Using Essential Oils During Pregnancy.
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Being pregnant is a truly humbling experience. I want to share with you some of the holistic products and practices that I incorporated into my routine for this last pregnancy. Most are essential oils, but I also want to reference some other things that have been part of these routines as well, such as supplements and a few specific healthy habits. I treat my essential oils that way - incorporating diet, exercise and supplements regularly are integral to experiencing true progress in reaching any wellness goal. The same is true with pregnancy!
If you’re unfamiliar with essential oils, you can learn more about my story with them (and the science behind why they work!) HERE. What’s really amazing about these oils is the versatility - they can be used topically (applied to your skin), aromatically (diffused into the air) or taken internally (by adding drops to water or veggie capsules and taken like a supplement), and these 3 ways can help support your health in truly transformative and incredible ways! Also, I only use doTERRA essential oils because they are the safest and purest essential oils (think 3rd party testing, results made available to the public, and TONS of peer-reviewed clinical and research studies). I only want to use the safest oils on my body and with my family, which is why I choose doTERRA.
DISCLAIMER (because I have to): Please keep in mind, I am NOT a doctor, so please consult yours before using anything I recommend. My doc actually recommended essential oils to me early on in my pregnancy, and I just giggled as she shared with me the different ways they could help. And of course, she is right! It made me really happy that my OBGYN practice recognizes the value of these powerful plant essences.
Healthy practices that really helped me during this pregnancy:
Drinking tons of water (I aim for 100 oz. per day).
Eating an astronomical amount of protein (around 80-100 grams per day).
Exercising (I did a pretty decent job at this up until my 8th month, ha). I lifted light weights, did the row machine (until my belly got in the way), did the stair climber and swam.
Resting a lot, especially taking naps and putting my feet up for 10-minute water breaks throughout the day.
Taking my prenatals, probiotics and iron supplements (I have been anemic every pregnancy, so the last one is especially important for me).
Cutting out refined sugar. This is something I implemented during my last trimester in an effort to keep my weight down because I tend to have big babies.
Lastly, using my essential oils! I’ll break it down for you below!
1st Trimester:
Digestion/Nausea:
- Add 1-2 drops Lemon essential oil to water and drink. I do this all throughout the day, and the Lemon really helps with the nausea. This is one of my favorite things I have done all throughout my pregnancy! Just make sure to use a glass or aluminum container - you never want to put essential oils in plastic (they will break down the plastic material).
- Rub 1-2 drops DigestZen on my belly. I added this to this unscented lotion, this belly oil or fractionated coconut oil to help it absorb into my skin. This really helped with the early pregnancy nausea that was just awwwwwful.
Mood Swings/Pregnancy Blues:
- I applied 1-2 drops of Balance (known as the grounding blend) to my pulse points all throughout the day.
- Diffuse 4-6 drops Elevation (the joyful blend) or Citrus Bliss (the invigorating blend) to create a sunny, optimistic environment in the home.
Daily “Perfume” Blend:
- I apply an even mix of Magnolia and Rose essential oil rollerballs to my pulse points, over my heart and on the back of my neck. Smells better than any perfume I’ve ever used, with the added benefit of boosting the immune system (Rose) and keeping me calm and grounded (Magnolia).
Boost Energy + Combat Fatigue.
- Sniff Peppermint! I literally just open the bottle and take a whiff throughout the day when I need a pick-me-up. You can also apply 1-2 drops to the back of your neck and it instantly provides a cooling, refreshing sensation. Better than a 3pm coffee ;)
- Take my daily Life Long Vitality supplements! This vitamin pack serves as a complete prenatal vitamin, and it has helped boost my energy and immune system better than what I took during any of my other pregnancies! So very happy with these supplements and I will continue to take them after I am no longer pregnant.
Headaches:
- Thankfully, this pregnancy I haven’t had the kind of headaches I had when I was pregnant with Daxton (I lived with migraines that pregnancy - not fun!) But for any kind of head tension, I would put 1 drop of Frankincense and 1 drop of Peppermint under my tongue and apply Frankincense to my temples and massage the oil in.
2nd Trimester:
Heartburn:
- Add 1-2 Terrazyme supplements with every meal to help with that overly-full feeling. This is a whole-food digestive enzyme supplement that helps the body digest protein fats, sugars and complex carbs. It also helps your stomach break down foods in the most efficient way and converting it into energy.
Muscle Cramps/Charlie Horse:
- I take 4 Bone Nutrient Complex capsules every night right before I go to bed. Not only is it beneficial for the baby (mega doses of Trace Minerals, Vitamin C & D), but the Magnesium and Calcium are especially helpful for easing those calf/leg cramps that are such a mystery during pregnancy.
Back Pain:
- I used the Deep Blue Rub on my back almost every night after getting out of the bath tub. Creates such a relief from all the pressure!
Stretch Marks:
- I use the Immortelle rollerball on my stretch marks after applying belly balm and lotion. Helps spot treat certain areas and is so good for skin health overall!
3rd Trimester:
Sleep:
- Sleep has become an elusive challenge this last month or so, but I’m not trying to fight the insomnia anymore. Since this is my 3rd pregnancy, I know my body so well these days, and I KNOW that the insomnia is just part of my training (or is it self-inflicted hazing?) of prepping for that nighttime baby feeding schedule. However, I DO love diffusing Serenity or Balance at night before bed, and I often take 1 Serenity Restful Complex capsule before I go to sleep as well.
Sleep (in the woods) Diffuser Blend:
***I recommend this blend to anyone who doesn’t prefer floral scents like lavender for bedtime.
- 3 drops Vetiver
- 3 drops Cedarwood
- 3 drops Douglas Fir
Combine these oils in a diffuser with water and enjoy the relaxing, rest-enhancing aroma!
Soothe Muscles + Unwind:
- I take a bath every single night. Without fail. I love adding oils to the bathwater, especially Frankincense and Balance. I have also been adding this Little Barn Apothecary body oil to my bathtub lately, because YUM.
The Essential Oils I Use/Avoid During Pregnancy + Resources:
There are SO many great oils that I have been avoiding since I got pregnant, because certain oils can influence hormones, and I personally want my body to regulate its hormones on its own during pregnancy. I look forward to being able to use these again!
Avoid:
- I avoid using the following oils topically and internally while pregnant: Yarrow, Grapefruit, Clary Sage, Black Pepper, Geranium, Jasmine, Wintergreen, Cassia, Clove.
*Note: These oils can be safely diffused during pregnancy.
Use:
- Oils that I love and USE regularly for pregnancy (aromatically, topically and internally): Lemon, Wild Orange, Frankincense, Rose, Magnolia & Peppermint.
*Note: Discontinue use of Peppermint after delivery if you want to breastfeed. Peppermint reduces milk production so you will want to avoid this during the duration of your breastfeeding experience!
- Essential Oils blends that I use regularly for pregnancy: Balance, Elevation, OnGuard, Serenity, DigestZen, Deep Blue, Immortelle, Adaptiv, Citrus Bliss.
If you’re ever curious about which oils are safe to use for pregnancy, I HIGHLY recommend checking out The Essential Midwife site, grabbing her book HERE and checking out this blog post from doTERRA.
If you are interested in getting some of these oils in your life, leave your email address in the comment section and I will hook you up with a special gift when you place your 1st purchase!
