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. Alternatively, a few drops of a blend of the above oils can be diluted in fractionated coconut oil, or aloe vera gel and this can be applied to the affected areas on sanitary towels. The use of these oils in the bath is unlikely to significantly improve healing. However there is an exception during early pregnancy, in that it would be foolish to take most essential oils internally except perhaps peppermint oil as described earlier.