Using Essential Oils Safely During Pregnancy
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First trimester
You’re barely even showing yet, but in the first trimester, your baby is having the busiest time ever growing and developing. By about the 12th week of pregnancy, your little bean will have a brain, spinal cord, bones, muscles, and even a beating heart. This is why the first trimester is also a very sensitive time for pregnancy.
It’s best not to use tea tree oil and other essential oils in your first trimester. This is because we don’t know how much tea tree oil is absorbed through the skin and into your developing baby. We also don’t know what effects using too much tea tree oil may have on a delicate fetus this early in the game.
But it’s fine to use store-bought face wash or shampoo containing organic ingredients like tea tree oil, as the amount in them is so small. Plus, you wash them off anyway.
CAUSES OF UTI
A urinary tract infection occurs when bad bacteria find their way into the urethra or entire your urinary system. They are caused by a wide range of different bacteria but the two most common strains normally found in the urine of infected patients are E.coli and Staphylococcus Saprophyticus bacteria.
Most cases of UTIs are diagnosed in young to middle aged women. They can also happen in young girls. Some of the causes of this bacteria lodging into your urinary system include:
- Weak immune system
- Holding in urine for too long
- Drinking too little water
- Pregnancy
- Wiping back to front in the toilet
- Sexual activity
- Having previous UTIs
- Menopause
- Kidney stones
- Diabetes
- And others
Source: (https://www.themiracleofessentialoils.com/essential-oils-for-uti-urinary-tract-infection/ )
The most common symptoms associated with UTIs are:
- Strong, persistent need to urinate
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Cloudy urine
- Bloody urine
- Urine with a strong odor
- Urinating small amounts frequently
- Pain in the pelvic area, particularly for women
If the infection has made it to your kidneys, you might have one or more of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain located below the ribs in your back or side
If you think you have a UTI, especially if you think that it’s become a kidney infection, it’s important to see your doctor. They can rule out the cause and prescribe you antibacterial or antibiotic drugs to kill off the bacteria.
(https://www.doctorshealthpress.com/natural-remedies-for-urinary-tract-infections/ )
5 Natural Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection
Many people who are prone to UTIs experience them frequently. They take antibiotics or other antibacterial treatments, but the infection comes right back. Sometimes it’s a new type of bacteria, but other times it’s the same one. They just didn’t get killed off by the drug like they were supposed to.
Luckily, there are a variety of natural home remedies for urinary tract infections that are effective. By using these natural remedies for UTIs, you can stop your infections from ever coming back:
1. Cranberry juice: One of the most effective natural treatments for UTIs is cranberry juice. Cranberry juice contains acidic substances that make it harder for bacteria to get a hold in your urethra and cause an infection. Cranberries are a scientifically proven treatment. Studies have shown that it is of particular benefit for women who get recurrent UTI infections. For other groups of people, the benefits are less clear.
2. Water: It may sound strange, but one of the best UTI natural remedies is simply drinking water—lots of it. When we urinate, we flush out bacteria in our urinary tract. Infrequent urination can allow bacteria to build up in our urinary tract and cause an infection. By increasing the amount of water you drink and in turn increasing the amount you urinate, you can flush out bad bacteria. However, for this treatment to work, you need to drink a lot of water, so that your body is constantly flushing out this bacterium. Aim for more than the recommended eight glasses per day.
3. Vitamin C: When your urine is more acidic, bacteria has a more difficult time growing. Any home remedy that can make your urine more acidic will also make it harder for infections to occur. Vitamin C stops the growth of bacterial infections by acidifying your urine. You can take Vitamin C as a supplement, or you can eat foods loaded with the vitamin, such as oranges, bell peppers, and certain types of juice. Drinking orange juice will not only help stop the growth of bacteria, but it will also help flush out your urinary tract in the same way that water does.
4. Herbal remedies: There are a variety of herbs that can be effective for curing UTIs. Some common herbs used for UTI treatment include goldenleaf and bearberry leaf. While these herbs can be effective, they can also cause side effects or interact with medication you are taking, so it’s important to consult with your doctor and do your own research. However, taking bearberry leaf for three to four days can help eliminate UTIs.
5. Celery seeds: Foods which are diuretics are good for treating UTIs. Diuretics are substances which increase urination and cause us to pee a lot. This, in turn, helps flush our bladders and urinary tracts of bacteria. A common diuretic is caffeine, but there also more healthy substances that have the same effect. One of these is celery seeds, which can also help stop UTIs from occurring. Having a handful of celery seeds twice daily will help keep your UTIs at bay.
( https://www.doctorshealthpress.com/natural-remedies-for-urinary-tract-infections/)
- Drinking plenty of water
- Taking a quality probiotic
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Practicing good hygiene
- Not wearing tight-fitting or wet clothes for long periods of time
- Avoiding the use of tampons and spermicides
- Urinating after intercourse5
Source: ( https://zyto.com/essential-oils-for-urinary-tract-infection)
Pregnancy Complications
UTIs during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, anemia, or low birth weight of the baby
Source: (https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-prevent-urinary-tract-infection/ – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4170332/).
With various oils to choose from, these types may help pregnant people:
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil can be helpful for headaches, nausea, nasal congestion and muscle aches during pregnancy. Peppermint oil inhalation has even been found to be beneficial for postpartum people who have difficulty emptying their bladder.
Lavender and rose oils
Studies have found that lavender and rose essential oils can decrease anxiety in labor. A person’s perception of pain also can decrease when they’re relaxed. The sense of smell is strongly linked with memory. If you’ve experienced relaxation with the scent of lavender or rose in the past, inhaling it during labor likely will help you recall those relaxing experiences.
Some studies show that lavender oil aromatherapy may improve sleep for people who are in the hospital. The oil can be mixed with water and sprayed on a pillow to promote restful sleep. This technique might be beneficial for postpartum people as well.
Want to try essential oil?
If you’re pregnant and would like to try essential oils, here are some points to consider:
- More is not necessarily better.
I recommend that pregnant people start with one drop of their chosen essential oil and increase it to three to five drops based on their tolerance. 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.
Essential oils often require a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, to dilute them. Essential oils applied directly to the skin can cause side effects, such as allergic reactions, irritation or sun sensitivity. A qualified aromatherapist can give more details for preparing specific oils. - Don’t ingest essential oils during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
There isn’t enough research to support that this is safe for your baby
1. Tea Tree Oil
Properties: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
Tea tree oil is renowned for its powerful antimicrobial properties. Research indicates that it can inhibit the growth of various bacteria and fungi. For urinary infections caused by pathogens like E. coli and Candida, tea tree oil can provide a dual action by combating the infection while also reducing inflammation.
How to Use:
– Dilution: Always dilute tea tree oil before applying it to the skin or using it in aromatherapy. A typical dilution is 2-3 drops of tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil).
– Topical Application: Apply the diluted mixture to the lower abdomen to alleviate discomfort.
– Aromatherapy: Inhale tea tree oil during a bath or through a diffuser for overall relaxation.
Precautions: Avoid ingesting tea tree oil or applying it directly to sensitive areas without adequate dilution.
(2. Oregano Oil (EI SAA KÄYTTÄÄ)
Properties: Antimicrobial and antioxidant.
Oregano oil is often celebrated for its potent antimicrobial effects. Carvacrol and thymol are two compounds found in oregano oil that are effective against bacteria associated with urinary infections. This makes oregano oil a valuable ally in preventing or treating UTIs.
How to Use:
– Oral Supplementation: Take oregano oil capsules according to package instructions or under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
– Topical Use: Dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply it externally on the lower abdomen for relief.
Precautions:Oregano oil is potent; therefore, always consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if pregnant or nursing.)
3. Lavender Oil
Properties: Calming and anti-inflammatory.
While lavender oil is primarily recognized for its calming effects on the mind and body, it also has mild antibacterial properties that can assist in soothing UTI symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics help relieve discomfort associated with infections.
How to Use:
– Bath Soak: Add 10-15 drops of lavender oil to a warm bath for an overall soothing experience.
– Diffuser: Use lavender oil in a diffuser while relaxing at home for stress relief.
Precautions: Lavender essential oil is generally safe for most people but should still be used according to guidelines on dilution.
4. Peppermint Oil
Properties: Analgesic and cooling effect.
Peppermint oil has long been used for its cooling sensation and analgesic properties that can provide relief from pain associated with UTIs. Additionally, its antibacterial properties make it effective against certain pathogens causing urinary tract infections.
How to Use:
– Topical Application: Mix peppermint oil with a carrier oil and gently massage onto the lower abdomen.
– Inhalation: Inhale peppermint oil through steam inhalation or a diffuser for added comfort.
Precautions: Avoid using peppermint oil around sensitive areas such as mucous membranes unless significantly diluted.
5. Frankincense Oil
Properties: Anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant.
Frankincense has been revered for centuries due to its numerous health benefits, including its ability to reduce inflammation and boost immune function. This makes it an excellent choice for fighting urinary tract infections as it promotes overall health while addressing symptoms.
How to Use:
– Essential Oil Blend: Combine frankincense with other beneficial oils such as lavender or tea tree in a roller bottle with a carrier oil for topical application.
– Aromatic Therapy: Diffuse frankincense in your living space to enhance mood while benefiting from its therapeutic properties.
Precautions: As with other essential oils, ensure appropriate dilution before topical application.
Source: (https://realitypathing.com/5-natural-essential-oil-treatments-for-urinary-infections/ )
Using Essential Oils Safely During Pregnancy
Essential oils like peppermint oil may help ease some pregnancy symptoms and lessen anxiety and stress during birth. However, talk with your doctor before trying them.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
When you’re navigating pregnancy, it can feel like all you hear is a constant stream of don’ts. Don’t eat lunch meats. Don’t consume too much fish for fear of mercury (but do incorporate healthy fish into your diet). Don’t scoop the kitty litter. (OK, we don’t mind that last one.)
With all that you have to avoid, it can make you nervous anytime you want to use a product of any kind.
So the question we’re looking at in this article is this: Do you need to worry about using essential oils during pregnancy? We’re breaking down the important details that you need to know to make an informed decision if you decide to incorporate essential oils into your pregnancy routine.
We’ll highlight best practices as well as outline which oils are safe — and which ones fall on, you guessed it, the don’t list.
Benefits of essential oils while pregnant
Let’s start by saying there’s not a wholesale ban on the use of essential oils while you’re pregnant. There’s evidence that some essential oils may provide therapeutic benefits that can reduce common pregnancy ailments as well as calm anxiety.
When used properly, certain essential oils may provide the following key benefits:
- help minimize nausea and upset stomach
- soothe achy muscles
- help reduce irritation and swelling associated with hemorrhoids
- improve sleep
- improve skin elasticity
- reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- help reduce anxiety during labor
Safety of essential oils while pregnant
There’s a common concern that essential oils can metabolize into toxic compounds when absorbed through a pregnant person’s bloodstream. But experts have generally determined that when used in the right dosages, this isn’t an issue.
The key is sticking to recommended amounts and following all suggested guidelines (below!). Be sure to check in with your doctor with any questions or concerns.
Guidelines for using essential oils while pregnant
First off, avoid using essential oils during the first trimester. The first trimester is the most critical period during pregnancy, and any risk of exposing the fetus to a toxic substance should be avoided at all costs.
But in your second or third trimesters, keep the following safety protocols in mind when you’re using approved essential oils.
Don’t ingest essential oils
Even if you aren’t pregnant, essential oils aren’t meant to be taken orally unless under the direct supervision of an expert or physician. Many essential oils can pose toxicity risks when ingested — for you and, potentially, your baby.
Focus on aromatherapy
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.
Dilution is key
Regardless of whether you’re pregnant or not, if you do decide to use oils topically, you’ll need what’s known as a carrier oil to do so safely. This is because essential oils are very concentrated and can irritate skin when applied directly without being diluted.
Common carrier oils include:
- jojoba
- coconut
- sweet almond
- apricot
Pregnant people should always speak with their physician or homeopathic expert before attempting to use them topically.
Don’t exceed dosage recommendations
While there aren’t any studies showing that normal use of essential oils is dangerous, exceeding the recommended dosages can be — especially if you’re using them topically. Carefully dilute the oils.
Oils that are safe
Lavender oil
Of all the essential oils, lavender is one of the most well-researched and promoted options that’s also widely available for pregnant people to use. Studies, including this one from 2016, have shown that when used properly, lavender is an excellent aromatherapy treatment that encourages relaxation, especially during labor and delivery — a stressful moment.
A 2018 review of studies even boldly concluded that lavender reduces labor pain.
Bring a portable diffuser with you to the hospital and add a few drops of pure lavender oil to set a relaxing mood. Avoid inhaling the steam directly from your diffuser though as this can irritate the mucous membranes in your nose.
You might also ask your labor partner to massage you with diluted lavender oil during labor.
Rose oil
Rose oil is another great option for reducing anxiety, encouraging calm, and helping you get those coveted 40 winks at night. Similar to lavender, one 2014 study
suggests rose oil can help ease anxiety during delivery. More research still needs to be done to confirm these positive results.
Since most people like the smell of roses, this might be a great option if you’re not a fan of how lavender smells. This oil is good for aromatherapy uses and should be added to a diffuser.
Peppermint oil
This is a controversial 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.
Chamomile oil
Most people know that a cup of chamomile tea can be very calming. But chamomile is also an essential oil.
It turns out that there are two types of chamomile, each of which serves a different purpose.
Roman chamomile is a great aromatherapy option to help encourage relaxation and banish severe migraine attacks, according to a 2014 study. But German chamomile can be used topically with a carrier oil after you give birth to help repair the skin’s elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Related: 12 essential oils to help heal or prevent stretch marks
Lemon oil
Lemon oil is another great option if you’re dealing with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. A 2014 study in pregnant women
showed that, when used consistently in aromatherapy, lemon oil reduced the frequency of nausea and vomiting.
Geranium oil
There’s no shortage of anti-anxiety aromatherapy options for labor and delivery. If lavender and rose oil aren’t your things, geranium oil is another floral option with a proven clinical track record
of reducing anxiety during the first stage of labor.
Other oils
Additional essential oils that have therapeutic benefits and are safe for pregnancy (after the first trimester) include:
- bitter almond
- argan
- patchouli
- pomegranate
- ginger
- cardamom
- fennel
- cypress
- myrtle essential
- frankincense
Oils to avoid during pregnancy
The list of oils to avoid is significantly larger than those that are safe for use during pregnancy. But as a whole, it’s because these oils lack sufficient testing and research to prove that they’re safe for use while you’re pregnant, even when taken according to dosage recommendations.
Like we mentioned earlier, the concern with many of these essential oils is that if a pregnant person takes more than the recommended amount, there’s a toxicity risk.
- aniseed
- sage
- basil
- wormwood
- rue
- mugwort
- oak mass
- tarragon
- birch
- hyssop
- camphor
- parsley
- pennyroyal
- tansy
- thuja
- wintergreen
The takeaway
Essential oils may be a smart option for reducing some common pregnancy symptoms — like nausea — without the need for medication. They’re also a great way to help naturally reduce anxiety during labor when used as part of an aromatherapy strategy.
You should always use oils according to the recommended amounts, and work with a certified aromatherapist or your physician before you begin an essential oil-based therapeutic regimen when you’re pregnant.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/essential-oils-for-pregnancy#takeaway
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy
The list of essential oils provided below should be avoided during pregnancy. Refrain from using:
- Aniseed
- Basil
- Birch
- Camphor
- Cinnamon Bark
- Clary Sage
- Clove
- Cumin
- Geranium
- Hyssop
- Mugwort
- Nutmeg
- Oak Moss
- Parsley Seed or Leaf
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Rue
- Sage
- Tansy
- Tarragon
- Thuja
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
- Wormwood
Source: (https://www.morelandobgyn.com/blog/essential-oils-and-pregnancy-safety)
ESSENTIAL OILS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
The following essential oils should not be used in pregnancy:
*These oils can be used when breastfeeding, and in some cases during labor (For example, Jasmine is well researched and shown to be helpful during labor).
Many holistic sources advise avoiding essential oils such as Clary Sage, Lemongrass, and May Change (Litsea), because they are thought to cause premature contractions.
SAFE ESSENTIAL OILS DURING PREGNANCY
These essential oils can be used safely while pregnant:
*These are stronger oils, so use them with care and caution, diluting them when needed.
Source: ( https://miraclebotanicals.com/a/blog/essential-oils-to-avoid-during-pregnancy )
Essential Oils You Should Not Use While Pregnant
Is it safe for infants?
It is important to always speak with a healthcare professional before using remedies such as essential oils on children and infants.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia suggests that people do not use essential oils on children younger than 3 years old. People should store any essential oils in a secure place that children cannot access.
Be aware that when diffusing essential oils in the air, any children, pets, and other family members will also be inhaling the treatment.
Do not diffuse essential oils in public, such as in stores, as many people have allergies to them.
»Learn more:Are essential oils safe for babies?
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324570#is-it-safe-for-babies
Other sources: