During pregnancy, essential oils can relax and relieve minor "niggles" and complaints. You can use the following oils:

• Through massage. You should use very sparingly and additionally diluted with a neutral oil such as sunflower, grapeseed or almond essential oils always - 1-2 drops of aroma oil with a teaspoon of neutral oil. So the essential oil can be absorbed into the bloodstream through your skin.

• By inhalation. 4 drops of essential oil, mixed with a TL neutral oil or milk sufficient for a full bath as a bath additive. Two drops rich as an additive in a scent lamp or a vaporizer (evaporator). The traces of oil that you inhale, reach through the lungs into the blood.

The molecules of essential oils are very small, they are therefore quickly absorbed by the body. Resulting waste products are excreted by sweat, the kidneys, the urine or via the lungs during exhalation.

How does my aromatherapy?

Even a massage alone can be relaxing effect (Field et al 2005). During pregnancy the feet, shoulders or softly to let the abdominal massage with a gutriechenden oil can work wonders. But not every woman can withstand essential oils, when she is pregnant. Your skin may be so sensitive that touch is uncomfortable, and you can not relax here.

If that's the case for you, then you can use the oils as bath additive, use the foot bath or compress. A compress is made quickly drops a little essential oil to a warm and humid towel, which you then to relax on the forehead, abdomen, or to cross-cart (Expectancy).

The ingredients of some oils increase the general well-being. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile or ylang ylang can:

• help you sleep (Lee and Lee 2006)

• You can forget your worries (Bastard and Tiran 2009, Field et al 2005 Lemon 2004, Hwang 2006)
• lower blood pressure (Hwang 2006)

But there are not only soothing oils, but also refreshing. If you feel exhausted, try bergamot, grapefruit or tangerine.

Other oils relieve very special pregnancy symptoms such as:

• General aches and pains - try black pepper

• Nausea - try peppermint or spearmint
• Headaches - try it with lavender
• nSwollen joints and hemorrhoids - try Cypress
• Constipation - choose Mandarin or other citrus oils
• Nasal congestion - try eucalyptus
• Insomnia - chamomile or ylang ylang can help
• Fatigue, try mandarin (Tiran 2004 Expectancy)

All essential oils have an antibacterial effect. Some, like Teebaumböl, are also effective against viruses. Tea tree oil can also prevent colds or relieve (Tiran 2004).

Can I use aromatherapy during labor?

Yes, aromatherapy oils can help you to master the different birth stages and to alleviate the pain.

You can indulge regularly in the weeks before the birth of aroma oil massages. A small study showed that regular massages childbirth pain is reduced (McNabb et al 2006).

Once into labor, often seem small amounts of black pepper or incense oil well. Do not use essential oils in the bath or birth pool if your waters have already burst (Expectancy).

Are there any risks I should know?

Aroma oils should always be used wisely and in small doses, especially in the first trimester. Tell your doctor / health care professional and midwife definitely know when you use aromatherapy oils.

Certain oils are not suitable for pregnant women (Lis-Balchin 1999). Some who would never used by experienced Aramotherapeuten / inside in pregnancy, are suspected to trigger a miscarriage.

Most concerns about the use of essential oils in pregnancy are historical origin. The aroma oil pennyroyal was drunk in the 19th century by women who deliberately wanted to terminate the pregnancy. Pennyroyal is toxic to the organs, when applied internally.

Stories like this have allowed aromatherapists / interior be very careful. Therefore, some treat no women during the first three months of pregnancy - ie in the time when the risk of miscarriage is highest. Others assure that aromatherapy is completely safe today, when applied correctly. Definitely aromatherapy is not only harmless, but you may be a great help in advanced pregnancy.