While use of essential oils throughout pregnancy is under debate, pregnant women should avoid using essential oils altogether for the first trimester. Some essential oils are abortifacient; have properties that can induce spontaneous abortion and miscarriages, or emmenagogues; have properties that stimulate menstruation). In addition to the essential oils that should be avoided by everyone, the following is an abbreviated list of the most common essential oils that should be avoided by pregnant or lactating women:
- Angelica
- Anissed
- Basil
- Black Pepper
- Birch
- Calendula
- Camphor
- Cedarweed
- Cinnamon (bark or leaf)
- Clary sage
- Clove
- Cypress
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel
- Geranium
- Hyssop
- Juniper
- Mugwort
- Myrrh
- Nutmeg
- Oakmoss
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemery
- Rue
- Sage
- Spanish lavender
- Spike lavender
- Tansy
- Tarragon
- Wintergreen
Keep in mind that there are many different kinds of lavender, and you’ll be able to recognize them by their different Latin names. While Spanish or French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) should be avoided in pregnancy, the lavender plant known as Lavandula angustifolia is safe.
