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Posted by Dr. S Pujah on 16th Feb 2025

Top Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Essential oils have their general application in therapy, but a lot of caution is required during pregnancy and lactation. Though some of them can help with relaxation, nausea, and hormonal balance, others can lead to complications such as uterine contractions, disruption of hormones, and toxicity to the baby.

The given essay talks about some of the essential oils that should be avoided both during pregnancy and lactation, for what reasons, and their safe alternatives that will be helpful for mothers.

1. Why Are Some Essential Oils Unsafe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and lactation are such critical phases of life where maternal and fetal health is directly related to each other. Essential oils contain bioactive ingredients that can easily cross the placenta or be transferred through breast milk, affecting the developing fetus or the baby.

Common Dangers of Unsuitable Essential Oils:

Stimulate uterine contractions and can cause miscarriage or premature birth.

Affect hormone balance and disturb the normal development of the fetus.

✔ Causing toxicity in the body since they are concentrated forms.

✔ Passing into breast milk and then acting on the neurological and digestive systems of the infant.

Thus, there are certain essential oils that one needs to be cautious about during pregnancy and lactation.

 

2. Essential Oils to Be Avoided During Pregnancy

A few essential oils have been identified as not being suitable for pregnant women since they can act powerfully on the uterus, hormones, or nervous system.

2.1 Essential Oils That Can Stimulate Uterine Contractions

Some essential oils contain substances that stimulate contractions of the uterus and thus may result in miscarriage or early birth.

 

✔ Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) –

induces labor, and can be used only by a healthcare professional during the delivery process

✔ Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)-

contains camphor, which may increase blood pressure and trigger contractions.

✔ Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – With high contents of estragole, it may disturb hormonal balances and lead to contractions.

✔ Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) –This is known to stimulate the kidneys and uterus, which can be risky in pregnancy.

✔ Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – A very powerful essential oil, especially likely to interfere with pregnancy by exciting the availability of menstrual flow.

 

2.2 Essential Oils That Affect Hormonal Balance

Pregnancy depends on exquisite changes in hormone levels, and certain essential oils disturb these processes.

 

✔ Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – It increases the amount of progesterone, hence causing hormonal imbalance.

✔ Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – This contains phytoestrogens that may interfere with pregnancy hormones.

✔ Sage (Salvia officinalis) – It lowers the amount of progesterone and estrogen and could lead to complications.

 

2.3 Toxic Essential Oils to Avoid

The essential oils extracted from some plants contain toxic elements that may affect the health of both mother and baby through skin absorption or inhalation.

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)-methyl salicylate content can be harmful if taken in excess. Camphor, Cinnamomum camphora-exhibits neurological poisoning and therefore should not be ingested into the body. Pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium-a very potent plant that contains a substance known to cause an abortion even at low dosages. Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium-thymol is present within it, with neurotoxins that harm fetal development.

Key Takeaway: Pregnant women should avoid essential oils that stimulate contractions, disrupt hormones, or contain toxic compounds.

 

3. Essential Oils to Avoid While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers must also be cautious about essential oil use, as some compounds can pass into breast milk and affect the baby's health.

 

3.1 Essential Oils That Reduce Milk Supply

 

Some essential oils can decrease lactation by interfering with prolactin production.

 

✔ Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - Known to reduce milk supply if taken in high quantities

✔ Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) - Composition may include substances inhibiting lactation.

✔ Sage (Salvia officinalis) - Said to reduce milk production in lactating mothers.

 

3.2 Toxic Essential Oils to Babies

Certain essential oils may provoke adverse reactions in the newborn due to their potent nature and high absorption rates in babies.

 

✔ Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) – Contains cineole, which can cause breathing difficulties in infants.

✔ Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – Can be toxic when absorbed through the skin of newborns.

✔ Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – Strong antibacterial properties may cause skin irritation in infants.

 

Key Takeaway: Nursing mothers should avoid essential oils that reduce milk supply or pose risks to their baby’s respiratory and nervous systems.

 

4. Safe Essential Oils during Pregnancy and for Nursing Mothers

While there is a list of essential oils not to be used, many serve as a solution and are recommended for pregnant and lactating women.

 

✔ Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) helps promote relaxation and reduces stress to improve sleep.

✔ Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with digestion and nausea while offering emotional balance.

✔ Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been found very helpful in morning sickness and promotes digestion.

✔ Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) supports immunity and emotional well-being.

✔ Mandarin, Citrus reticulata: A non-irritant, sweet citrus essential oil known for calming and soothing anxiety disorders.

 

Application Safety:

✔ Dilute always before applying to the skin: use 1% dilution (1 drop in a teaspoon of carrier oil).

✔ Apply to a diffuser for no more than 30 minutes.

✔ Do not apply directly on the abdomen while pregnant.

 

5. General Guidelines to Follow on Safety in the Use of Essential Oil during Pregnancy and Breast-feeding

To ensure safe use of essential oils, observe the following precautions:

 

✔ Consult a healthcare professional before using any essential oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

✔ Use high-quality, 100% pure essential oils free from additives or synthetic ingredients.

✔ Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.

✔ Avoid ingesting essential oils unless under professional supervision.

✔ Monitor for any allergic reactions or sensitivity when using new oils.

 

Conclusion: Essential Oils and Maternal Wellness

Essential oils can offer a number of benefits for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, but safety must always be the first priority. Certain oils can cause contractions in the uterus, interfere with hormones, or even pass into breast milk, which can be harmful for maternal use. By learning what essential oils to avoid and finding substitutions that are safe, moms can reap the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy without risk.

 

Key Takeaways:

AVOID: In Pregnancy, the essential oils which may cause contractions, hormonal change, and toxicity. AVOID those that decrease milk supply and pose risks to respiratory health in infants while breastfeeding. Some mild essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and frankincense are good options for maternal care. Observe proper dilution and consult your doctor before applying any essential oils.

These safety precautions, if applied, will help the essential oils serve for maternal health and wellness during pregnancy and lactation.

 

Questions Answered in this blog:

  1. What essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy and why?

  2. Can essential oils affect milk supply during breastfeeding?

  3. Which essential oils are safe for pregnant and nursing mothers?

  4. How can essential oils harm fetal development or newborns?

 

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