Healthytalk8 Lavender essential oil during pregnancy is considered safe, but when with safety protocols, what is an essential oil?
EO is highly concentrated and is made by the steam distillation process, where steam the plants until the oil present in them vaporizes.
Most EO is used in aromatherapy, but also be used in inhaling, and massage.
Pregnancy is one of the life events which brings lots of hormonal, physical, and physiological changes to your body.
The list of EO is significantly larger, some of them are safer and some should be avoided during pregnancy.
Make sure EO always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.
NOTE: Natural Remedies For Treating Insomnia During Pregnancy
So today’s topic will tell you about lavender essential oil during pregnancy.
Is it safe?
Contents
Generally, much essential oil is recognized as safe, (GRAS) status, however, the herbs or EOs during pregnancy is a highly controversial matter.
So first, take a patch of skin tests, then use it on your skin, and directly apply it on the skin may interact with mother and baby’s health.
Lavender oil is one of the most common EOs that has been used during pregnancy, but make sure to test it before use.
Because you really don’t how it will react with your skin, especially (if you use it for the first time)
The use of aromatherapy is suggested during labor, with no significant reported side effects in the mothers and neonates (2).
NOTE: Using Essential Oil During Pregnancy: Is It Safe, Uses, And More
Lavender essential oil benefits during pregnancy
Researchers indicated that aromatherapy with lavender oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, muscle-relaxant, anti-bacterial effects, etc
Many believe that if you inhale an EO, your limbic system will be aware that your mental health, behavior, and sense of smell.
Lavender oil brings many health benefits not only with pregnancy but with other health issues including:
Reduce anxiety and stress
Studies show that anxiety and stress in pregnancy can result in fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery and also negative effects on the child’s mental growth (5).
Aromatherapy with lavender oil has been used to reduce anxiety during labor without any harm to the mother or her fetus (3).
Medical field studies have also confirmed that lavender oil might reduce anxiety and enhance mood scores.
Several studies have shown that lavender oil can reduce labor pain and anxiety to a great extent.
However, there are some other EOs like rose, Jasmin, geranium, chamomile, etc are also effective in reducing labor anxiety (5).
The study reported that Lavender EOs aromatherapy was a successful and safe therapy in the reduction of pain after the c section surgery.
NOTE: Is Anxiety, and Stress Can Cause To Weak Immune System?
Helpful in reducing headache
Study proof that the Inhalation of lavender EO is suggested to be an effective and safe treatment in actual migraine headaches.
Some studies show that peppermint oil also treats migraine headaches by relaxing muscles and relieving pain.
A study where it is seen that lavender oil has similar effects as placebo in headache improvement.
The study also lifts that aromatherapy lavender oils are effective in reducing pain intensity in stress-related headaches.
Aromatherapy with LO was observed to reduce the severity of PDPH (Post dural puncture headache) quickly after the exposure (7).
NOTE: Great Home Remedies To Cut Down Your Headache
Improved depressed mood
Some studies, results show a positive effect of Lavender oil in decreasing depression levels in depressed patients.
A well-established study showed that aromatherapy with lavender EO and rose water reduces depression in women.
The effects of lavender aromatherapy in the high-risk postpartum woman showed a significant improvement in depression (6).
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Improve sleep
Women can experience a lack of sleep during pregnancy, which is often more common in the first and third trimesters (8).
Sleep schedule for these 9 months might be less due to a growing belly, pain, discomfort, etc.
The study suggests that Lavender is an excellent natural remedy to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality.
A study conducted by Chien et al showed that the score of quality of sleep has been improved by inhaling the lavender aroma.
Another study showed that the scent of lavender can improve the repeated awakening and had no other effects.
The study, results showed that short-term inhalation of lavender oil has been used as a sleep aid (9).
In a study on Korean female students, results showed that LO aromatherapy can significantly reduce insomnia.
NOTE: Pregnancy Insomnia: Causes, Complications, Ways To Sleep Better
Reduce pain
A human study found that lavender is beneficial in the treatment of pain and tremor (6).
LO aromatherapy was also reported as a successful and safe complementary therapy in the reduction of pain in pregnant women.
A study where some 100 ICU patients receive massaged with EO, shown 50% of patients were effective in lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and pain.
Studies have shown that aromatherapy with massage decreases stress and enhances immune function during pregnancy.
Healing wound
The study suggested that Lavender oil may be preferable to the use of Betadine for episiotomy wound care.
Clinical trials have shown the beneficial effect of lavender oil on wound healing (6).
In a study, results showed that treatment with LO promotes tissue remodeling by rapid replacement of type III collagen with type I collagen.
When you should avoid it?
Studies have shown that lavender oil has no adverse events in non-pregnant women.
It is not advised during 1st trimester of pregnancy because its absorption is an unknown mechanism.
However, during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, it may decrease pain and edema. increases relaxation, resulting in a pleasant feeling in the mother (1)
Also, LO has estrogenic and antiandrogenic agents, so topical application around the breast should be avoided.
Consistent bath for 3rd and 5th days with lavender oil in pregnant women additive recorded lower discomfort level (8).
Some EO is not safe to use in children like rosemary, and peppermint due to being high in cineole and not considered for children.
Safety guidelines
It suggests that short-term therapy with lavender is safe. However, some reports showed adverse effects after the application of lavender.
There are guided safety protocols that you keep in mind, especially during pregnancy including:
Don’t consume it
Ingestion should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding (due to emmenagogue effects).
This means – it stimulates blood flows in the pelvic area and uterus.
Inhale EO fragrance, and take a deep breath for a few minutes, make sure not to swallow it.
Mix with a carrier oil
Essential oils are always mixed with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil before applying to the skin.
Because EO is highly concentrated it may interact with your skin and leads to irritation, discomfort, and redness.
Also, manufacturing and expiration date also ensure safety, so make sure before buying to check its date.
NOTE: Do not use any essential oil on your child, and pets, doing so can be quite dangerous.
BOTTOM LINE
During pregnancy, there are several EO that are considered safe, but some EO should be avoided, especially 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
Lavender during pregnancy is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), make sure not to swallow it.
