Essential oils are extremely concentrated and need to be diluted before use. A common dilution for aromatherapy blends during pregnancy is 2% – which would equal approximately 10 drops essential oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. For an aromatherapy bath add 6-10 drops essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting in. 3-6 drops essential oil in a bowl of warm water wrung out in a washcloth works well for a compress. Use the same dilution in a bowl of steaming hot water for a steam inhalation.

Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy

Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but they have many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labour.

The following list contains oils that should be avoided* during pregnancy:

Basil

Cedarwood

Cinnamon

Clary sage (OK during labour)

Clove

Cypress (OK after 5 months)

Fennel

Hyssop

Jasmine (OK during labour)

Juniper

Lemongrass

Myrrh

Parsley

Pennyroyal

Peppermint

Rosemary

Sweet marjoram

Thyme

*Note: Since it would be highly unethical to test on pregnant women, the list of essential oils to avoid during pregnancy is based on knowledge of the general properties of each essential oil. For obvious reasons, during pregnancy it is recommended to avoid essential oils which are known to thin the blood or cause cramping or contractions. Used under proper dilution, most of these oils should not cause any problems during a healthy pregnancy, but it is always best to err on the side of caution…

via Aromatherapy for Pregnancy.