Top 10 Essential Oils to Support Your Pregnancy

This article was written by Isadora Caporali, an essential oils and supplements specialist, a business coach, and a mother of two.

Did you know that for every discomfort you feel during pregnancy, there is a plant that can support you to reduce it? I’m here to show you your new best friends when it comes to having a smooth and joyful pregnancy: essential oils, the purest healing medicine from nature.

Pregnancy is a special time and is also marked by multiple challenges and changes. Sometimes, it can feel overwhelming, this is why we are here to show that you have many solutions or supportive practices, easily accessible at the palm of your hand.

Here is where essential oils come in. A safe and natural solution for (almost) everything you might be struggling with.

Essential oils have been used for millennia by women who understood the healing power of nature. And they are a massive trend among conscious moms who want a natural and trusted solution for themselves and their babies.

There is plenty of conflicting information out there about the use of essential oils during pregnancy. In this post, we gather 11 years of experience in essential oils, two personal pregnancies working with them, and hundreds of mamas being helped by a team of 40+ health professionals. Still, your body always knows best. There are no one-size-fits-all rules, and you should trust your intuition when it comes to making choices for your body and your baby, and consult your healthcare provider in case of any doubts.

Key takeaways
• Our specialist Isadora Caporali's top 10 essential oils for pregnancy are Balance, Copaiba, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Peppermint, Wild Orange and DigestZen.
• Essential oils for pregnancy are used aromatically (inhaled or diffused), topically (always diluted in a carrier oil) or, with caution and professional advice, internally.
• Peppermint is advised only up to month 7 of pregnancy.
• Quality matters: choose pure, tested oils, and check every oil with your midwife or doctor before you use it.

PS. If you diffuse Lavender or Balance to unwind, pair it with a few minutes of guided breathing. The Mamamoon pregnancy meditation app has mindfulness recordings, yoga nidra and calming audio for pregnancy and birth.

‍

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds derived from various parts of plants. These chemical compounds affect our body function. Much like food, but more specific to healing and regenerating properties. They've been used for centuries from personal care to household cleaning, offering a wide range of benefits.

Why Choose Essential Oils During Pregnancy?

Using essential oils during pregnancy can be a supportive and positive experience for both body and mind. Here's why you might consider incorporating them into your journey:

1. Support for Discomfort: Ease pregnancy discomforts like nausea, fatigue, and muscle tension with specific essential oils.
2. Emotional Well-being: Combat mood swings and emotional changes with oils that offer calming and uplifting properties.
3. Natural Alternatives: Embrace natural alternatives for personal care and cleaning, ensuring a non-toxic environment for you and your baby.

Why Does Purity Matter?

When it comes to essential oils, quality is paramount – especially during pregnancy. We have chosen to partner with dōTERRA, the world's leading essential oil brand, which takes purity seriously. Each batch undergoes 58 tests to ensure it's super safe and pure for you and your baby, making it the best choice for moms.

Top 10 Essential Oils for Pregnancy

1. Balance: Our favorite, it’s like mood magic for anxiety and emotional stability.

2. Copaiba: Pain relief for ligament and back pain, it also supports central nervous system regulation.

3. Frankincense: Emotional support and stretch mark defense.

4. Helichrysum: The number one essential oil for reducing pain. It’s a potency.

5. Lavender: A versatile sleep aid and labor support.

6. Lemon: Cleanse, focus, and boost mood. Lemon also supports cleansing the liver. During pregnancy, the liver tends to be overloaded with excess estrogen hormones being produced. Lemon supports the elimination of excess hormones and can have a positive impact in reducing nausea.

7. Melaleuca: Effective against vaginal yeast issues.

8. Peppermint: Alleviate nausea and fatigue. Advised up to month 7.

9. Wild Orange: Enhance mood and support labor. It’s the oil of joy and happiness.

10. DigestZen: Aids with heartburn and indigestion.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely: Your Guide

Discover the safe and effective ways to use essential oils during pregnancy:

1. Aromatically: Inhale directly or use a diffuser for a delightful atmosphere. You can apply a few drops on your hands, rub it, bring it to your face, and take a few deep inhales.

2. Topically: Dilute oils with carrier oil for safe application. Apply directly to the body area where you experience pain or discomfort.

3. Internally: Exercise caution and follow professional advice.

Your Essential Oil Expert

Hi love! I'm Isadora Caporali, as a mother of two toddlers, I have experience in nurturing my children's well-being. Drawing from both my background knowledge and hands-on experience, I've built a solid foundation over eleven years as a teacher in the Essential Oil industry, integrating practical insights into our everyday lives. I was so privileged to experience two natural births with the support of essential oils and to guide hundreds of moms through a similar journey.

My guidance empowers mothers to feel equipped and resourceful, leveraging the benefits of pure essential oils and natural supplements to foster optimal health and well-being in themselves and their children.

Find me daily on Instagram for business & wellness tips.

For a deeper dive into my expertise and a journey into the realm of pure essential oils, feel free to explore my website.

‍

Essential oils for pregnancy: frequently asked questions

Can you use essential oils while pregnant?

Essential oils can be used during pregnancy with care: most mothers inhale or diffuse them, or apply them diluted in a carrier oil. Check each oil with your midwife or doctor first, be extra careful in the first trimester, and only take an oil internally on professional advice.

Is it safe to drink lemon essential oil while pregnant?

Lemon essential oil should only be taken internally during pregnancy on professional advice. Our specialist advises caution with any internal use, so talk to your midwife or doctor before adding lemon essential oil to your water.

Is DigestZen safe during pregnancy?

DigestZen is in our specialist's top 10, and she recommends it for heartburn and indigestion in pregnancy. DigestZen is a blend of several oils, so check its ingredient list with your midwife or doctor before you use it and follow the dilution advice on the bottle.

What are the best essential oils for pregnancy?

The best essential oils for pregnancy, according to our specialist, are Balance, Copaiba, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Peppermint (up to month 7), Wild Orange and DigestZen. Her top 10 list above explains what she uses each one for.

Is aromatherapy safe during pregnancy?

Aromatherapy during pregnancy is the gentlest way to use essential oils: a few drops in a diffuser or on your hands to inhale. Keep sessions short, air the room and stop if a scent makes you feel unwell or nauseous.

Ready for the Next Step? Book a Consultation or Join a Class

Win Unicorn points in the Mamamoon app and book your free consultation with me. Or join our next class in Amsterdam:

When: 7 April, 10:30 - 12:30

Where: art'otel Amsterdam, Prins Hendrikkade 33, 1012 TM Amsterdam

Join us in this class, where you will learn about 100% pure and medicinal essential oils that can support reducing pregnancy discomfort, preparing for birth, and regulating postpartum emotions and physical recovery. Reserve your spot by emailing: support@isadoracaporali.com

‍Learn more (here are a few academic researches to get inspired)

• The Effects of Aromatherapy on Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review - link here‍
• The Effect of Bergamot Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Improving Depressive Mood and Sleep Quality in Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial - link here
• Aromatherapy intervention on anxiety and pain during first stage labor in nulliparous women: a systematic review and meta-analysis - link here

‍

‍

‍