Pregnancy Safety: Doterra Essential Oils

Are doTERRA essential oils safe during pregnancy? The answer is yes, with a few special considerations. Firstly, it's important to choose your essential oils carefully. Select a reputable essential oil provider that delivers pure, high-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils with an emphasis on scientific testing and responsible sourcing. The best essential oils are 100% plant-derived without fillers or byproducts. Additionally, always exercise caution with essential oil use, especially during the first trimester when development is at its most critical. It is also recommended to avoid certain essential oils, such as Clary Sage, Jasmine, and Myrrh, during pregnancy. Instead, try inhaling essential oils or adding them to a diffuser. If applying essential oils to the skin, ensure they are diluted with a carrier oil and test a small area of the skin for sensitivity before general use.

Safe application methods

While essential oils can be beneficial during pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions for their safe use. Here are some safe application methods to follow:

• Consult a healthcare professional: Before using essential oils during pregnancy, it is crucial to consult your doctor, obstetrician, midwife, or healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and address any concerns or risks associated with essential oil use.
• Choose high-quality oils: Opt for pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils from reputable brands. Ensure the oils are 100% plant-derived, free from fillers or byproducts, and responsibly sourced.
• Avoid ingestion: Do not ingest essential oils orally unless under the direct supervision of an expert or physician. Ingesting essential oils can pose toxicity risks to both the mother and the baby.
• Focus on aromatherapy: Medical experts generally agree that aromatherapy is a safer option than topical applications during pregnancy. Use a diffuser to disperse the essential oils into the air, allowing you to inhale their therapeutic properties.
• Dilute with carrier oils: If you choose to apply essential oils topically, always dilute them with a carrier oil such as jojoba, olive, or coconut oil. This helps to prevent skin irritation, as essential oils are highly concentrated.
• Perform a patch test: Before applying essential oils to your skin, perform a small patch test on a discrete area to check for any sensitivity or allergic reactions.
• Avoid certain oils: Stay away from essential oils that can cause uterine contractions or interfere with reproductive hormones, such as cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and clary sage. Additionally, avoid peppermint oil while breastfeeding, as it may decrease milk supply.
• Use with caution during the first trimester: The first trimester is a critical period for fetal development. Avoid using essential oils during this time, as there is a risk of exposing the fetus to potentially harmful substances.
• Follow dosage recommendations: Do not exceed the recommended dosages for essential oils, especially when using them topically. Carefully dilute the oils as instructed.
• Be mindful of sensitivity: During pregnancy, you may become more sensitive to scents and essential oils. Start with smaller amounts and pay attention to your body's reactions. Adjust the amount or type of oil used accordingly.
• Consult reliable sources: When researching essential oil use during pregnancy, refer to reputable sources and seek guidance from aromatherapists or homeopathic experts. Avoid purchasing essential oils from unreliable sources, as their quality may be questionable.

Safe essential oils to use

Essential oils are generally safe to use during pregnancy, but it's important to consult a healthcare provider before using any new products. Here are some essential oils that are considered safe to use during pregnancy:

• Cardamom – helps with morning sickness and nausea.
• Frankincense – stimulates calm, relaxation, and a good night's sleep.
• Geranium – promotes a positive mood.
• German or Roman chamomile – stimulates calm, relaxation, and a good night's sleep.
• Ginger – helps with morning sickness and nausea.
• Lavender – stimulates calm, relaxation, and a good night's sleep.
• Lemon – improves your mood.
• Neroli – stimulates calm, relaxation, and a good night's sleep.
• Patchouli – improves your mood.
• Petitgrain – stimulates calm, relaxation, and a good night's sleep.
• Rose and Rosewood – stimulates calm, relaxation, and a good night's sleep.
• Sandalwood – improves your mood.
• Wild orange – improves your mood.
• Ylang-ylang – can help with calmness, relaxation, and sleep.
• Copaiba – helps all other oils work better together.
• Balance – keeps a mum-to-be grounded and balanced.

Tips for safe usage:

• Always consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils during pregnancy.
• Use essential oils carefully and start with small amounts.
• Avoid putting essential oils directly on the skin unless otherwise directed.
• Do not ingest essential oils.
• Consult with a qualified aromatherapist with any questions or concerns.
• Choose quality, unadulterated essential oils from reputable brands.
• Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, olive, or coconut oil, before applying them to the skin.

Essential oils to avoid

While essential oils can be beneficial during pregnancy, not all oils are safe to use. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any essential oils, as they can provide guidance on which oils to avoid and offer recommendations for high-quality, safe alternatives.

• Basil (estragole CT)
• Parsley seed or leaf
• Clary Sage and Jasmine—while Clary Sage is calming and soothing, it can be too aggressive and induce contractions. Jasmine has a similar effect.
• Peppermint—this oil is generally cautioned against while breastfeeding, as it may decrease milk supply.

Additionally, it is important to use pure, high-quality essential oils from reputable sources. Inferior oils may be synthetic or adulterated and can pose risks during pregnancy. Always check the label, research the company, and choose dark-coloured glass containers to ensure the safety and quality of the essential oils.

How to choose a reputable essential oil provider

When choosing a reputable essential oil provider, there are several factors to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

• Botanical Name and Ingredient List: Look for the botanical or Latin name of the plant species used to produce the essential oil. This indicates that the oil is derived from a single species rather than a blend of different oils. The label should also include a list of ingredients, allowing you to verify the purity and quality of the oil.
• Purity and Cleanliness: Check for statements about purity on the label or ingredient list. A label claiming "100% Pure Essential Oil" and providing the botanical name is usually a good indication of high-quality, pure oil. However, this is not legally enforced, so look for other signs of purity as well.
• Extraction Method: Inquire about the extraction method used to obtain the essential oil. The traditional and most popular method is steam distillation, but other methods such as cold-press and solvent extraction may also be employed. A reputable provider should be transparent about their extraction processes.
• Country of Origin: Determine the country of origin for the essential oil. Quality can vary depending on the region and the specific oil being purchased. Additionally, if the oil is native to a developing country, ensure that it is ethically and sustainably sourced, with fair trade practices in place.
• GC/MS Results: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) testing is a crucial tool for analyzing the chemical constituents of an essential oil. Reputable providers should be willing to provide batch-specific GC/MS reports to assure customers of the oil's purity and adherence to testing protocols.
• Aromatherapy Experience: Consider the provider's experience and qualifications in the field of aromatherapy or natural medicine. Look for providers who are respected by other essential oil practitioners and educators, as this indicates a commitment to providing accurate and reliable information.
• Organic or Wildcrafted: Opt for essential oils that are organically sourced, meaning they are grown and processed without the use of chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides. For certain oils, "certified organic" may not be possible, such as those that are wild-harvested. In such cases, prioritize small-batch producers who prioritize chemical-free and sustainable practices.
• Expiry Dates and Batch Numbers: While not mandatory, some providers include expiry dates and batch numbers on their essential oils. This information can give you an idea of the oil's shelf life and help the provider keep track of different batches and their associated testing results.
• Support Small Suppliers: Consider supporting small, local suppliers rather than large corporations. Smaller suppliers often have long-standing relationships with distillers, allowing for closer monitoring of the supply chain and ensuring higher purity and quality. They may also offer more affordable prices due to lower overheads and distributor costs.

Additionally, here are some things to avoid or be cautious about when choosing an essential oil provider:

• Fragrant or Aromatherapy Oils: Be wary of oils labelled as fragrant or aromatherapy oils. These terms often indicate synthetic scents rather than pure essential oils, and they may not possess the therapeutic properties typically associated with pure essential oils.
• CPTG or "Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade®": This is a trademark term invented by a company to market their oils as therapeutic. There is no universal grading system for essential oils, so this label does not necessarily reflect the true purity or therapeutic benefits of the oil.

How to store essential oils safely

Essential oils are an investment in your health and well-being. Proper storage is one way to protect your investment and maximize their benefits. Here are some tips for storing essential oils safely:

• Keep the bottle lids on tight to prevent oxidation, air, or water from getting inside the bottle. Tight lids also stop oil from evaporating.
• Avoid heat and direct sunlight, as these can alter the chemical composition of the oil and cause it to evaporate more quickly.
• Store essential oils in a cool, dark place such as a closet, drawer, or cupboard.
• Keep essential oils in dark glass bottles or containers with tight-fitting lids. Amber or cobalt-blue coloured containers prevent UV light from reaching the oils.
• Do not store essential oils in plastic containers as petrochemicals in the plastic may negatively react with the oils.
• Keep essential oils away from any heat source such as heaters, ovens, windows, or hot water pipes.
• Minimize exposure to oxygen by ensuring the bottle has a tight-fitting lid.
• Monitor your essential oils for signs of deterioration, such as changes in colour, consistency, or smell.

Frequently asked questions