Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy
Clary Sage Oil should be avoided up until 38 weeks of pregnancy.
The use of essential oils during pregnancy can be safe once you have educated yourself.
Safety
No essential oils should be applied straight onto the skin as this can cause damage to the liver and other organs. For topical use, essential oils can be diluted in a carrier oil such as Apricot Kernel, Sweet Almond, or Jojoba oil. Even just the plain old olive oil from your kitchen will be fine depending on what you're planning to use the oils for.
How to Dilute Your Oils
As a good general guide:
for general use - 3% dilution = 6 drops in 10mL of carrier oil
Pregnancy - 1% to 1.5% max dilution = 2 to 3 drops in 10mL of carrier oil
Post-Natal and Breastfeeding - 1.5% dilution = 3 drops in 10mL of carrier oil
Babies and Children - 0.5% = 1 drop in 10mL of carrier oil
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy:
Basil
Cedarwood (Atlas and Virginian)
Clary Sage*
Clove
Fennel
Hyssop
Jasmine*
Myrrh
Sweet Marjoram
Nutmeg
Parsley
Pennyroyal
Rose*
Sage
Wintergreen
*Clary Sage, Jasmine and Rose can stimulate uterine contractions and should only be used topically after 38 weeks of pregnancy to help encourage labour or during childbirth.
Essential Oils to Use With Caution
Consult with a qualified aromatherapist before using the following:
Cypress
Juniper Berry
Peppermint
Rosemary
It’s good to note that perfumes, body washes and other body products are usually fine, because they don't cover the entire body and are normally made with a low dilution of essential oils. However, I would steer clear of bath soaks and foot soaks containing risky oils, as they’re more likely to be absorbed into the skin.
Diffusing Oils
All essential oils are safe to inhale and to use in the diffuser. Caution only needs to be taken when applying oils to the body.