Confused about aromatherapy oils during pregnancy

[Bed Bunny]

Hi

i am utterly baffled about which aromatherapy oils are safe to use during all stages of pregnancy. Every source i look at seems to differ so i can't find any oils that are safe!!

I am a qualified beauty therapist and amongst other treatments, I offer aromatherapy massage but my NVQ Level 3 unit on that only qualified me to use preblended oils and not to mix my own. I recently bought a specific pregnancy blend but i noticed that it contains geranium which i have read today is not safe during pregnancy. I am so confused and frustrated!

Can anyone help me out?!

many thanks
BB

 

[Martin Duffy]

Part of the problem comes from the fact that a lot of the information isn't based on any studies into EO's in pregnancy, rather it's based on the internal use of the herb, which is another matter entirely. There are also a lot of people who confuse emmenagogues with abortifacients, which mostly stems from the use of populist aromatherapy books rather than those written from a more academic perspective. I'd strongly recommend you purchase Aromatherapy for Health Professionals as it has a very comprehensive evidence-based chapter on essential oil use in pregnancy.

 

[karmajules]

I am sure you will get an answer from a geek a good deal more qualified than me, but I thought i would post anyway.

I think there are so many different opinions on useages that you have to make your own mind up! Loads of contradictions. I alway err on the side of caution. I personally do not use any oils on pregnant women until they are 14-16 weeks and then at a much diluted rate. I will only use 2% or less. I also limit the oils to lavender, mandarin (great for fluid retention around ankles). I have also used bergamot, sandalwood, orange and grapefruit. But just bear in mind pregnant ladies can be very sensititve to smells and have skin reactions. Obviously bergamot and other citrus can be photoxic.

You can buy ready made oils for pregnancy, try some searches on the internet. You could buy one of these and if you wanted to be totally happy, you could dilute it even further by adding more carrier.

Do remember while treating pregnant ladies, vapourisers or oil burners in the room should be considered too.

Jx

 

[jo1983]

Where do you get your preblend from and what's it called?

 

[karmajules]

I have never bought a preblended one myself. I am qualified in aromatherapy and make my own blends.

I would suggest a cup of tea and an internet search. I know there are a few out there. You could also try the NCT site, Netmums and other parenting sites.

You could also try a local aromatherapist, perhaps they can mix you a blend.

However, in the main I would prefer to mix for the individual and their specific needs. But, a relaxing blend could be made, used and be suitable for most pregnant ladies. Just remember contra indications, lower dilution rate and the golden rule of less is more.

 

[Bed Bunny]

hi

thanks for all the replies. the blend i bought is from the Muti brand. I got it from Pregnant & Beautiful.

BB
x