Use of essential oils for pregnant women and infants

Essential oils naturally provide physical and emotional well-being. For pregnant women and infants, the use of essential oils requires special attention, as it is important to choose oils that are appropriate and safe for sensitive skin and developing bodies.

Careful use of essential oils

Essential oils are potent plant extracts that are beneficial, but not safe for everyone. Pregnant women and infants have particularly sensitive skin, so it is important to choose essential oils with extra caution for them. Incorrectly chosen or dosed essential oils can potentially cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, or other health issues.

What to pay attention to during use?

• Dilution: For pregnant women, essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil (an oil used to dilute essential oils), such as flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, or jojoba oil. The recommended dilution ratio is 1-2%, which means adding 3-6 drops of essential oil to 10 ml of carrier oil.
• Essential oils to avoid: There are certain essential oils that should be avoided during pregnancy, such as rosemary, sage, thyme, and cinnamon. These can stimulate uterine contractions and are not recommended during pregnancy.
• Skin test: Before using a new essential oil, it is advisable to perform a skin test to avoid potential allergic reactions. Apply a drop of diluted essential oil to the inside of the elbow and wait for 24 hours. If there is no irritation, it can be used safely.

Which essential oils are recommended for pregnant women?

1. Lavender: Has a calming and relaxing effect, helps with sleep and reduces anxiety.
2. Orange: Uplifting and refreshing, helps reduce nausea and stress.
3. Lemon: Refreshing and cleansing, promotes concentration and reduces fatigue.
4. Tea Tree: Has disinfectant properties, helps with skin issues such as acne and skin irritation.

Also, almond, wheat germ, or St. John’s wort oil can be used for perineal massage.

Safe essential oils for infants:

Essential oils can only be used for infants after they are 3 months old.

1. Lavender: Calming and relaxing, helps with sleep and soothing the skin.
2. Mandarin: Mild, pleasant scent, has a calming effect, and may help with restful sleep.

Essential oils for infants should only be used in extremely low concentrations, no more than 0.25% dilution. This means adding 1 drop of essential oil to 30 ml of carrier oil.

Instead of applying essential oils directly to the skin, it is better to use them in a diffuser or vaporizer. This helps in careful dosing of the essential oils and minimizes skin contact.

Essential oils to avoid for infants include eucalyptus, spicy lavender, peppermint, and rosemary, as they may be too strong and could cause respiratory issues.

The use of essential oils can be safe for pregnant women and their children if used with caution and according to the recommended dilution ratios. Always be cautious, avoid overly strong or irritating essential oils, and perform a skin test before using new oils. When using essential oils, ensure regular ventilation and take breaks between diffusing sessions.

Diffuse essential oils for no more than 20-30 minutes at a time, up to 1-2 times per day. It is important to use only milder, safe oils.

In our article, we did not cover all essential oils and their effects, so we recommend consulting a specialist, doctor, or health visitor before using essential oils to ensure you make the appropriate and safe choice.