First let me stress that I am not, nor do I claim to be, a physician or certified aromatherapist. I am a mother who enjoys and utilizes aromatherapy and I have researched extensively in order to complete these pages with the utmost of accuracy. I am not suggesting that a pregnant woman should begin using aromatherapy during pregnancy. There are times in life where learning or trying something new is not necessarily in your best interest and I believe pregnancy to be one of them. By that same token, I know from personal experience how the use of essential oils and other herbals have eased my pregnancy discomforts.

These pages then are for the women who are going to try it no matter what (I believe they should at least have a rudimentary understanding) and for those women who have experimented and want to learn more or have an index at their fingertips. I do encourage every expectant, or soon to be expectant, woman out there to first discuss aromatherapy with her physician before beginning. Some essential oils and herbal remedies can actually stimulate uterine contractions (abortifacients)! Just be informed so that you can be safe.

Aromatherapy, in particular, has been utilized by pregnant and postnatal women for years. In modern society, many women have opted for a regiment of self-hypnosis (relaxation), massage, audiotherapy and aromatherapy in lieu of the potential adverse side effects of pain medications during labor. If you are seeking very detailed information regarding the use of aromatherapy by women, check into the writings of Maggie Tisserand and Patricia Davis. Their writings include essential oil remedies for most pregnancy concerns including morning sickness, stretch marks, fainting, cramps and edema (swelling).

The scientific community has introduced little in the way of studies or research regarding prenatal use of essential oils and herbals. The reasons for this are many - the human reproductive system is unique so that studies on animals cannot be used to draw adequate comparisons; human experiments are too risky (Would you want to sign up and make yourself and your child a guinea pig?). What information is out there shows the most hazardous effects of essential oils occur when they are ingested. This is not to say that inhalation or topical application of every oil is safe.

Here is a list of non-mainstream oils (due to their overall toxicity) which should especially be avoided during pregnancy. If the oil has another hazardous effect (other than being toxic) it has been noted to the side. There are also other more mainstream oils which should probably be avoided. These oils and their potentially hazardous side effects (if known) are listed on the list of oils page.

• Boldo
• Calamus (convulsant)
• Horseradish
• Hyssop (convulsant)
• Mugwort (abortifacient)
• Mustard
• Pennyroyal (abortifacient)
• Rue (abortifacient, convulsant)
• Savin (abortifacient)
• Tansy
• Wintergreen (convulsant)

There are also rules (for lack of a better word) which pregnant women should use when they choose to utilize essential oils and aromatherapy. My own personal rule is that I do not ingest any essential oils prior to or during pregnancy. Another safety rule of mine is to totally abstain from topical essential oil use during the first three months of pregnancy.

During the first trimester, the baby undergoes rapid development of all major organs and systems. I believe that this is a miraculous dance of nature and, therefore, should be allowed to continue without outside intervention. If used incorrectly, essential oils can be as hazardous as hot tubs, cigarettes and alcohol to the baby.

Many women become label readers when they first discover they are pregnant. We search for substances in our food such as MSG or caffeine. Women should also scrutinize the labels on aromatherapy blends and massage oils. For instance, rose absolute and rosemary are not recommended for use during pregnancy, yet many "romantic" blends contain these oils in some concentration. When it comes to utilizing blends during pregnancy, I would strongly suggest becoming an avid label reader, mixing your own or abstaining entirely. Why take the chance when it isn't a necessity?

Ultimately you are the judge and jury during pregnancy. You have final control on your diet, exercise and habits. This shouldn't be anything new to you since many of us have been in control of these things for years. Yet, something has changed - you are not the only person affected by your decisions. Education is essential if you are to make an informed decision.