Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can cause some women’s moods to range from feeling tearful to euphoric. Emotional imbalances are perfectly normal and completely reasonable bearing in mind you’re about to bring a mini human into the world.
Aromatherapy oils – particularly flower essential oils and those distilled from wood – can be really supportive emotionally during pregnancy. Our essential oils expert Jo Kellett explains how to ease pregnancy blues with aromatherapy:
“As hormones change throughout pregnancy, this can have a huge effect on us emotionally. Some women feel tearful while others experience anxiety and low mood. Aromatherapy flower essential oils are particularly good at supporting women at this time. Their aromas are sweet, soft and floral and ultimately feminine, allowing you to focus on your pregnancy. Essential oils distilled from wood are considered to be supportive emotionally and will enhance the respiratory system, allowing you to feel relaxed yet alert”.
Using essential oils from the second trimester can provide an amazing pregnancy experience. There are certain essential oils to avoid though, and you should reduce the amount you use. In pregnancy, it is recommended when making your own blends to use a 1% dilution of essential oils. This works out at one drop to every 5ml of blending oil.”
This is a favourite aromatherapy massage blend of mine, add the following drops of essential oil to 25ml of blending oil like Jojoba:
1 drop of Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens
1 drop of Frankincense – Boswellia carterii
3 drops of Grapefruit – Citrus paradisi
Simply massage this blend into your upper chest and inhale the calming aroma. You can also use this blend of essential oils in an Aroma Spa diffuser. Diffusers are a great way to support your emotional health as you can still go about your daily routine while getting the benefit of the essential oils.
For an Aroma Spa Diffuser blend use the following drops:
2 drops of Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens
2 drops of Frankincense – Boswellia carterii
4 drops of Grapefruit – Citrus paradisi
*If you have any concerns about you or your babies’ health during pregnancy you should consult your Midwife or Obstetrician. The use of essential oils is complimentary to your well-being during your pregnancy and does not take the place of orthodox medical care*
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram
