I’ve never really been clued up when it comes to essential oils. I love when I go to a spa and they use all of the different scents, and I always plan to get into them and learn all about the different healing properties and benefits; but when it comes to actually using them at home my plans have always fallen short.

It was only when I started my natal hypnotherapy that I began looking into how essential oils could help with not only my relaxation during pregnancy but my labour too.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are extracted from different parts of plants through the stems, petals and body. They are full of different nutrients and so highly concentrated that only a few drops are necessary to make a desired effect. This means that even the teeniest of bottles last a really long time.

How and why are essential oils used?

For hundreds of years essential oils have been used as massage oils, directly on the skin or hair, in the bath, inhaled from a tissue or blanket, and diffused in a burner. Because they’re so highly concentrated only 3 drops are needed to get the desired effects.

They are used for their beautifying and relaxation properties with effects varying among oils but you can be certain to find one for whatever your need, from calming and energising to uplifting and rejuvenating!

Essential oils and pregnancy

They’re great for numerous conditions but especially fab for muma’s with brewing bumps! What muma-to-be doesn’t want to feel relaxed and calm, especially with the thought of labour on their baby brains?

From what I’ve researched, it’s best to stay away from essential oils for the first trimester. Once you’re in the second and third however, they can’t do enough for you and your raging hormones and aching body!

Here are some of the essential oils recommended during pregnancy; some great for specific pregnancy problems and others for general relaxation:

• Neroli –  Really good for promoting glowing skin and healing depression, digestive problems, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.

• Bergamot – light, refreshing and citrusy. It relieves pain, aids in antenatal and postnatal depression and is an effective indigestion reliever.

• Grapefruit – Helps with digestion and water retention.

• Rosewood – Cant sleep? This one is meant to have mild sedative effects!

• Eucalyptus – Antiviral so it eases coughs and colds naturally during pregnancy.

• Lavender – Great for relaxation, pain relief  and even stretch marks!

• Sandlewood – Great for healing cystitis

• Geranium – Pain relief for swollen/painful breasts, legs and ankles, as well as backache.

• Chamomile – Well this one is a given, soothing and calming.

• Ylang Ylang – Keeps muma focused during labour while relaxing and calming.

If you’re going to massage the oils on you, or if you’re lucky enough to have someone massage them onto you, then it’s advised to mix the essential oil with a carrier oil such as sweet almond or grape seed.

I decided to go for Lavender oil during pregnancy and Clary Sage for labour and if I go overdue. Both are from ‘Fresh Skin’ and come in 10ml bottles.

• Parsley
• Lemongrass
• Clove
• Peppermint
• Myrrh
• Rosemary
• Cinnamon
• Thyme
• Fennel
• Basil
• Hyssop
• Juniper
• Cedarwood
• Pennyroyal
• Jasmin (until labour)

I’m going to continue using the oils during my relaxation times and even though Winchester hospital provide oils along with their trained aromatherapist midwives (how awesome is that?) I’ll bring the oils along with me just in case.

What oils would you recommend or definitely not recommend?

Thanks for reading!

xx