Aromatherapy is a practice which uses essential oils, through massage or inhala tion. the benefits of aromatherapy are claimed to come from the scent of the oils which have the power to transform emotions and heal. A practi-tioner will safely prepare a unique blend of essentials and cold pressed oils and apply to the skin through massage or vaporization in a vaporizer or diffuser.
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment which is designed to significantly improve physical and psychological well- being. the use of essential oils dur-ing pregnancy and childbirth constitutes the most commonly used therapy within maternity care, possibly due to the subtle therapeutic effects of the oils themselves, together with the nurturing aspects of some of the tech-niques used within aromatherapy. Due respect to the potency of essential oils should be paramount at all times.
Dilution safety, and potential toxicity of essential oils is the key to safe administration in pregnancy. Some oils have diuretic and/ or emmenagogic* properties which may limit the use of popular oils.
Many oils are contraindicated in pregnancy due to their strength and potential abortifacient properties, so when in doubt as to whether an oil is suitable, professional advice should be sought. Women should be encour-aged to seek advice from their midwife or Gp and to consult a registered aromatherapist if she wishes to use essential oils in pregnancy.5
General principles
• essential oils should never be taken internally.
• All essential oils should be diluted in some form prior to use, e.g. in a base oil or lotion, water, or vaporized, or compress.
• Store in a dark, locked cupboard away from children.
• Respect the storage and shelf life of essential oils.
• Adhere to recommended dosages for pregnancy.
• Adhere to cautions regarding pregnancy, epilepsy, hypertension, and other medical conditions.
• use sound, respected sources of oils and carrier oils to ensure therapeutic quality.
• Always enquire about potential allergies prior to use; some oils may cause skin reactions if used neat or in high doses— therefore, exercise caution with women who have sensitive skin or a history of allergies.
• Be aware of the woman’s medical and obstetric history to ensure there are no contraindications to the use of essential oils or methods of administration.
Administration of essential oils
Debate about the essential oils that are considered safe for pregnancy and childbirth continues. table 7.1 is not an exhaustive list of essential oils but reflects the most common oils used for pregnancy and childbirth.
Routes of administration of essential oils
• Massage to parts of the body (head, neck, back, feet) or whole body.
• Bath: 4– 6 drops suspended in milk or carrier oil and added after water has been run and then agitated to disperse oils evenly.
* emmenagogue: an essential oil that contains properties which can induce or assist menstruation.
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Table 7.1 Oils for pregnancy and childbirth
Essential oil Properties Comments
Chamomile (Roman—
Anthemisnobilis) (German—
Matricariachamomilla)
Antispasmodic, antiseptic, calming, antifungal, analgesic, anti- inflammatory. Soothing for the skin, nervous, and digestive systems.
Stimulates immune system
Avoid use of Roman chamomile until late pregnancy Avoid use of German chamomile in early pregnancy. German chamomile useful for sensitive skin Clary sage
(Salvia sclerea)
Antidepressant, hypnotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti- inflammatory, uterine tonic— assists contractions.
Mainly used as a massage or compress
Do not use in pregnancy.
May cause drowsiness; care with driving and alcohol.
Oestrogenic properties.
Reduces panic and lowers blood pressure eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus globulus)
Nasal decongestant, antiseptic, pain relief, urinary tract infection. Inhalation, massage, compress
Avoid in epileptics and hypertension. May cause skin irritation. Clears head and cools emotions Frankincense
(Boswellia carteri)
Hysteria, hyperventilation, depression, genitourinary tract infections, decongestant
One drop inhaled from tissue/ taper to relieve hyperventilation. Slight emmenagogue— low doses during pregnancy, calming oil for labour
Geranium (Perlagonium graveolens)
Balancing, analgesic, antispasmodic, decongestant, antiseptic, diuretic
Heavy aroma, check acceptability prior to use. Regulates hormone function. eliminates waste and congestion. useful for nervousness, fatigue, fluid retention, varicose veins, and cystitis
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
Antiseptic, analgesic.
Good for massage during pregnancy
Gentle safe oil, light refreshing aroma, phototoxic. Shelf life:
3 months. Relief of stress headaches. useful for colds and flu
Jasmine
(Jasminium officinale)
Analgesic, antispasmodic, uterine tonic, pain, hormone- balancing, sedative, aphrodisiac
emmenagogue— not to be used until term. Very expensive. Aroma is overpowering; caution with vaporizing; best used as massage in low doses.
Regulates and deepens breathing
(Continued)
Essential oil Properties Comments Lavender
(Lavendula angustifolia)
Antiseptic, analgesic, pain relief, antispasmodic hypotensive. First-aid oil
emmenagogue, use with caution in first trimester.
Care with vaporization.
May cause headaches or drowsiness.5 Not to be used in combination with epidural anaesthesia or pethidine Lemon
(Citrus limon)
Anti- anaemic,
antispasmodic, bactericidal, circulatory tonic, skin tonic, immune system stimulant
Minimal phototoxic effect, short shelf life. Vaporization or in combination with other oils for massage. Headache, Candida, cleansing action Lime
(Citrus aurantifolia)
Antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic, balances immune system, appetite regulator. useful for sickness in pregnancy
Gentle, relaxing, safe oil, phototoxic
Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Antiseptic, analgesic, hormone- balancing, flatulence, anxiety, nausea.
Gentle uplifting effect
Good all- round oil with pleasant aroma. Special affinity for women and children.
excellent for stretch marks Neroli
(Citrus aurantium or bigaradia)
Antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, induces peacefulness, uterine tonic, skin tonic
Very expensive. Stretch marks, stress, depression.
Hypnotic effect— care with driving
Sweet orange (Citrus sinesis)
Antiseptic, skin tonic, relaxing, digestive disorders, anxiety
phototoxic, possible skin irritation as with most citrus oils. Gentle versatile oil.
Suitable for nausea, vomiting, stress, oedema, hypertension petitgrain
(Citrus bigaradia)
Relaxing, stress, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, antioxidant, antispasmodic, skin tonic, antiseptic
Good for fear and panic.
Insomnia, skin problems, depression, digestive disorders Rose
(Rosa centifolia or damascena)
Antidepressant, antiseptic, antiviral aphrodisiac, vasoconstrictive, hormone- balancing. Affinity with female reproductive system
use for anxiety, insomnia, constipation.
emmenagogue— preferably avoid until late pregnancy.
Very expensive, but ideal oil for all women’s needs.
ensure high- quality oil used for therapeutic purposes Sandalwood
(Santalum album)
Calming, sedative, astringent, diuretic, decongestant, antiseptic, bactericidal
Suggested use: varicose veins, cystitis, vaginal discharge, bronchitis, coughs, sore throats, heartburn, and nausea
(Continued) Table 7.1 (Contd.)
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• Compress: 3– 4 drops in hot or cold water. Flannel or sanitary pad is then immersed, wrung out, and applied to the skin. Repeated once the flannel cools to body temperature.
• Foot bath: 3– 4 drops of essential oil added to warm water. Agitate and then soak for a minimum of 10min to gain benefit.
• Vulval wash: useful to help prevent infection; douches should not be used in the intrapartum period and postnatally. use three drops of essential oil to 1L of warm water; agitate, and pour over the vulval area.
• Room spray: ten drops of oil to 200mL of water, preferably in a fine- nozzle spray container.
• tissue/ cotton wool: 1– 2 drops of essential oil and inhale as required.
• taper: one drop of essential oil, and waft under nostrils as required.
• Inhalation: traditional method of inhaling via a bowl containing hot water and oils, with a towel over one’s head. Safety precautions need to be exercised. two drops of oil in the bowl and inhale for 10min. this procedure is not recommended for asthmatic people. this method may also be used as a facial sauna for skin conditions.
• Vaporizer or diffuser: naked flames are prohibited within maternity units; however, electrical vaporizers are most suited and safe for institutional use. One to two drops of essential oil is used and the vaporizer switched on for no more than 10– 15min per hour to prevent overintoxication of the oils chosen. Where women may wish to vaporize essential oils at home via a device with a naked flame, they should be advised of the correct usage and safety implications.
Reference
5 National Institute for Health and Care excellence (2008). Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnan-cies. NICe guidelines CG62. Available at: M www.nice.org.uk/ guidance/ cg62.
Further reading
price S, price L (2003). Aromatherapy for Health Professionals. edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Essential oil Properties Comments
tea tree
(Melaleuca alternifolia)
Strong antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, stimulates white blood cell production.
Inhibits growth of many pathogenic bacteria
effective for Candida infection, acne (facial sauna). prevention of infection, natural alternative to treat colds and influenza.
Also effective as first-aid treatment for mouth ulcers, bites, boils, burns, cold sores
Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)
Aphrodisiac, sedative, tonic, antidepressant, hypotensive, antiseptic, emotionally balancing, stimulates the ovaries
Heady aroma. use for anxiety, depression, panic, fear, and shock. Regulates heart beat and slows breathing. Regulates flow of adrenaline
Table 7.1 (Contd.)