In this post:
Essential Oils & Pregnancy
Essential Oils During Labour
Essential Oils for Varicose Veins
“Pregnancy, labour and birth is a natural process…it makes sense then to use natural products to facilitate a natural process. The use of Aromatherapy results in women feeling more satisfied about their births, having had shorter labours and a greater sense of control over this most powerful experience we call birth.” – Vancouver BSN & RN
Essential Oils and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a special time during which the expectant mother needs to take extra care of herself and her growing baby. The medical community advises pregnant women not to take any type of chemicals or drugs during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
It’s also important to know that there are several essential oils that should not be used at all during pregnancy, as they are considered to be abortifacients, meaning that they have the potential to cause abortions.
| Fennel | Jasmine |
| Basil | Marjoram |
| Angelica Root | Camphor |
| Carrot Seed | Myrrh |
| Champa | Nutmeg |
| Cinnamon | Sage |
| Clary Sage | White Thyme |
| Clove | Red Thyme |
The Essential Oils that Saje has selected to use in the Mother’s Wellness products have been used in percentages that are safe during pregnancy. However, Essential Oils are very concentrated and it’s recommended that women not only follow the directions for use carefully, but also consult their mid-wife, naturopath, or doctor if they have any specific questions or concerns regarding their pregnancy.
Safe Products for Expectant Mothers
Saje’s Mother’s Wellness Pregnancy Care line offers 100% natural, safe and effective products.
A 100% natural roll-on remedy specially formulated to support expectant mothers.
Key features & Benefits
- Calming lavender and soothing chamomile relax the mind and body, while earthy rosewood, soothing chamomile, and uplifting grapefruit help provide a natural boost.
- Soothes the mind and body.
- In safe quantities for expecting mothers.
How to Use
Traditionally used in aromatherapy to soothe the mind and body, creating a sense of harmony. Adults: apply topically to back, neck, head, stomach and temples as needed. Do not use within the first trimester. Discontinue use if rash or skin sensitivity develops.
Ingredients
Grapeseed oil; essential oils of rosewood, lavender, cajeput, roman chamomile & grapefruit.
Mother’s Wellness Stretch Mark Blend
A 100% natural stretch mark massage oil to help preserve skin's elasticity.
Key features & Benefits
- Tones and moisturizes the skin.
- Regular use keeps the skin moisturized and supple and helps prevent the formation of stretch marks.
- Will also improve the appearance of any existing stretch marks.
- Helps skin and muscles maintain natural elasticity.
- Penetrates easily, and does not leave skin oily and sticky.
- Daily massage is enjoyable and relaxing for both mother and baby.
How to Use
- Massage in a clockwise direction any areas where stretch marks may occur.
- Perform massage only lightly in the first trimester, and then twice daily during the second and third trimesters.
Essential Oils During Labour
Many Essential Oils that should be avoided during pregnancy can be very helpful during labour, as they help to strengthen and deepen contractions. The Essential Oils in the Birthing Blend combine to help relax the uterus, stimulate circulation, calm anxiety, balance breathing and have a slight analgesic effect.
Blending Instructions:
To make this blend, add the following drops of Essential Oils into 60 ml of Jojoba Oil:
Lavender x 7 drops
Geranium x 3 drops
Clary Sage x 2 drops
Rose Otto x 2 drops
Benefits:
- Clary Sage acts as a uterine tonic, helping to facilitate birth.
- Rose relaxes the uterus by helping the ligaments to soften, allowing the pelvic bones to expand more easily.
- Lavender works to calm anxiety & breathing, easing fears.
- Rose, Lavender, and Clary Sage all have a slight analgesic effect to help reduce pain.
- Lavender and Geranium stimulate and increase blood circulation, which allows for easier breathing.
- Essential Oils act as natural antiseptics in the delivery room.
- Euphoric Geranium, Rose and Clary Sage have an uplifting effect on the spirits and emotions.
- After delivery, continued use on the abdomen assists muscles in regaining elasticity and returning to their natural pre-pregnancy shape.
Applications:
- May be used on the lower back up to two days prior to the due date that the doctor has estimated, in order to help relax the body and facilitate the upcoming birth.
- Massage into the lower back often during the first stage of labour. Massage only once into the abdomen, and only during the first stage of labour. Do not use again on the abdomen, as continuing to do so will relax the baby too much.
- Continue to use often on the lower back throughout the rest of the labour process.
- Use on the abdomen after delivery to help ligaments regain elasticity, and encourage the muscles to return to their normal shape.
Again, it’s important to consult your health practitioner prior to using essential oils during pregnancy.
Calming Mist for Labour & Post Partum
The oils in this mist have been chosen not only for their antiseptic & antibiotic qualities, but also for their uplifting & balancing properties.
100% Botanical Ingredients: Distilled water and Essential Oils of Grapefruit, Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine, Rose Otto, and Frankincense.
Blending Instructions:
To make this blend, add the following drops of Essential Oils into 60 ml of water:
Grapefruit x 10 drops
Lavender x 5 drops
Geranium x 3 drops
Jasmine x 2 drops
Rose Otto x 2 drops
Frankincense x 1 drop
Benefits:
- Refreshes & revitalizes during the labour process.
- Balances the breathing.
- Calms and reduces anxiety.
- Natural antibiotic and antiseptic qualities of the Essential Oils make this mist a wonderful addition to any delivery room, to help create a safe and pleasant environment into which the baby can be born.
- Useful after delivery to help uplift the spirits and emotions.
Applications:
- Mist on the face, neck and back freely during labour.
- Use after delivery to help balance and uplift the spirit and emotions.
- Simply mist face with mouth and eyes closed, breathing deeply through the nose. Use as often as required.
Easy Blends for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins form as a result of the strain that pregnancy puts on the legs. It is important to lie down with both legs elevated for at least 10 minutes everyday. The following simple recipes can be easily blended at home, and will soothe the legs. Please note that these blends should only be used after the first trimester and you should consult your health practitioner before using during pregnancy.
Recipe #1: Add 3 drops of Lavender and 3 drops of Lemon to a footbath.
Recipe #2: Elevate legs and alternate warm and cool compresses, using a combination of astringent Essential Oils like Geranium, Lemon and Lavender.
Recipe #3: Blend 7 drops of Lavender and 7 drops of Lemon to 2 ounces (60ml) of carrier oil. Massage gently from the feet up the leg. Ensure that you do not apply strong pressure over any of the varicose veins.
For more information, speak to your health care practitioner.