No, essential oils are not completely recommended for pregnant women
Why are essential oils said to be dangerous during pregnancy?
- While some essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy, others are perfectly authorized from the 4th month and even throughout pregnancy.
- Moreover, let us specify that the recommendations concern the use of essential oils in aromatherapy (that is to say pure and in high quantity).
As a precautionary principle
Avoid swallowing essential oils if you are pregnant
- Yes, essential oils can be abortive during the first trimester, when administered orally or injected into the body.
- While some are known to be effective against nausea, always seek the advice of your doctor.
Check the essential oils you apply to the skin
- If the toxicity of essential oils when applied to the skin for pregnant women is not proven, a theoretical risk is suspected.
- Due to their rapid penetration into the body (through the blood system) the use of essential oils would therefore involve a risk for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Indeed, the active ingredients would be likely to cross the barrier of the placenta and disrupt the development of the fetus but also to pass into the milk.
- However, if this has not been proven, healthcare professionals prefer to act in the name of the precautionary principle.
- On the other hand, many essential oils are authorized because they present no danger. Ask your doctor for more information.
In low concentration in cosmetic products, essential oils do not present any real danger
- Yes, you can use cream, shampoo containing essential oils while you are pregnant. At very low doses, it is not dangerous.
- The risk lies mainly with pure oral absorption in large quantities.
- It is still preferable to check that the product does not contain essential oils not recommended during pregnancy.
- If in doubt, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
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