Aromatherapy and Pregnant Women

We take a look at aromatherapy and pregnant women. Aromatherapy can be used to relief all sorts of pregnancy symptoms including those of morning sickness.

Pregnancy and the Use of Aromatherapy

Pregnancy issues can be helped by aromatherapy. These concerns include the uncomfortable problems such as morning sickness, swollen feet and hands, fatigue and aches and pains. Aromatherapy is also helpful in monitoring your body as it undergoes changes and to aid in relaxation.

First to Third Months

These first months can be the most taxing. Relaxation and rest is very important. An aromatherapy bath before going to bed can be quite relaxing. Burning chamomile, lavender, sandalwood, neroli, or ylang ylang can do wonders.

To help with nausea, use fennel, lavender and sandalwood oils to massage on your stomach. Massage several times a day. Some women are helped by dabbing this under their nose and inhaling it. You can also inhale peppermint oil to help with nausea but should not massage with peppermint oil while you are pregnant.

To help with vomiting, mix lemon oil, rose oil and fennel with carrier oil and massage it into the lower and upper stomach. Inhaling this blend can also relieve vomiting.

Four to Sixth Months

Nausea, tiredness and irritability are usually present during these months. It would be a good time to start to make your body more flexible and to learn relaxation techniques. Aromatherapy oils can help you to relax more thoroughly.

You should also pay close attention to your skin during this time. Your body is carrying increased weight which puts a strain on the legs, back and pelvis. Exercise and aromatherapy can be very helpful.

Aromatherapy can also help with constipation, which can be a problem during this stage of pregnancy. Mix black pepper and fennel oil with carrier oil and massage the lower stomach. Repeat several times a day. You should drink plenty of water and eat a good, high-fiber diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetable.

For varicose veins, mix lemon and lavender oil to carrier oil. Massage your legs twice daily. Once oil is absorbed, raise feet above hip level for at least 30 minutes.

Seven to Nine Months

Pregnant women carry an average of 15 pounds or more of weight at this time. They often tire easily and can feel dizzy. It is often difficult to sleep because they cannot find a comfortable position in bed. Some women are most comfortable lying on the left side with a cushion under the leg. The cushion lessons the strain on the back and acts as a support. Some women's hands and feet swell during this time. Drinking a lot of water can be helpful because water aids the kidney function. Listed below are some aromatherapy treatments that can be helpful during this time.

For sleeping concerns, have your neck, shoulders and lower back massaged with a blend of lavender oil in carrier oil. This should relax and calm you so you can sleep better. Drinking a tea with chamomile before retiring can also help with sleep.

To help with fluid retention, mix eucalyptus oil, geranium oil and lavender oil with carrier oil. Rub this mixture on the hands and lower legs. This blend also works in a bath.

Many pregnant women experience nipple soreness during pregnancy. Mix marigold oil with carrier oil. Apply this mixture to your nipples a couple times a day. This can also be used during breastfeeding.

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Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Pregnancy