One issue that many mothers will face, especially towards the latter stages of their pregnancy is staying relaxed until it is time to give birth. Lowering stress and anxiety is important when it comes to delivering a healthy child. The first trimester is actually the most important time to stay stress-free. Mothers who are anxious are not only putting themselves through a considerable amount of stress, but they are also subjecting their babies to that as well. One simple and effective method for keeping calm and relaxed is the use of essential oils. For many years, essential oils have been used to help induce a natural state of relaxation. Most of them can be used for women who are pregnant to help them relax as well.
How Essential Oils Work
Inhaling the aroma or scent of certain essential oils that are placed into the air through a diffuser or when used in massage therapy causes the mind and the body to become more relaxed. This is because the sense of smell is 10,000 times more powerful than any of our other senses. Smelling reaches deep emotional memories and helps us tap into our own inner peace. In the back of your nasal passages, a small part of the brain is exposed which allows for direct contact to happen with the scent of essential oils.
The result is chemical changes that occur in the brain which promotes relaxation, a lessening of tension, and a reduction of stress which is important for women in their first, second, and third trimesters. Using a diffuser means that the air itself inside the room is filled with the aroma of essential oils.
Another method is rubbing it on the skin which produces a similar result and some of the essential oil will be absorbed into the body as well. Absorbing or even ingesting oils provides its own set of benefits and risks. Make sure you’re specifically looking into each oil being safe for ingestion during pregnancy. Even the location of your body you put it onto can produce a different effect, talking to an aromatherapist or holistic doctor is always best if you decide you want to fully incorporate essential oils into your pregnancy journey.
Which Essential Oils Promote Relaxation
Of course, you will need to select the proper essential oils that promote relaxation so you can stay calm and relaxed in preparation for the eventual birth of your baby. The recommended essential oils are as follows:
- Frankincense
- Ginger
- Lavender
- Lemon Grass
- Mandarin
- Roman Chamomile
- Ylang Ylang
All these essential oils promote relaxation in one form or another. Lavender is most commonly used arguably because it is the most well-known. However, the other essential oils also provide ample relaxation which helps women in their second and third trimesters feel relaxed, sleep better, and have more energy during the day.
In addition, many essential oils have antiseptic qualities which means that they help destroy germs or bacteria. When applied to the skin, they can help prevent infections along with slowing down or even stopping potential colds and viruses which can be most uncomfortable and annoying during pregnancy.
Many of these oils and even more can be used during labor to give yourself an amazing labor experience. I’ll write a blog on those oils soon, but for now, read this story of one of my clients who used essential oils during her birth!
It is important to remember that while some essential oils induce relaxation, others may induce labor to begin unexpectedly. So, you will need to avoid the essential oils of clary sage, clove, cinnamon, and rosemary. Make sure that you are not exposed to these essential oils or you might face unwanted contractions.
