Aromatherapy in Pregnancy & Birth 

Aromatherapy serves as a complementary therapy option widely embraced across the UK. Feedback from labouring women consistently say that aromatherapy helped promote relaxation, reduced stress, and boosted energy levels. Its use extends to alleviating symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and pain, making it a valuable resource during both labour and the postnatal period.

It's crucial to consult your midwife or doctor for guidance on selecting appropriate oils, considering individual medical and pregnancy histories. Some essential oils may not be advisable in certain contexts, and adherence to local guidelines ensures safe and effective use.

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WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

Essentially, aromatherapy harnesses the natural essences of plants and flowers to enhance overall well-being. These oils can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, activating the body's natural pain-relief mechanisms, and uplifting emotional states.

 

Essential oils have multiple avenues of entry into the body, including absorption through the skin and inhalation via the olfactory system (sense of smell). Through the olfactory senses, they trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers, via the central nervous system. This process can alleviate pain by inducing pleasant and relaxing sensations, uplifting mood, and even generating euphoric feelings. The chemical composition of these oils operate similarly to certain medications. Each essential oil possesses its distinct aroma and therapeutic effects. Aromatherapy not only complements the natural birthing process but also fosters emotional and physical well-being.

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THE RESEARCH 

From a large study of 8000 women undertaken at the John Radcliffe Hospital, it was reported that only a small proportion (1%) of mothers had any side effects from using aromatherapy. These side effects included nausea, vomiting, headaches, and allergic reactions. 

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HOW ARE ESSENTIAL OILS ADMINISTERED?

 

Inhalation 

Aromatherapy diffuser systems in the birthing rooms diffuse the essential oils into the air which allow you to inhale the vapours into your body. A few drops of essential oils on a tissue or cotton wool swab can also be an effective form of inhalation therapy. 

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Massage 

Oil particles are small enough to be absorbed by the skin. Massage therapy can assist in the absorption of the oils by increasing the blood flow. Touch is also effective in reducing pain and is very relaxing. The oils are mixed with grape seed oil as a carrier, as oils should not be applied directly on to the skin. 

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Lavage 

Essential oils can be mixed with sterile water. The lavage of water is poured over the area of choice. This can be effective in relieving inflammation and discomfort following perineal tears or caesarean wounds. 

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Compress 

Essential oils are added to water and direct contact can be soothing to the body. Warm or cold compresses can be used. 

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Bath

Essential oils can be dispersed in water when mixed with milk. Water is an effective form of pain relief in labour but when enhanced with essential oils this can increase its effectiveness. Oils can also be dispersed in the birthing pool if your waters have not broken.

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The ten essential oils deemed safe and beneficial for various stages of labour and postpartum recovery are listed below; 

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Lavender: Calming, balancing, sedating, relaxing, pain relieving, antibacterial & antimicrobial, can be used post birth to aid sleep by placing on cotton ball and enhale for 8 breaths then leave near your pillow (avoid use if your labour isn’t progressing)

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Peppermint: Eases nausea and headaches, stimulates the mind, eliminates fatigue and encourages contractions, best used by inhaling on cotton wool ball 

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Bergamot: Sedating yet uplifting, eases anxiety, stress and depression

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Black Pepper: Relieves muscular aches and pains, warming & stimulating effect, aids concentration 

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Chamomile: Calming and relaxing, eases irritability, tension and restlessness, powerful anti-inflammatory, helps aid sleep by placing on cotton wool ball and inhale for 8 breaths then leave near your pillow, use as massage oil for aches or bruising postnatally, works well for skin rashes, pruritus and eczema

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Clary sage: Encourages contractions, euphoric sedative, pain relief, can speed up a slow labour or early labour but don’t use in high doses as this can do the opposite by slowing your labour down, massage onto lower back, can be used in a compress as pain relief (don’t use before 37 weeks or with pethidine, epidural or oxytocin hormone drip)

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Grapefruit or Mandarin: Relief of fear and anxiety, uplifting citrus aroma will help you if your energy levels are dropping, use in diffuser or spritz around your labour room

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Tea Tree: Eases shock, antifungal and antiseptic

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Frankincense: Eases sudden onset anxiety, panic and fear via inhalation, great for hypnobirthing techniques as it slows and deepens breathing, best used in a diffuser 

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Jasmine: Calming yet uplifting, energising, antidepressant qualities, helps speed up a slow labour, stimulates milk production (should not be used before 37 weeks)

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When To Avoid Taking Certain Essential Oils

• Oils should not be applied directly onto the skin but should be mixed with grape seed oil as a carrier

• Do not use essential oils in the bath if your waters have broken

• Do not add essential oils directly into a birthing pool, small bowls of hot water with essential oils in should be used for inhalation

• If you have had an epidural do not use lavender and clary sage   

• Hypotension or fainting episodes – avoid hypotensive oils if your diastolic blood pressure is below 60 like lavender and clary sage

• Mild asthma – avoid essential oils made from flowers if you get hay fever or have asthma triggered by pollen

• Twin / multiple pregnancy – do not use uterine stimulating oils like jasmine and clary sage

• VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) – do not use uterine stimulating oils

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Aromatherapy is a useful tool across all labour stages, from early labour to postnatal recovery. It alleviates anxiety, supports pain relief, and aids in wound healing and lactation. While side effects are rare, precautions are taken to ensure safety, especially for individuals with specific medical conditions or sensitivities. Always consult with your midwife or doctor about what oils are safe for you to use.

Lastly, ensure you are buying oils from a reputable seller that sources good quality essential oils. You can find a list of members of the Aromatherapy Trade Council below.

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https://www.a-t-c.org.uk/membership-list/

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Hope this article has opened your eyes to the world of essential oils, 

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Cat

The Informed Birth Midwife

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