Is Aromatherapy Safe During Pregnancy?

Essential oils that are safe during pregnancy and which ones to avoid

Since essential oils (the oils that give plants their distinctive smells) are the key ingredients in aromatherapy treatments and products, experts recommend not using them in the first trimester. Essential oils could cause uterine contractions or adversely affect your baby in his early developmental stages, explains Jill Edwards, N.D., an Oregon doctor of naturopathic medicine who specializes in prenatal care.

“In the second and third trimesters, some essential oils are safe to use, as your baby is more developed,” Edwards adds. These include lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang, which calm, relax and aid sleep. Oils to be avoided include cinnamon, clove, rosemary and clary sage, all of which can cause contractions.

Making Peace with Your Birth Experience

After giving birth, many women share a sense of disappointment, anger or fear. Despite your best efforts, your birth did not turn out the way you planned. Fortunately, if you have had a troubling birth, there are some positive steps you can take.

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"New parents are told of the importance of babies sleeping on their backs to avoid SIDS, but they are not always informed about the importance of tummy time,"

"New parents are told of the importance of babies sleeping on their backs to avoid SIDS, but they are not always informed about the importance of tummy time," says American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) spokesperson Judy Towne Jennings, PT, MA. In addition, many babies spend a lot of time in one position as they are moved about in their car seat carriers. The result: Babies who do not spend enough awake time on their stomachs are at risk for delay in developmental milestones as well as orthopedic issues such as torticollis and skull deformation. The APTA offers suggestions to help avoid these issues in an article and a link to an informative brochure with photos of beneficial positions.