Essential oils have saved me during many aches and pains, and every time I turn to my friend and essential oil advocate, Amy Wiggins. During pregnancy, essential oils can be life-savers (due to more aches and pains), yet they can get tricky, since there are some that aren’t recommended. I asked Amy to set the record straight.
After polling pregnant mamas on Instagram, we discovered the most mentioned pregnancy struggles. In Amy’s words, here are the struggles along with essential oil remedies to help you during your pregnancy. At the bottom of the page you can a list of oils to AVOID during pregnancy as well.
1. Sleep
Besides all the great things sleep does for you, like keeping your heart healthy or help your body repair itself, sleep is essential for simply creating a human inside your body. To be sure that you get your desired amount of zzzz’s use Serenity-Restful Blend as part of your bedtime ritual. This blend contains Lavender, Ho Wood, Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Vanilla Bean Absolute, Vetiver and Hawaiian Sandlewood. Apply 3 drops to bottoms of your feet or hands and/or 6 drops in an 8hr diffuser overnight. Using a diffuser with a longer duration ensures that your body is receiving a steady stream throughout the night.
2. Morning Sickness
As someone that suffered with morning sickness during my second pregnancy, I know all too well how many smells triggered that feeling of nausea all throughout the day, not just in the AM hours. Ginger essential oil is great for any digestive issues. Apply 3 drops to hands and then rub on abdomen. To cover the entire area, place a little bit of coconut oil in your hands first, add the ginger and then apply liberally over the abdomen.
3. Fatigue
Although fatigue can go hand in hand with not getting proper sleep, during pregnancy some days are just draining. To perk you up and get your day moving in the right direction apply 3 drops of Peppermint and 3 drops of Wild Orange essential oil to the hands, rub them together cup them over your nose and take a big inhale, then rub excess on back of neck and shoulders. Both of these oils have invigorating properties and will leave you feeling a breath of fresh air.
4. Headaches
Many times in your pregnancy you will suffer from headaches. They are most common during the first and third trimesters due to the surge of blood and changes in hormone levels. PastTense-Tension Blend comes in a convenient roller you can carry with you in your purse or even your pocket. It can be applied by rolling it directly onto your hairline, temples, and back of neck. Tension Blend consists of Wintergreen, Peppermint, Frankincense, Cilantro, Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Basil and Rosemary essential oils.
5. Anxiety
As a mom and mom-to-be, one of the fastest growing struggles is anxiety both before and after pregnancy. In a poll by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 52 percent of pregnant women reported increased anxiety or depression. Copaiba essential oil is an amazing powerhouse that supports many systems of the body including cardiovascular, immune, digestive, respiratory and most often nervous. Copaiba will be sure to relieve you from any stresses and nurture your body during this crucial time. Place 2 drops in a veggie capsule and take by mouth every morning and evening to help soothe and calm your nervous system.
What essential oils should I avoid during pregnancy?
When using any oils, please be sure to read all labels and packaging. doTERRA essential oils are tested thoroughly for synthetics, to be sure of their safety and efficacy and for this reason, I do believe that all of their oils are safe. Some aromatherapists caution against Cassia, Clary Sage, Thyme, Cinnamon Bark, Oregano and Rosemary, but Stephanie Fritz, The Essential Midwife, advises to dilute those oils with a 1:3 ratio as opposed to 1:2 for any other oil. Since discovering essential oils, while I was pregnant with my second daughter, I have always followed her advice and felt safe doing so. That said, please always make the best decisions for you and your baby, and consult your OBGYN or midwife.
Amy Wiggins is an active mother, wellness coach, personal trainer, and entrepreneur. Known to her community as “Mama Wigs,” she thrives on teaching people to live an all-around healthy lifestyle.
After graduating in 2004 from Trinity Christian College with a Bachelors in Physical Education, Amy pursued her career as a physical education teacher. While pregnant with her second daughter, she became more and more infatuated with the healing properties of essential oils. This enthusiasm has stemmed into an ever growing home-based career in the field of health and wellness, aromatherapy, and healing with essential oils.
Amy currently resides in her dream home with her husband Tommy and two spunky girls, Alani and Jorja.
Read more about the Benefits to Using Essetial Oils During Pregnancy HERE.
