Pregnancy-Safe Essential Oils Guide
During pregnancy, the body is more sensitive, and some essential oils can affect hormones, uterine muscles, or cause irritation. Choosing safe essential oils and using them with care ensures comfort without risk. We love essential oils for the natural, fresh scents in our Epsom salt blends but we are aware of the risks (no matter how small) for pregnant women. This guide is intended to give a break-down of aromatherapy and benefits for moms-to-be.***
Generally Safe Essential Oils (with proper dilution):
| Essential Oil | Trimester | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | 2nd & 3rd | Relaxation, sleep, skin soothing |
| Frankincense | All | Grounding, stress relief, immune support |
| Chamomile (Roman) | 2nd & 3rd | Calming, reduces anxiety and tension |
| Ylang Ylang | All | Balancing, calming, supports mood |
| Geranium | 2nd & 3rd | Skin health, emotional balance |
| Sweet Orange | All | Uplifting, gentle on digestion |
| Lemon | All | Energizing, helps with nausea |
| Ginger | All | Morning sickness, nausea relief (use sparingly) |
| Copaiba | All | Skin soothing, anti-inflammatory |
Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy
| Avoid These Oils | Reason |
|---|---|
| Clary Sage | Can stimulate uterine contractions |
| Rosemary | Can raise blood pressure |
| Peppermint | May reduce milk supply (late pregnancy/postpartum) |
| Oregano, Thyme, Basil | Hormone stimulating, potential uterine irritants |
| Wintergreen | Contains methyl salicylate—too strong |
| Cinnamon, Clove | Irritating, may be too stimulating |
| Eucalyptus (in high concentrations) | Respiratory risk if overused |
Some trimester by trimester notes:
First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)
Use essential oils sparingly and only via gentle diffusion or well-diluted topical use. Some experts recommend avoiding oils completely until week 12 unless under professional guidance.
Best for Nausea, Fatigue, and Calm:
- Ginger (very sparingly) – Nausea relief
- Lemon – Energizing, helps with morning sickness
- Sweet Orange – Mood boost, gentle and uplifting
- Frankincense – Calms nerves, promotes grounding
Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27)
This time is generally safer to use a wider range of oils.
Great for Sleep, Skin, and Mood Support:
- Lavender – Restful sleep, calming anxiety
- Roman Chamomile – Soothing, stress relief
- Geranium – Skin balancing, emotional grounding
- Copaiba – Reduces inflammation and supports skin
- Ylang Ylang – Harmonizing and mood lifting
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40+)
Great for Tension, Calm, and Labor Prep:
- Lavender – Relaxation before birth
- Frankincense – Deep breathing, focus
- Geranium – Prepares skin for labor
- Roman Chamomile – Reduces anxiety, helps with sleep
***As always trust your OWN body and your medical provider. If you have further questions please reach out to your medical provider.
For additional reading check out these sources: