Essential Oil Safety for Pregnancy, Labor & Postpartum: What Every Mama Should Know

Content adapted with credit from Doulas of Long Beach, a subsidiary of National Baby Co. (Michigan LLC)

Pregnancy and postpartum are sacred seasons—full of anticipation, change, and profound transformation. Many mothers turn to natural remedies like essential oils to support comfort, rest, and emotional well-being. And while essential oils can be incredibly helpful, they are also very potent. Your body is more sensitive while carrying a baby and during postpartum recovery, which means safety and intentionality matter more than ever.

As a doula, I believe in honoring the beautiful way God designed the body while also respecting the science. This blog aims to help you use essential oils wisely, confidently, and safely.

How Essential Oils Can Support Pregnancy & Postpartum

When used appropriately, essential oils can gently support the body and mind. Here’s how they may help during this journey:

1. Nausea & Morning Sickness Relief

• Peppermint and ginger are two of the most effective oils for queasiness.

• They work by supporting the digestive system and calming stomach muscles.

2. Better, Deeper Sleep

Pregnancy often brings insomnia, restless legs, or anxiety at night.

• Lavender and chamomile are deeply calming to the nervous system.

• These oils help lower heart rate and prepare the body for rest.

3. Emotional & Mood Support

Hormonal shifts can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or irritable.

• Frankincense and bergamot help balance mood and reduce stress by supporting the limbic system—the emotional center of the brain.

4. Relief From Aches & Pains

Growing a baby requires structural shifts in the body.

• Eucalyptus and rosemary can soothe muscle discomfort when used properly diluted.

5. Postpartum Support

After birth, oils can help support:

• Rest

• Emotional regulation

• Skin healing

• Breastfeeding comfort (with safe choices)

Essential Oil Safety: What Every Mama Must Know

Essential oils are natural, but they are not gentle by default—they are extremely concentrated. A single drop can equal several cups of plant material.

Your pregnant and postpartum body processes substances differently, so using essential oils safely is critical.

1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider First

Your OB, midwife, or nurse practitioner should always know what you're using—especially if you have:

• High-risk pregnancy

• Preexisting conditions

• History of miscarriage

• Gestational diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Asthma or allergies

2. Consult a Certified Aromatherapist

Aromatherapists have specialized training in the chemistry, safety, and clinical use of essential oils.They can provide personalized guidance that doulas, nurses, and childbirth educators may not be trained to offer.

3. Dilution Is Non-Negotiable

Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin. Use a carrier oil such as coconut, almond, jojoba, or olive oil.

Pregnancy-safe dilution ratio:

1% dilution = 1 drop essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil

This is gentle, effective, and significantly reduces the risk of reactions.

4. Start With ONE Drop

More is not better. Start with a small amount, observe how your body responds, and go slow.

5. Do a Patch Test

Apply a diluted amount to your forearm and wait 12–24 hours. Watch for:

• Redness

• Burning

• Rash

• Itching

Pregnancy heightens skin sensitivity, so patch tests are important.

6. Pay Attention to Your Body’s Signals

If you experience:

• Lightheadedness

• Headache

• Itching

• Tightness in the throat

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea

Discontinue use and get fresh air immediately.

7. Avoid Certain Oils Entirely During Pregnancy

Some essential oils can stimulate contractions, affect hormones, or irritate the skin.

Avoid or limit:

• Clary Sage (until full term)

• Rosemary (especially high doses)

• Sage

• Peppermint & Spearmint (may decrease milk supply in pregnancy/postpartum)

• Wintergreen

• Basil (some types)

• Oregano

• Cinnamon bark (very irritating)

8. Use Diffusers Mindfully

Diffusion is one of the gentlest application methods, but still requires care.

• Limit diffusion to 30–60 minutes at a time

• Ensure the room is well-ventilated

• Start with 3–4 drops ONLY

• Avoid prolonged exposure

Babies and pregnant bodies are more sensitive to airborne oils.

Common Essential Oils That Are Safer for Pregnancy & Postpartum

✔ Lavender

Calming, sleep support, skin soothing.

✔ Chamomile

Gentle, reduces anxiety and irritability.

✔ Frankincense

Grounding, emotional balance, supports deep breathing.

✔ Ginger

Reduces nausea and supports digestion.

✔ Peppermint (in early pregnancy only)

Helps with nausea and headaches.

✔ Tea Tree Oil

Antimicrobial; supports skin health—but always heavily diluted.

Faith-Based Reflection

God created the human body with remarkable intuition and protective mechanisms—especially during pregnancy. Essential oils can be a gift when used thoughtfully, but they should never override the body’s natural signals. Wisdom, moderation, and discernment are key.

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning.” — Proverbs 1:5

When in doubt, pause and seek guidance. Your body and your baby are worth careful stewardship.

Final Thoughts

Essential oils can be a beautiful way to enhance comfort, healing, and emotional well-being during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. With the right guidance and precautions, they can support the very rhythms God designed your body to follow.

Always remember:

✔ Talk to your provider✔ Choose high-quality oils✔ Use low dilutions✔ Avoid risky oils✔ Listen to your body✔ Use them in moderation

Used wisely, essential oils can bring peace, grounding, and gentle support throughout your motherhood journey.

Content adapted with credit from Doulas of Long Beach, a subsidiary of National Baby Co. (Michigan LLC).For personalized guidance, consider speaking with a certified aromatherapist or trusted doula.

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Christina Lundy is a certified birth & postpartum doula, certified childbirth educator, doula trainer, and agency owner. She’s located in East Atlanta and serves all of Metro Atlanta. She has 3 kiddos, whom she loves dearly. When she isn’t busy with a client or newer doula, you can find her outside in her garden, painting, or reading. Check out her instagram here.