Essential oils: Are they safe to use in pregnancy?

Essential oils and pregnancy: what you need to know

When it comes to essential oils and pregnancy, guidance can vary. This is largely because there is limited research in this area, and safety depends on several factors - including dilution, method of use, timing within pregnancy, and individual sensitivity.

Some essential oils are more commonly considered suitable for cautious use during pregnancy, particularly when used at low dilutions and as part of a professionally formulated product. These are often gentler oils that have a long history of traditional use.

Examples of essential oils that are often cited as being more pregnancy-compatible include:

• Frankincense
• German chamomile
• Roman Chamomile
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Lavender
• Citrus oils
• Neroli
• Palmarosa
• Patchouli
• Pettitgrain
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Clary Sage

Even with these oils, individual circumstances matter, and most practitioners recommend avoiding essential oils entirely during the first trimester or seeking personalised guidance before use.

Essential oils to approach with caution during pregnancy

Research into essential oils and pregnancy is limited, and much of what we know comes from animal studies rather than human trials. For this reason, guidance around essential oils during pregnancy tends to err on the side of caution.

Some essential oil constituents - such as camphor - are known to cross the placenta. Oils that are high in camphor are therefore generally avoided during pregnancy, as are essential oils that are considered toxic, potentially hormone-disrupting, or otherwise unsuitable for use at this time.

Because individual oils vary widely in their chemical composition, and because sensitivity can differ from person to person, many practitioners recommend avoiding certain essential oils altogether during pregnancy unless under professional guidance.

When essential oils may be considered during pregnancy

Many practitioners recommend avoiding essential oils during the first trimester, as this is a particularly sensitive stage of development. This doesn’t mean essential oils are inherently harmful, but a more cautious approach is often advised during early pregnancy.

Later in pregnancy, some people choose to reintroduce essential oils in a limited and considered way. When this is done, it’s usually with gentle oils, at low dilutions, and in methods such as diffusion or professionally formulated products - always taking individual circumstances into account.

Ways essential oils are commonly used during pregnancy

These methods are shared for general information only and should always be considered in the context of individual circumstances and appropriate professional guidance.

Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they are used in diluted forms rather than applied directly to the skin or ingested. When essential oils are used during pregnancy, gentler methods and lower concentrations are typically preferred.

Massage

When essential oils are used for massage during pregnancy, dilutions are kept very low. Many qualified aromatherapists work to a maximum dilution of around 1%, and often lower, depending on individual circumstances and the oils being used.

For this reason, many people prefer to use professionally formulated blends rather than mixing essential oils themselves.

Diffuser

Diffusing essential oils into the air is one of the most commonly chosen methods during pregnancy, as it avoids direct skin application and allows the aroma to be experienced gently.

Dry inhalation

Some people use dry inhalation by placing a few drops of essential oil onto a tissue or cotton pad and inhaling the aroma briefly, without direct contact with the skin.

Hot compress

A warm compress may be used by adding a small amount of essential oil to hot water, soaking a cloth, and applying it to the area once cooled slightly. This method is typically approached with care and gentle dilution.

Bath

When used in the bath, essential oils should always be pre-blended into a suitable carrier or bath oil containing an emulsifier. This helps ensure the oils disperse evenly in the water rather than sitting on the surface or the skin.

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Essential oils and skin care during pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring noticeable changes to the skin, including dryness, increased sensitivity, or shifts in oil balance. During this time, skincare is often approached with a focus on comfort, nourishment, and supporting the skin barrier rather than targeting specific concerns.

When essential oils are included in pregnancy skincare, they’re typically chosen for their gentle, supportive qualities and used at very low levels. Some people choose to avoid essential oils on the skin altogether during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, opting instead for essential-oil-free formulas.

For areas of skin that are stretching, such as the abdomen, keeping the skin well nourished and supple can help ease discomfort and itching as the body changes. This is why I chose to formulate my Pregnancy Belly Oil without essential oils, using organic plant oils and botanical extracts such as rosehip and amaranth to support hydration and skin comfort throughout all stages of pregnancy.

Essential oils for comfort during pregnancy

During pregnancy, some people explore essential oils as a gentle way to support comfort and wellbeing. As with all essential oil use during pregnancy, this is typically approached cautiously, with low dilutions and non-invasive methods.

For nausea

For feelings of nausea, certain aromas are often described as comforting when inhaled gently. Oils such as peppermint or ginger are commonly mentioned in this context, usually through methods like brief dry inhalation rather than topical application.

For aches and pains

Muscle aches and general discomfort are common as the body changes. Some people find oils such as lavender, ginger, black pepper or chamomile helpful when used in diluted massage blends or warm compresses, always keeping concentrations low and individual sensitivity in mind.

For relaxation and sleep

Rest can be more difficult during pregnancy, particularly as routines and comfort levels change. Gentle, grounding aromas — including lavender, frankincense, neroli, or petitgrain - are often associated with relaxation. These oils are most commonly experienced through diffusion or professionally formulated blends.

Conclusion

Essential oils can be part of a comforting, mindful approach to wellbeing during pregnancy, but they deserve extra care and consideration at this time. With limited research available, it’s understandable that guidance can feel conflicting - which is why a cautious, informed approach is often recommended.

By understanding how essential oils are typically approached during pregnancy, and by prioritising gentle methods, low dilutions, and individual circumstances, it’s possible to make choices that feel supportive rather than overwhelming. As with all aspects of pregnancy, what feels right will vary from person to person.

As a qualified aromatherapist and skincare formulator, my approach has always been rooted in care, caution, and respect for the body - especially during pregnancy.

Related articles

Essential oils for sleep

Benefits of using a tummy oil during pregnancy

References

Tisserand, R. & Balacs, T. Essential Oil Safety

Aromatherapy Scotland – Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma course notes

IFRA Standards (ifparoma.org)