The Soulful Alchemist recommends using some essential oils during the first trimester of your pregnancy. We recommend avoiding the use of essential oils during the first trimester of pregnancy however if you had difficulties falling pregnant or if you have had a history of complicated pregnancies or miscarriages. We also recommend using essential oils under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Please ensure any essential oils you are using are 100% essential oils and NOT Fragrant Oils. Ensure you are diluting essential oils to 1% in a massage blend.  There is some data and evidence that suggests essential oil molecules can cross the placenta and some essential oils in large concentrations may not be healthy for the baby.  You will know immediately if the oil is suitable for you as it will smell obviously wonderful or unpleasant!! Note: essential oil preferences may change throughout your pregnancy. Commonly used essential oils to avoid during your pregnancy: •Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) •Basil •Clary Sage* •Eucalyptus •Fennel* •German Chamomile (Chamomillia recutita) •Juniper Berry •Marjoram* •Myrrh •Nutmeg* •Peppermint* •Rose* •Rosemary •Sage •Vetiver •Wintergreen •Yarrow  *Safe to use in the last few weeks of pregnancy and during labour if desired. Essential oils are an amazing tool to help support you through your pregnancy, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Aromatherapy can be safely used in all stages of a healthy pregnancy from helping ease morning sickness to aching muscles to labour prep and support during the delivery and afterwards.  The oils listed below are considered safe and beneficial for pregnant women. Essential oils safe for pregnancy: •Bergamot •Black Pepper •Clove Bud •Frankincense •Geranium •Ginger •Lavender •Lemon/ Lime •Orange •Mandarin •Neroli •Sandalwood •Ylang Ylang Some helpful blends during your pregnancy: Relax Your Muscles/Aches: Lavender, Ginger, Black Pepper, Frankincense, Clove Constipation: Lavender, Black Pepper, Orange, Mandarin Indigestion: Roman Chamomile, Mandarin, Ginger, Orange, Black Pepper, Lime Morning sickness: Ginger, Lemon, Orange Massage blend for labour prep: Peppermint, Jasmine, Clary Sage, Fennel, Nutmeg - massage abdomen during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy. Labour blend: Lavender, Clary Sage, Black Pepper, Geranium, Marjoram, Clove, Nutmeg, Jasmine, Frankincense, Peppermint, Ginger