7 Aromatherapy Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy

There are many questions that can arise when you find yourself pregnant. What you can and can’t do during those 9 months becomes a bit blurry. Essential oils have many great benefits of aromatherapy, but did you know that some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy? Let’s take a look at what aromatherapy oils to avoid during pregnancy.

At myGynaePlus we understand how pregnancy can make you want to find natural solutions to relieve common ailments. Below is some evidence-based information on essential oils to use with caution or avoid during pregnancy.

Why Some Essential Oils Pose Risks During Pregnancy

Essential oils are distilled plant compounds found in highly concentrated forms. They can travel across the placenta, and hormonal changes in pregnancy cause you to be more sensitive to these powerful oils. Certain oils can induce uterine contractions or disrupt foetal development and hormone levels.

Trimester 1 presents the most danger to your baby as this is when organs are developed. You should avoid ALL oils during your first 12 weeks, even ones that may be beneficial later in pregnancy.

Here's what makes certain oils problematic:

• They may stimulate the uterus and cause contractions

• Some contain compounds that mimic hormones

• Certain oils can affect blood pressure and circulation

• A few may cross the placenta and impact foetal development

  
  

The 7 Most Risky Aromatherapy Oils During Pregnancy

1. Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage tops the list of aromatherapy oils to avoid during pregnancy. This oil contains sclareol, a compound with oestrogen-like properties that can stimulate uterine contractions.

Labour wards sometimes use clary sage to encourage contractions during overdue pregnancies. This makes it particularly dangerous earlier in pregnancy when you want to prevent premature labour.

The oil may also affect hormone levels, which can disrupt the delicate balance your body maintains during pregnancy.

2. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil contains camphor and verbenone, compounds that can raise blood pressure and stimulate menstrual flow. These properties make it unsuitable throughout pregnancy.

Studies show that rosemary oil may affect uterine circulation. High camphor content can also cause nervous system stimulation, which poses risks during pregnancy.

Some herbalists suggest small amounts might be safe after the first trimester, but most medical professionals recommend avoiding it entirely.

3. Pennyroyal Oil

Pennyroyal ranks among the most dangerous essential oils for pregnant women. This oil has historically been used to induce abortion, making it extremely risky at any stage of pregnancy.

The oil contains pulegone, a compound toxic to the liver and kidneys. Even small amounts can cause serious complications, including miscarriage, premature birth, or organ damage.

Never use pennyroyal oil during pregnancy, regardless of how it's applied. The risks far outweigh any potential benefits.

4. Sage Oil (Common Sage)

Common sage oil differs from clary sage but carries similar risks. It contains thujone, a compound that can stimulate the nervous system and uterus.

The oil may also affect oestrogen levels and cause uterine contractions. These effects make it unsuitable for use during pregnancy, particularly in the first and second trimesters.

Some confusion exists between clary sage and common sage. Both should be avoided, though they're different plants with distinct properties.

5. Jasmine Oil

Jasmine oil can stimulate contractions and is traditionally used by midwives during labour. While it smells lovely, this property makes it risky earlier in pregnancy.

The oil may also affect hormone production. Some women find jasmine oil causes headaches or nausea, symptoms that pregnancy can already intensify.

Medical professionals at myGynaePlus advise pregnant women to wait until labour begins naturally before considering jasmine oil, and only under professional guidance.

6. Juniper Berry Oil

Juniper berry oil can irritate the kidneys and affect urine production. During pregnancy, your kidneys already work harder to filter waste for two people.

The oil may also stimulate uterine muscles. Ancient texts describe juniper as an abortifacient, though modern concentrations differ from historical preparations.

Pregnancy puts extra strain on your renal system. Adding a potentially kidney-irritating substance creates unnecessary risk.

7. Thyme Oil

Thyme oil contains high levels of thymol and carvacrol, compounds that can stimulate menstruation and raise blood pressure. These properties make it unsuitable during pregnancy.

The oil has strong antimicrobial properties, which might seem beneficial. Yet the risks to pregnancy outweigh these potential advantages.

Some varieties of thyme oil exist with different chemical profiles. Most practitioners recommend avoiding all types during pregnancy to stay safe.

How These Oils Can Affect Your Pregnancy

Understanding the mechanisms helps explain why avoiding these aromatherapy oils matters. Here's what can happen:

• Uterine Stimulation: Several oils contain compounds that cause smooth muscle contractions. Your uterus contains smooth muscle, so these oils may trigger early labour or miscarriage.

• Hormonal Disruption: Some oils mimic oestrogen or affect progesterone levels. Pregnancy requires precise hormonal balance, and disrupting this can cause complications.

• Blood Pressure Changes: Pregnancy already affects circulation and blood pressure. Oils that further alter these parameters can create dangerous situations.

• Placental Transfer: Small molecules in essential oils can cross the placenta. This exposes your baby to concentrated plant compounds their developing systems cannot process.

  
  

Safe Alternatives for Common Pregnancy Complaints

You can still enjoy aromatherapy during pregnancy by choosing safer options. Let's break it down:

1. For Nausea: Try ginger or lemon oil. These generally receive approval after the first trimester when used in small amounts.

2. For Stress: Lavender oil (in moderation after 12 weeks) and chamomile provide calming effects without the risks.

3. For Muscle Aches: Diluted peppermint oil applied topically can ease discomfort. Always discuss usage with your healthcare provider first.

4. For Sleep Issues: Ylang ylang and mandarin oils may help, but start with tiny amounts and monitor your response.

   
   

Guidelines for Safe Essential Oil Use During Pregnancy

If you choose to use any essential oils during pregnancy, follow these precautions:

1. Avoid all essential oils during the first trimester

2. Always dilute oils properly (1% dilution or less)

3. Never ingest essential oils

4. Limit exposure time when diffusing

5. Patch test before wider application

6. Consult your midwife or doctor before use

The myGynaePlus website offers resources about pregnancy safety. Their professionals can answer specific questions about your situation.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you've used any aromatherapy oils to avoid during pregnancy and experience:

• Unusual cramping or contractions

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting

• Severe headaches or dizziness

• Skin irritation or allergic reactions

• Changes in foetal movement

Your safety and your baby's wellbeing always come first. When in doubt, avoid questionable oils entirely.

The Bottom Line on Pregnancy Aromatherapy Safety

Many things that you should be careful with when pregnant are natural substances. Avoiding these seven essential oils while pregnant has very real dangers associated with using them while expecting.

Stay away from clary sage, rosemary, pennyroyal, common sage, jasmine, juniper berry and thyme until after you give birth. There are many safe alternatives to help you with the uncomfortable parts of pregnancy.

When using essential oils while pregnant, take caution and do your research. Your doctors and midwife will know your situation best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use aromatherapy oils to avoid it during pregnancy if I just smell them?

Even inhalation can affect your body during pregnancy. Molecules enter your bloodstream through your lungs when you breathe in essential oils. While brief, accidental exposure rarely causes harm, regular use of risky oils through any method should be avoided throughout pregnancy.

Are all essential oils unsafe during pregnancy?

Not all essential oils pose risks during pregnancy. Oils like sweet orange, mandarin, and properly diluted lavender (after the first trimester) are generally considered safer options. Always consult your midwife or doctor before using any essential oil, and avoid the seven mentioned in this guide entirely.

What should I do if I accidentally used a risky oil?

Don't panic if you've had brief, one-time exposure to an oil you should avoid. Monitor yourself for unusual symptoms like cramping or bleeding. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss the exposure, especially if you used the oil repeatedly or in high concentrations.

When can I safely use these oils after giving birth?

Most oils become safer after delivery, though timing depends on whether you're breastfeeding. Some compounds transfer into breast milk. Wait at least a few weeks postpartum, and consult your healthcare provider before reintroducing any essential oils, particularly if you're nursing.

Where can I find reliable information about pregnancy safety?

Seek information from qualified healthcare providers, certified aromatherapists with pregnancy training, and reputable medical organisations. The National Health Service and professional midwifery organisations provide evidence-based guidance. Avoid relying solely on product marketing or social media claims about natural product safety.