Using essential oils while pregnant is a topic that’s been widely discussed. Many people have different opinions on the matter; however, thousands of women worldwide have used essential oils during pregnancy for centuries. After having two babies and using essential oils throughout both of my pregnancies (especially during the first trimester), I cannot imagine how it would’ve been if I hadn’t used them. The aromatic, emotional, and physical support they provided me was undeniable.

Because the first trimester is a critical stage during pregnancy, some medical advice says to avoid essential oils altogether due to the risk of exposing your child to a toxic or potentially harmful substance. So, before deciding to use essential oils, it’s best to speak with your medical provider first. If you do use essential oils, remember that they’re NOT meant to be ingested. Also, when using them topically, you should first dilute the oil in a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil.^1,2

Essential Oils To Avoid During Pregnancy

First, these are the essential oils to avoid while pregnant, especially during the first trimester. You’ll also want to avoid any blends that contain these essential oils:^1,2

• Aniseed
• Basil
• Birch
• Camphor
• Hyssop
• Mugwort
• Oakmoss
• Parsley
• Pennyroyal
• Rue
• Sage
• Tansy
• Tarragon
• Thuja
• Wintergreen
• Wormwood

5 Best Essential Oils for the First Trimester

From my experience, there are at least five essential oils you cannot live without, especially during the first trimester:⁶

1. Peppermint

One oil that seems to be a favorite for newly pregnant moms is peppermint. The aroma is minty, refreshing, and rejuvenating. You can inhale it in the mornings or diffuse it throughout the day to help with nausea, nasal congestion, muscle aches, and possibly headaches. However, the use of peppermint oil is controversial. When used topically, the side effects can include skin rashes and irritation. It can also affect a child’s breathing if they inhale it.^3,4

2. Lavender

Lavender is one of the mildest and gentlest essential oils, so it’s a huge favorite for pregnant women. Its pleasant aroma is extremely soothing, making it a favorite for sleep and rest. It even helps with emotions during this ever-changing time in a pregnant mama’s body and life. On top of that, lavender is also wonderful for the skin. Women love using it on their faces or applying it on their growing bellies.^1,2,3

3. Frankincense

Though frankincense is an entirely different essential oil, it has similar benefits and uses as lavender for pregnant moms. For emotions, rest, and mental clarity (pregnancy brain), the aroma of frankincense is known to be highly beneficial due to its naturally occurring properties. As far as skin goes, frankincense is an age-old favorite that women have used for thousands of years. Many moms love adding drops of frankincense and lavender mixed with coconut and vitamin E oil for a homemade belly balm.^1,5,11

4. Lemon

Many newly pregnant moms love the refreshing and citrusy aroma of lemon. Like peppermint, this essential oil is mild and fresh in smell, so many moms don’t have a problem inhaling it for mental acuity and energy. Diffusing this essential oil in the home for its cleansing properties is also an extremely common practice.

5. Stress Away

This essential oil blend contains copaiba, lime, cedarwood, vanilla, ocotea, and lavender essential oils. The distinct mix of vanilla and lime gives this oil blend a unique and pleasant aroma, making this tropical- and citrus-smelling oil a favorite for pregnant moms. Inhaling Stress Away can bring a sense of peace and tranquility, whether you’re a pregnant mom who already has children or are experiencing the newness of pregnancy for the very first time.

How to Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy

Here are some quick references that some pregnant moms have found helpful for certain first-trimester experiences.* In my opinion, here’s what these essential oils may help with during pregnancy:^7,8,9,10

• Nausea and vomiting: Lemon
• Digestive support: Peppermint and Lemon
• Emotional harmony: Lavender, Stress Away, and Frankincense
• Energy boost: Lemon and Frankincense
• Pretty “pregnancy glow” skin: Lavender and Frankincense
• Stretching skin: Lavender and Frankincense
• Restful sleep: Lavender, Stress Away, and Frankincense

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. It should be a beautiful experience, too! Choosing to use something natural and highly beneficial during this stage of motherhood is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself and my quickly developing babies. Plants were designed to assist our bodies in every stage of life — even when life is growing inside you!