Aromatherapy During Pregnancy

Aromatherapy is an alternative form of medication that involves the use of essential oils and other aromatic compounds extracted from the plants naturally.
This form of medication is quite an effective method that helps one to treat one’s mind and body that helps to make one feel more comfortable and relaxed. It is a really effective practice that could prove to be really effective during pregnancy by providing a pregnant woman with a peaceful mind and soul.
However, in some cases it has been seen that the therapy has resulted in some side effects which could be taken care of in advance by consulting the physician.

Use of Aromatherapy during Pregnancy

A number of safety measures should be taken in an aromatherapy during pregnancy as these essential oils are highly volatile and concentrated. Aromatherapy can do wonders at the time of pregnancy, at a time when the body is undergoing a vast number of changes.
If the treatment is done with care and expertise it could help the pregnant women lead these nine months with complete ease, less pain and relaxed body. It is most helpful in the first three months of pregnancy when women undergoes the maximum number of changes and that requires good amount of rest to the body.
During these first three months the extracts from sandalwood, fennel, neroli, and lavender could prove to be very helpful in preventing nausea and vomiting. In the following three months the problems of irritability, body stiffness and restlessness makes the body suffer many times but aromatherapy can be very helpful in curbing these problems by improving the body’s flexibility and preventing the body from straining.
A mixture of black pepper and fennel oil with carrier oil when used for massage can help in getting rid of the constipation. And of course the final three years during pregnancy need much more care as the body now carries an extra weight that leads to the swelling of hand and feet. A healthy massage with lavender oil in carrier oil can be very effective in this context. Use of the other essential oils in this period of nine months can help solve many other body problems.

A number of essential oils can be used to maintain the body functions. Eucalyptus for example is as effective as an antibiotic. Rosewood and sandalwood oil on the other hand are good sedatives. Neroli is also very helpful during aromatherapy as an anti inflammatory and an antispasmodic agent.
With all these and many other positive aspects aromatherapy even leads to various side effects as in case of basil essential oil which is though very effective and essential in aromatherapy should be thoroughly prohibited as it results in the onset of menses. Not only this but if these oils are absorbed by the body, they might enter the blood stream and prove to be toxic for the premature child.
It may sometimes also result in skin reactions and imbalance the body harmony. The essential oils from citronella, nutmeg, lemon, peppermint, etc. should be avoided as many of them result in uterine contraction and ultimately premature labor. Geranium is another essential oil that can be harmful during pregnancy as it could lead to lowering of the blood sugar.

Useful References