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A lot of pregnant women express concerns about whether it is safe for them to continue using essential oils for aromatherapy and in crafting during pregnancy.

The answer is that yes, it is generally safe to use some essential oils while you’re pregnant, as long as you’re healthy and you’re careful with them. Essential oils are highly concentrated substances extracted from plants. They are powerful and it is important to use them sparingly and also address what essential oils you are using with your health care provider.

So, it is prudent to avoid using essential oils during the first trimester of pregnancy, dilute them with a fixed oil before adding them to a bath or smoothing them on your skin. Avoid using the same essential oil for numerous days in a row. If you use essential oils in a vaporiser during pregnancy, don’t leave it on for longer than 10 to 15 minutes per hour.

Oils that are generally considered to be safe to use in pregnancy are:

•citrus oils, such as tangerine and neroli

•German chamomile

•common lavender

•frankincense

•black pepper

•peppermint

•ylang ylang

•eucalyptus

•bergamot

•cypress

•tea tree oil (not while in labor)

•geranium

•spearmint

Essential oils to avoid in pregnancy include:

•nutmeg, which may have hallucinogenic effects

•rosemary, which is thought to increase blood pressure, and may cause contractions.

•basil, which is thought to contribute to abnormal cell development.

•jasmine and clary sage, which may trigger contractions.

•sage and rose, which may cause bleeding in your uterus (womb).

•juniper berry, which may affect your kidneys.

•laurel, angelica, thyme, cumin, aniseed, citronella and cinnamon leaf should also be avoided as they could stimulate contractions.

In some circumstances, it’s best to steer clear of essential oils altogether. Please avoid using essential oils altogether if you have a history of miscarriage, vaginal bleeding in your current pregnancy, epilepsy or heart conditions, diabetes, blood clotting problems, thyroid, liver or kidney disease. Please make sure your doctor and/or midwife are aware of any essential oils you are using and that they advise you on safe usage.