Weird cravings, a hyperactive sense of smell, and a bladder that feels like it’s shrunk to the size of a pea—welcome to pregnancy! These nine months are often filled with multiple trips to the bathroom and late-night runs for random snacks, but they’re also full of magical moments: first ultrasound; first kick; first in-utero, Olympic-style gymnastics routine.
Your trimesters might also have another first: the first time you’ve implemented natural remedies during pregnancy. Being Dr. Mom—one of the many hats you’ll wear—can feel daunting, but with this super guide to essential oils and pregnancy, you can discover a new approach to health in every drop.
Essential oils and pregnancy: the basics
As a parent, having the flexibility to incorporate a range of natural remedies is key to running a smooth house. Lucky for us, essential oils can go a long way with just a single drop. But before you start dowsing the house in nature’s remedies, remember to follow the ABC’s of essential oil safety when pregnant:
1. Ask your health care provider to learn what’s best for you and your baby.
2. Brief yourself on all guidelines in this post.
3. Check bottle label instructions and use oils only as directed.
Generally, essential oils are safe to use; however, pregnant bodies are highly sensitive, and some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A simple label check can help you determine whether you should give an oil a go. If you have questions, consult your doctor for advice on the best ways to incorporate essential oils into your pregnancy journey.
Essential oils for aromatherapy during pregnancy
It’s no secret that pregnant women have sensitive noses, and there’s no rhyme or reason to the odors that can trigger morning sickness—aka “all-day sickness.” When working with a hyperactive sense of smell, lean in to your favorite essential oils. A little aromatherapy goes a long way in battling bad odors.*
- Scent sensitivity. It’s one of the many downsides of pregnancy, but essential oils can help get you back to center with just a simple inhale. Add a few drops of Lemon or Peppermint** essential oil to a tissue or handkerchief and keep it in your pocket or purse. When the smells are getting overwhelming, grab the tissue and hold it to your nose. Breathe in the calming scent to ride it out with a soothing scent.
- Surround yourself with sunshine. Diffuse a combination of Tea Tree and Lemon Myrtle for a bright, clean smell reminiscent of a warm summer day.
Sunny Day diffuser blend
3 drops Tea Tree
3 drops Lemon Myrtle
- Nest with the best. Blend, that is. Purify the air while you prep the nursery with a diffuser blend of Peppermint** and Ginger. The warm, spicy smell of Ginger adds depth to Peppermint’s cool, minty aroma.
Prep the Nest diffuser blend
3 drops Peppermint
1 drop Ginger
- Escape the everyday. Enjoy a mini vacay from morning sickness-inducing smells by combining Xiang Mao, Palo Santo, and Black Pepper essential oils in your diffuser. You can pretend you’re relaxing at a ritzy resort instead of sporting sweatpants at home.
Exotic Escape diffuser blend
2 drops Xiang Mao
2 drops Palo Santo
1 drop Black Pepper
Because you might be extra sensitive to smells, try diffusing fewer drops of essential oil for a subtler scent. Our Prep the Nest and Exotic Escape diffuser blends are examples of how to scale back scents for delicate noses. Need a little more help soothing your stomach? Check with your doctor about giving AlkaLime
a try.
*The oils in this section are best used aromatically during pregnancy but can be used topically, unless otherwise indicated, by diluting 2–4 drops essential oil in 15 ml of V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex.
**Use after first trimester.
Essential oils for pampering during pregnancy
A baby bump is a beautiful thing, but a lot of work goes into growing a mini you. When your current trimester calls for a little R & R, try one of these pampering practices. Of course, we’re fans of continuing the practices long after pregnancy!
- Baby that bump. Give your growing belly some needed TLC! Make a belly rub by mixing 1 drop each of Frankincense and Helichrysum with plenty of V-6 or coconut oil.
- Take a timeout. Destress from the day with a soothing soak. Put 4 drops of German Chamomile** or Northern Lights Black Spruce in the tub during bathtime and take a few deep breaths.
- Find your footing. Soak tired tootsies in a basin of hot water with ¼ cup Epsom salt and 1 drop each of Lavender, Lemon, and Ylang Ylang.
- Bring on the brilliance. Up the ante on your already shiny, thick pregnancy hair. Add additional shine with a moisturizing mask made of ½ mashed avocado, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 drops Cedarwood.
- Restore natural radiance. Amp up your moisturizer or face wash with Manuka, Helichrysum, or Vetiver to give the appearance of blemishes the brush-off and enhance your pregnancy glow.
- Pack a portable pick-me-up. Create a DIY facial mist for an on-the-go refresher. Combine 10 drops of essential oil—we like Copaiba and Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood—with 2 ounces of water. Spritz this combo or Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood Hydrosol when you or your day needs a boost!
**Use after first trimester.
Essential oils for massage during pregnancy
When it comes to relaxing during pregnancy, massage is more a must than a maybe. Trimesters are trying. Show yourself some love—mind and body—by setting aside time for daily massage. You’ll soothe tired or fatigued muscles, nourish dry skin, and rejuvenate the soul.
Massage tips:
- Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like V-6 or your favorite lotion before applying topically. A good rule of thumb for properly diluted oils during pregnancy is 4 drops of essential oil to ½ tablespoon massage oil.
- Gently massage your feet, hands, arms, legs, belly, and hips.
- Ask a loved one to rub your back, neck, and shoulders.
- Use any of the top 40 oils, listed below, to customize your massage oil.
Top 40 essential oils for pregnancy
Essential oils are a clean and simple way to incorporate relaxation into pregnancy and motherhood. While there are hundreds of essential oils on the market, the following 40 are our favorites for expectant mothers. During your pregnancy, use these oils in your diffuser, during a massage, in the bath, as a belly rub, and more!
Citrus group***
Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia)**** | Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) | Jade Lemon (Citrus limon eureka var. formensensis) | Lemon (Citrus limon) | Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)**** | Orange (Citrus aurantium dulcis) | Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium amara) | Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)
Herbal group
Kunzea (Kunzea ambigua) | Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) | Mastrante (Lippia alba) | Melaleuca Quinquenervia (Melaleuca viridiflora) | Melissa (Melissa officinalis)
Floral group
Cistus (Cistus ladanifer) | Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) | Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) | Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | Neroli (Citrus aurantium amara) | Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) | Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Mint group
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Musky group
Elemi (Canarium luzonicum) | Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) | Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) | Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) | Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)
Spicy group
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) | Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Woodsy group
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) | Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) | Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) | Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) | Hong Kuai (Chamaecyparis formensensis) | Idaho Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) | Mountain Savory (Satureja montana) | Northern Lights Black Spruce (Picea mariana) | Pine (Pinus sylvestris) | Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum) | Sacred Sandalwood (Santalum album) | Tsuga (Tsuga canadensis)
***These oils are photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying.
****These oils are photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays on area of application for up to 48 hours after applying.
Looking for more tips? Check out these ideas for a relaxed pregnancy. Once your little one arrives, give them a healthy start by using EOs safely in the nursery. Remember to stay on the safe side when diluting essential oils for kids!
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