One of the benefits of essential oils in pregnancy is that by helping to promote relaxation, they may enable the user to reduce or remove the need for alcohol and tobacco products, which have been shown to harm the unborn child. After the third or fourth months, there are many oils which can be used in Aromatherapy treatments and some which are particularly effective for relaxation. Those oils or absolutes in BOLD are to be preferred. Sometimes during pregnancy the skin can become hypersensitive. Therefore if any of these oils make the skin itchy or inflamed, then don't use it again until the skin is back to normal.
Essential oils are ideal for helping ease some of the problems occurring during labour.
Nausea can be alleviated by using Peppermint or Spearmint oil in room vaporisers, or for foot massage. Peppermint, or Silver Fir are refreshing mental stimulants if the labour is long and tiring. Relaxing oils can help relieve some of the emotional trauma's associated with labour. The inhalation of the vapours from Clary sage has been found helpful to improve the efficiency of uterine contractions towards the end of a long labour. Essential oils such as Chamomile, Hyssop, Lavender, Olibanum and Tea Tree can be used in a douches to relieve soreness and bruising of the perineal area from the birth, and from episiotomy wounds.