Join us for a guest post from Dr. Lindsey Elmore! Drawing from her distinguished background as a pharmacist, Lindsey shares her advice for getting the most from essential oils during the tough, rewarding nine months of pregnancy. Check out what she and five new and expecting Young Living mothers want new mamas to know!

 

Dr. Lindsey Elmore - Young Living Essential Oils

Dr. Lindsey Elmore

For some people, it can be very hard to decide whether to use essential oils in pregnancy, and there are a wide variety of opinions on the matter. It is important to discuss usage with a medical professional experienced with essential oils and to be judicious with their use.

A few oils that should be avoided during pregnancy include:

  • Sage
  • Idaho Tansy or Hyssop
  • Fennel
  • Wintergreen
  • Blends and supplements that contain these oils

In addition to avoiding these oils, there are few hard-and-fast rules. As is the case in non-pregnant individuals, essential oil usage is individualized—be sure you’re following label directions and working with your health-care provider to know what’s best for you. Some of Young Living’s products are well loved and well tolerated by pregnant and lactating women.

Here are a few tips:

  • Mild essential oils such as Lavender may be used topically for healthy-looking skin during pregnancy.
  • Frankincense, a favorite oil among EO enthusiasts, can be used once a day as long as it is diluted properly—one drop of Frankincense to one teaspoon of carrier oil or lotion.
  • Clary Sage should be avoided during pregnancy but can be a great aid in the delivery room with the help of your doctor, doula, or midwife.
  • Some oils are safe to use aromatically but not topically (like Lemongrass). Peppermint is a great topical and aromatic oil for pregnant women but should not be taken internally.

If you have never used essential oils and are pregnant, please consult with your health-care provider prior to use. I advise you to start low and go slow. Start with just a few drops of your best essential oils, and diffuse in a large area. If you tolerate it well, you may consider applying essential oils to the skin after diluting in V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex or inhaling the oil directly from the bottle.

 

DiGize essential oil Mallory P., Young Living Education and Training Team

I experienced severe nausea for about the first 14 weeks of my pregnancy. It started mostly in the afternoon—I don’t know why they call it morning sickness—and would last all night. I had a lot of aversions to smells and different types of food, which made working in an environment that smells like essential oils difficult sometimes. I really tried to stick to using oils that were familiar and fresh. One that really didn’t bother me was Peppermint, used topically or aromatically. I also liked to diffuse Citrus Fresh and Lemongrass oil to help me feel invigorated. Just remember that Lemongrass should not be used topically or orally during pregnancy!

I experienced fatigue and often found it difficult to complete daily tasks. I loved using oils and supplements to support my energy level. I felt like taking Lemon Vitality™ in my water really helped me feel refreshed. I took NingXia Red® on a daily basis, and that really supported my overall energy. I also took MultiGreens* every day and definitely felt a difference. Just remember to consult with your health-care provider before ingesting or using supplements, food products, and oils.

At night, I swore by Tranquil Roll-On because its relaxing smell helped me unwind like nothing else. I just rolled it on the bottoms of my feet each night. I would also take baths at night and put a few drops of Lavender and Frankincense in my bathwater to help me unwind.

For me, something that really helped reduce the severity of morning sickness was exercise. I went to the gym at least 3-4 times a week, even if all I could manage was yoga or a walk. I was trying to have a very fit and healthy pregnancy, so it was important for me to have healthy options on hand at all times. I loved to snack on Slique™ Bars,* pretzels, fruits, and veggies. This way I could avoid all of those pregnancy cravings for junk food. I also made a point to have some sort of protein in the morning—eggs, nuts, or our Pure Protein Complete. It kept me full, especially after a workout.

 

Erin S., Young Living Marketing Team

My three favorite Young Living products for pregnancy are Frankincense oil, Inner Defense, and Slique™ Bars.* I used Frankincense topically every day. I either added one drop to my facial moisturizer or one drop to the lotion I rubbed on my growing belly. I loved the smell, and it helped keep the skin well moisturized.

Being pregnant can be challenging. Snacking regularly helped keep nausea at bay and my energy up. I kept fruit with me at all times and had Slique Bars* in my desk drawer. Those bars saved me on the days when I needed an extra boost between lunch and the drive home!

 

Delila E., Young Living Promotions Team

NingXia Red has always supported my mind and body’s energy levels. Throughout my pregnancy, I’ve made sure to drink a full serving of NingXia Red as often as possible. In the beginning stages of my pregnancy, I began taking Lemon Vitality internally. That oil really helped keep my tummy happy. I’ve also made sure to take wonderful prenatal vitamins and OmegaGize3*. OmegaGize3 has really helped support normal brain health for me through what some might call “pregnancy brain.”

 

Hiromi H., Young Living Diamond

There are a few Young Living products I’ve found particularly useful during my pregnancy. The fragrance of Sacred Frankincense helps comfort my spirit when I feel those ordinary anxieties and worries about pregnancy. It’s also a great addition to coconut oil or lotion to rub on my belly and hips to moisturize the growing skin.

I also love NingXia Red. It’s a healthy treat that also gives my body the nutrients it needs as it grows this new addition to my family. Other essential oil-infused supplements I’ve come to rely on are Essentialzymes-4*, MultiGreens*, and OmegaGize3*.

 

 

Is your family expanding? What products and habits do you plan to use to stay comfortable during your pregnancy?

Let us know in the comments!

*These products contain small amounts of oils that have been known to cause complications during pregnancy. Consult with your health-care provider before ingesting anything that contains these oils.