and Tarragon. It provides a natural way of soothing an upset stomach, indigestion and nausea. You can make a roller and roll on your stomach, or take 1-2 drops in a glass of water.*
- PB Assist: this probiotic can support your physical and mental wellness during pregnancy. It is slow release by design so it can deliver the probiotic cultures past the stomach acid and into the GI l tract where it is needed. A healthy intestinal tract is critical for optimal digestive function and immune system support.*
- The Bone Nutrient Essential Complex: This supplement provides optimal levels of vitamins and minerals essential for developing and maintaining healthy bone mass and density. Calcium and Magnesium in particular are vital to having a calm body during pregnancy.*
- Spa Replenishing Body Butter: this body butter is a must for growing bellies. It’s infused with Frankincense, Douglas fir and Wild Orange and not only does it smell amazing, it’s so much safer than other products on the market.*
- DigestTab Chewable tablets: these helped me with occasional heartburn or acid indigestion. They contain a smaller amount of calcium carbonate compared to other antacids and use the essential properties of ginger, coriander, and anise.*
- Deep Blue: is so great for supporting aches or tension in the lower back, hips, knees, muscles as you’re carrying around an extra human being.*
- Lavender: to help with sleep… put it in the diffuser or make a roller for you and your new baby. Apply the roller to feet and chest to help relax before bed. dōTERRA makes a blend called “Serenity” that also includes Cedarwood, Roman Chamomile, and Vetiver – aka, pure relaxation bliss*
- Balance or Adaptiv: both of these calming blends were created to support mood, anxiety and stress.*
- On Guard: the immunity blend is a blend of five oils, Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary. It smells like Christmas! We can use it 3 ways – in the diffuser, topically and internally. It is also used during times of seasonal or environmental threats and is supportive of our immune system. *
- Breathe: the respiratory blend, which is amazing for opening up the airways. If you struggle with clear breathing while sleeping, this one is great to have in the diffuser at night. It’s a blend of Eucalyptus, Lemon, Tea tree, Peppermint, and Cardamom, which is supportive for when seasonal or environmental threats are high.*
- The Lifelong Vitality Pack: for the months leading up to conceiving, and when growing a baby inside you, you want your body to be supported nutritionally. This three pack of omegas, vitamins & minerals, and cellular support is a great option to take as a pre and post natal multivitamin.*
- Frankincense, Lavender and Helichrysum: there are my recommendation for perennial support post baby. These oils are also amazing for skin support of all kinds, including your baby’s bum.*
Essential Oils during pregnancy
For many women, dōTERRA essential oils are an appropriate and safe option during pregnancy and nursing. However just like for anything, always consult with your doctor before using any essential oil products as he or she knows you best. Let them know how you would like to support your body naturally.
A great source of information on the oils, is aromaticscience.com. Also please be aware that many oils on the market today are fragranced or synthetic. Unfortunately because of this, not all oils are created equal and when reading you may find conflicting information. Do your own research! dōTERRA took it upon themselves to come up with a standard, since there was no governing body regulating essential oils. When you use the dōTERRA CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade ) oils, those worries and concerns go away. You’ll be using something safe and natural that is very supportive to the body.
An Essential Oil for Labor
The one oil that I always give a head’s up on during pregnancy is Clary Sage. While it can be safe to use during pregnancy, it’s one of those oils that’s really great during labor. So wait until it’s time to go into labor to start using Clary sage. Other than that, think back to the above list of oils that can support you with whatever you’re experiencing.
Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of essential oils? Feel free to contact me with any questions or to choose the best oils for you and your family. As your health and wellness educator, I will spoil you with a welcome gift, share my recipes, and meet you on video chat to help you learn how to use your oils to make rollers and sprays for your family. We will work together to help you on your way to living your best non-toxic life.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Health and Wellness Coach (Email / Follow on IG)
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up and also the rest of the website is really good. Sheena Orrin Terris