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Original poster

Which aromatherapy oils should you avoid in pregnancy?

14 replies

popsycal · 30/12/2004 20:28

Got gicen some gorgeous bath oils for xmas but unsure whether i am allowed to use them when preg....
does anyone know which oils should be avoided?

OP posts:
winterwarmmummer · 30/12/2004 20:28

Juniper

bonkerz · 30/12/2004 20:31

lavender apparently can induce a mc!

lockets · 30/12/2004 20:33

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Blossomhill · 30/12/2004 20:33

Call me over protective but I think I'd be inclined to avoid them all!

marthamoo · 30/12/2004 20:34

Rosemary as well I think. I'd play safe and save them 'til after (when you'll have loads of time for a long soak in the bath )

Original poster
popsycal · 30/12/2004 20:34

blossomhill that was my thought too........

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Original poster
popsycal · 30/12/2004 20:34

I will leave them for now.......
thanks ladies!

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lockets · 30/12/2004 20:35

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Blossomhill · 30/12/2004 20:35

Just think you can use them once you have had the baby as a nice relaxing treat
I even avoided herbal tea just incase (the midwife mentioned that there were certain types you couldn't drink)

ionesmum · 30/12/2004 20:36

It's better to stick to the ones that are really safe. Lavender and camomile are ususally recommended, and also mandarin and rose. No oils are usually regarded as safe for the first trimester. My midwife recommended lavender but only once I was six weeks' off giving birth, but many professional aromatherapists believe this to be too cautious. If in doubt, check with an aromatherapist. HTH

ionesmum · 30/12/2004 20:39

Re herbal tea, it drives me mad to see peppermint tea recommended in magazines for morning sickness, as this is dangerous. Camomile tea is safe though, but only one cup a day. It's also great for afterwards as it's really relaxing, and if you are bfeeding it calms the baby and helps with wind - you can drink up to 3 cups a day.

Original poster
popsycal · 30/12/2004 20:42

Thanks folks!
It is Neal's yard covent garden stuff so not pure oil but oil based IYSWIM

Will save it.....

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pinkmamma · 30/12/2004 21:10

hi there, qualified aromatherapist here! firstly it should say somewhere on the label to avoid in pregnancy? definately avoid all oils in the first 3/4 months. the safest oils to use after this are mandarin and lavender. without seeing the product i would recommend leaving it until after the baby is born. if you get the chance much later in pregnancy book yourself in with a qualified and insured aromatherapist who will firstly make you feel great, and secondly will give you some advice for once you are in labour. a little pregnancy kit should definately include a bottle of clary sage essential oil which can speed up a sluggish labour

Original poster
popsycal · 30/12/2004 21:12

thanks for that pinkmamma!
that sounds great!

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