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Essential Oils during Pregnancy

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September 20, 2025•4 min read

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Safely Using Essential Oils During Pregnancy, Birth & Breastfeeding

By Marra Hensby | Shared by Red Miller, Love Based Birth Hive

 a new life into this world is quite possibly the most miraculous and joyous thing you could ever experience. It is a time of wonder, excitement and many changes. As your body grows and develops into a home for this little being, you may begin to have physical ailments that stem from that. You know that you need to be extremely careful while in this state, so treating these ailments in the safest way possible is a priority.

Essential oils are wonderful natural tools that you can use for so many physical, mental and emotional conditions, but are they safe for pregnancy? And what about using aromatherapy during labour and breastfeeding, is that safe?

Pregnancy

Using Essential Oils During Pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy is a very sensitive time. The baby is just beginning to develop and is still very small. We know that the constituents in essential oils can cross into the placenta, so we need to be very careful during this timeframe.

Key Guidelines:

  • The use of aromatherapy is generally not advised during the first trimester

  • If you choose to use essential oils, inhalation is the safest option

  • For topical use, stick to a 1% dilution (1 drop of oil for every 5ml of carrier oil)

  • Only use aromatherapy as needed for physical issues, not every day

  • Less is more during this delicate time

Second and Third Trimester

During the second and third trimester, you may start to experience more physical issues like back pain, swollen feet and tight skin. At this point, the topical application of essential oils is considered safe with a 1% dilution.

Important Reminders:

  • Essential oils are not recommended during the first trimester, but the safest use is inhalationBringing

  • If using safe essential oils topically during pregnancy, use only 1% dilution

  • Do not use essential oils every day

  • Do not diffuse for long periods

  • Always put the baby's health first

Essential Oils Safety Lists

❌ Essential Oils to AVOID Entirely During Pregnancy, Labour and Breastfeeding:

  • Rue

  • Wormwood

  • Hyssop

  • Sage

  • Parsley

  • Anise

  • Tansy

  • Camphor

  • Mugwort

  • Birch

  • Wintergreen

  • Pennyroyal

  • Thuja

  • Tarragon

  • Basil (safe for breastfeeding only)

✅ Essential Oils Considered Safe During Pregnancy (per NAHA):

  • Bergamot

  • Benzoin

  • Black Pepper

  • Chamomile

  • Clary Sage

  • Cypress

  • Eucalyptus

  • Frankincense

  • Geranium

  • Ginger

  • Grapefruit

  • Juniper

  • Lavender

  • Lemon

  • Mandarin

  • Marjoram

  • Neroli

  • Petitgrain

  • Rose

  • Sandalwood

  • Orange

  • Tea Tree

  • Ylang Ylang

Special Note: Peppermint is safe for pregnancy but not for nursing.

Featured Oil: Geranium

One of the favorite oils to use during pregnancy is Geranium because it can:

  • Help minimize swelling in legs and feet

  • Stimulate the lymphatic system to reduce fluid retention

  • Balance hormones and reduce mood swing symptoms

  • Often referred to as a "women's oil"

Relaxing Foot Soak Recipe:

  • 2 drops of geranium oil

  • 1/3 cup of Epsom salts

  • Combine oil and salts, mix well, add to warm foot bath

Childbirth

Using Essential Oils During Labour

Being in labour can be a stressful and painful time, making it another opportunity to utilize essential oils to help ease conditions.

Research Findings:

  • Clinical studies show women who smelled Lavender oil during labour reported lower pain intensity

  • Separate study proved women who inhaled Lavender at night improved their sleep quality postpartum

Labour-Safe Essential Oils:

  • Ginger oil: Great for nausea

  • Lavender oil: Helps with stress and pain

  • Frankincense oil: May help regulate breathing and keep you grounded

  • Jasmine and Clary Sage: May stimulate uterine contractions

  • Peppermint: Creates a fresh aroma in birthing room/area

Important: Make sure your doctor or midwife approves the use of essential oils during labour.

Breastfeeding

Using Essential Oils During Breastfeeding

To a baby, your care and feeding is the most important thing for their health and growth. It is essential to make sure nothing interferes with that.

Red's Important Notes:

  • Highly recommend NOT using any essential oils in the first several weeks with a newborn because of their heightened sense of smell

  • All normal household smells can already be overwhelming for newborns

  • Overwhelming the sense of smell can interfere with breastfeeding

  • Never burn or diffuse essential oils in a room where baby is sleeping or being cared for

  • If using oils on breasts (when baby is older), completely wash the breast with soap and water before nursing

Guidelines for Nursing Mothers:

Safety Practices:

  • Do not use essential oils topically or diffuse them when baby is nursing

  • Nighttime diffusion of calming blends (in separate room from baby) can help parents sleep

  • Topical use of 1% dilution can help with physical issues like varicose veins, stretch marks, and muscle pain

Milk Supply Considerations:

  • Tea Tree oil: May be useful in treating mastitis

  • Basil and Fennel oil: Can boost milk supply when used topically on breast after feeding (ensure no oil present at next feeding)

  • Peppermint oil: Known to stop milk production - use if ready to cease breastfeeding by applying diluted to breasts

Final Recommendations

Essential oils can be a perfect natural aid during this very special time. Just make sure to:

  • Be careful about which oils you use

  • Follow proper usage guidelines

  • Always consult with your healthcare provider

  • Prioritize baby's health and safety

  • Use minimal amounts when needed

Always consult your doctor or midwife before using essential oils during pregnancy, labour, or breastfeeding.


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