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Essential Oils In Pregnancy
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Let's Talk about it. |
All
Aches & Pains
Essential Oils In Pregnancy
Labor
Labor Prep
Loss Recovery
The Work Of A Doula
Emily Sisco, a Certified Nurse Midwife with Mayo Clinic Health System believes in the health benefits of using essential oils but warns, "the research is still limited, and it is best to talk to your medical provider first." She recommends less as better and since in pregnancy you are already sensitive to smells, she warns to take it slow and to never ingest oils while pregnant ("Essential oils and pregnancy - Mayo Clinic Health System," n.d.). Sisco recommends using Peppermint with headaches, nausea, nasal congestion and muscle aches. Lavender and Rose have been known to decrease anxiety and may do so in labor. Pain is decreased naturally when relaxed and both these smells provide a sense of memory and comfort to relax moms in pregnancy ("Essential oils and pregnancy - Mayo Clinic Health System," n.d.). Pain can slow or halt the progress of contractions and there are many oils that Sisco does not mention that are safe to use in pregnancy and come recommended in the Reference Guide for Essential Oils (2017). Gentle Baby is designed specifically for expectant mothers and newborn babies and can relieve stress during pregnancy. Its help with skin elasticity and fighting stretch marks are a bonus. Geranium improves energy, stimulates circulation and facilitates easy breathing. It will help release negativity and bring you back to peace by balancing emotions and lifting spirits. Ylang Ylang balances emotions and hormonal systems. Roman Chamomile releases muscle tension, calms nerves, reduces irritability and nervousness, and is mild enough for infants and children. Grapefruit helps fight fatigue, headaches, and stress. It has a cleansing affect to the kidneys, lymphatics and vascular system. Tangerine aids with constipation, dizziness, flatulence, irritability, sadness, stretch marks, stress, swelling and reduces water retention. Elemi traditionally helps with skin issues but has also been known to reduce inflammation. Ginger aids gas/flatulence, indigestion, morning or motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting (Higley & Higley, 2017). Oils in LaborAlong with any of the previously mentioned oils, some are used more specifically in labor. Jasmine for instance helps reduce anxiety and deeply affects the emotions, it is uplifting and promotes power. Folklore lists it as an oil to induce labor. Lavender promotes circulation, is calming, a natural antibiotic, and is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Nutmeg is great for so many things from balancing your hormones to calming the central nervous system, and alleviates anxiety. It also increases circulation. Valor empowers you physically and spiritually so that we can overcome fears and stand tall in adversity. It has also been found to be beneficial in aligning physical structures of the body such as the hips, and balance energy flows of the body (Higley & Higley, 2017). Some oils should only be used in labor because they can produce contractions or uterus stimulation. Clary Sage for instance is known to kick labor into gear. The American Pregnancy Association (APA) (n.d.) lists Clary Sage and Jasmine as "essential oils that can help contractions and ease muscular pain," (Horne, 2010). Caution should be used in the use of essential oils. A licensed aromatherapist should be consulted or someone with much experience and training in the use of essential oils. Large amounts of Nutmeg can cause nausea, stupor and tachycardia. Oils to avoid with hypertension: Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, and Peppermint (Higley & Higley, 2017). References
Essential oils and pregnancy - Mayo Clinic Health System. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/essential-oils-and-pregnancy Higley, C., & Higley, A. (2017). Reference guide for essential oils. Horne, V. (2010, July 14). Which essential oils will induce labor? Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/174847-which-essential-oils-will-induce-labor/ Make Images, Videos and Web Stories for Free in Minutes | Adobe Spark. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://spark.adobe.com/sp//sp/
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