Bath Oils - What are the do's and don't's ?

[FoghornLeghorn]

I absolutely loved having my hot oily baths when pregnant with DD2 but can vaguely remember there were some things to be avoided - I can't remember what I used last time ...

24 weeks pregnant and starting to gear up for my long relaxing soaks

Oh i dont know.! Will watch this thread with interest .!

Thanks Hana

Think it was lavendar I used last time. Do you know why Clary Sage, Rosemary etc are to be avoided ?

Great thanks

in "rough guide to pregnancy and childbirth" it says geranium is ok after 5 months but not b4...clary sage and rosemary to be avoided thro out

Hello

My sister is a holistic therapist, including a qualified aromatherapist. The only essential oil she recommends using in pregnancy is Mandarin Oil. You can use a standard base oil (usually made up of almond oil or similar) and add a few drops of Mandarin Oil to nourish the skin or add to the bath. Incidentally when I was at the Sanctuary spa in london a few weeks ago (when about 9 weeks pregnant) the therapist avoided products with any other essential oils apart from Mandarin. (This was for a facial).

At the same time don't stress too much about it, I had baths with lavender before I checked with my sis.I was also,and still am occasionally, using a rose based facial oil - it's blended and therefore not all that potent. Besides, rose is the quintessential 'women's oil'. I would avoid using highly concentrated essential oils of any type during pregnancy, just because I follow a 'everything in moderation' policy. You can buy Mandarin Oil (and base oils) in Boots. Or the Sanctuary do a 'mum to be' range which is lovely and only uses ingredients deemed safe for pregnancy. If in doubt consult a professional aromatherapist yourself.
Take care and enjoy the relaxing baths

Sorry why shouldnt you have crtain bath oils. i have never been told this by anyone let alone any midwifes or docs. someone in explain whats meant to happen then in simple terms.

many thanks