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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. What essential oils can I use in a oil burner during pregnancy? What essential oils can I use in a bath during pregnancy? Are there any unsafe aromatic candles during pregnancy?

A. You can use any of the safe oils either in a burner or a bath or a massage oil in pregnancy. The essential oils that are considered safe in pregnancy are: Tangerine, mandarin, orange, lemon, grapefruit, geranium, roman chamomile, rose (bulgar or maroc), jasmine, ylang-ylang, lavender, neroli, frankincense,bergamot, cypress, peppermint, patchouli and sandalwood. These are fine in candles, etc.

Clary sage appears in many labor massage oil blends---this essential oil should only be used after labor begins--it should not be used in pregnancy. Essential oils that should be avoided in pregnancy include cinnamon, cedarwood, pennyroyal, thyme, wintergreen, clove, hyssop, fennel, thuja, and myrhh. Your best bet is probably to only use aromatherapy products that consist of the safe essential oils.

If you are interested in using aromatherapy in pregnancy and labor, or are curious about a particular oil and whether it can be used in pregnancy, I recommend referring to one of the books devoted to the topic. Always use 100% pure essential oils, and never use an oil undiluted or take it internally.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.