Essential Oils For Pregnancy & Labor

by: LaShea Thompson, M.Ed, MSN, AGCNS-BC, APRN, RNC, C-EFM

Essential Oils That Might be Helpful in Labor!

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Pregnancy, labor, and even post-birth recovery are times in your life that are filled with many different emotions. You may start out feeling excited when labor begins. Then, transition to feeling fear mixed with anxiety as labor progresses and your contractions get stronger. Although you’ve been anticipating and preparing for this amazing day for months, you’ll want to try and reduce your discomfort and pain as you give birth.

Essential oils can help ease your emotions, give you a dash of euphoria, and help you mentally zone in for the pushing phase of labor. Talk with your pregnancy care provider about using essential oils during each phase – pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

Below is a table listing which oils may work best for a variety of symptoms.

Aromatheraphy in Pregnancy and Labor

Aromatherapy is a form of holistic therapy that can influence your physical, mental, and emotional health. You can use aromatherapy through smelling plant extracts or essential oils in the air, rubbing on your skin, or bathing.

Essential oils have been used since ancient times. It’s believed that aromatherapy may alter brain waves and behavior to reduce the perception of stress, increase contentment, and even decrease levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone.”

Choose and Use Essential Oil in Pregnancy and Labor

Once you and your pregnancy care provider have discussed using essential oils, there are multiple options you can safely explore. Start with small doses in a carrier oil, especially during pregnancy when you’re highly sensitive to smells.

As with any new product, discontinue use if you have an allergic reaction to an essential oil and let your provider know the details of your experience. Be sure not to taste or swallow essential oils or put them in your eyes.

Some essential oils can cause your contractions to begin. Others can also cause problems for your baby’s development. Limit the amount of time you use and consider putting directly on your skin last. After you give birth, your baby should smell your natural scent during skin-to-skin and breastfeeding.

Ways to use essential oils:

Inhale: Add one drop of essential oil to a cotton ball or tissue and take in the smell; if you enjoy it, and aren’t allergic, try 3-5 drops
Infuse: Have a recipe of infused essential oils made
Diffuse: Place several drops into an essential oil warmer or diffuser
Massage: Mix with a lotion that you already use and have your labor support partner give you a massage
Hot Compress: Add a few drops of an essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Allow a cloth to soak in the water. Squeeze out the water and apply the cloth to your body where you feel sore

Essential Oils for Pregnancy and Labor

Symptom	Essential Oil	More Information
Anxiety Stress Tension	Lavender, Rose, Orange, Roman Chamomile	Lavender reduces crying in babies
Backache Back labor Abdominal cramping Pain in labor	Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Jasmine	Jasmine can ease your discomfort and labor pain Avoid use during pregnancy and labor (stimulates contractions)
Inflammation Infection	German Chamomile	German chamomile reduces the production of chemicals that cause swelling
Cold and flu symptoms Coughing Sinus pressure Headaches	Eucalyptus	Eucalyptus is known for relieving pain, and reducing problems with breathing and seasonal allergies It can also heal wounds in the perineal area after birth
Depression Anger Trouble with digestion (gas) Appearance of stretch marks or scars	Roman Chamomile	Roman Chamomile also plays a role in reducing abdominal cramping and pain in labor
Swelling	Citrus (grapefruit, orange), Geranium	Citrus blossom oil can reduce anxiety and lower pain
Upper Respiratory Infection High Blood Pressure Sad Mood	Lemon Oil	Lemon oil can enhance your feelings of well-being with feelings of calm and relaxation
Stress Tension Trouble Sleeping Bloating	Mandarin Orange	Mandarin orange is considered a gentle and safe essential oil to brighten your spirits, relieve stress Discuss with your pregnancy care provider if you want to add to your water
Insomnia Trouble Sleeping Sore Muscles	Lavender	Lavender promotes sleep in babies and adults
Nausea Vomiting	Peppermint, Lemon Orange, Ginger	Peppermint can help with dizziness and can give you an energy boost in labor
Uplifting Well-being	Lemon, Eucalyptus, Peppermint	Eucalyptus can bring mental clarity
Menstrual pain Anxiety	Clary Sage	Clary sage is safe to use during labor (it should not be used during pregnancy as it causes contractions)

Essential oils are easy to find, reasonably priced, and easy to use. Discuss with your pregnancy care provider if you’re able to use essential oils during pregnancy and labor as you welcome your new baby.

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AUTHOR

LaShea Thompson, M.Ed, MSN, AGCNS-BC, APRN, RNC, C-EFM

Lashea Haynes, MEd, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, RNC, C-EFM, has obstetrical and perinatal nursing experience and expertise that spans 28 years in labor and delivery, antepartum, and mother/baby. She’s worked as a board-certified clinical nurse specialist, nursing instructor, and perinatal outreach educator. She’s provided high-risk perinatal education to various hospitals and audiences throughout her region. LaShea is the founder and owner of her nursing mentoring and education consulting company. She’s also a Designated Instructor Trainer in Fetal Monitoring and Obstetric Patient Safety. LaShea is an active AWHONN member, former Vice Chair of the AWHONN Section Advisory Committee, and past two-term Georgia section chair. In 2022, she received the AWHONN Distinguished Professional Service Award and The Award of Excellence in Education.