madame royale Report post Posted September 29, 2004 There was a brief mention of this on another thread, but thought I'd expand upon it. I'm thinking of gifting 2 people some BPAL, one of whom is definitely pregnant, the other is not yet sure. Should pregnant people really avoid essentials oils? Which ones? I can't begin to fathom which BPALs might best be avoided. Any suggestions on how to wear the scents off of your skin and hair (besides a scent locket b/c the one friend does not like to wear jewelry)? Share this post Link to post
darklorelei Report post Posted September 29, 2004 No pennyroyal, but that's easy enough to avoid. Umm. There's more, but I'm just waking up right now. Share this post Link to post
supervillainess Report post Posted September 29, 2004 Oh, and Rosemary is one to be avoided according to all my aromatherapy books. Share this post Link to post
Vicious Mistress Report post Posted September 29, 2004 This is a website that may be of some help. Share this post Link to post
Absinthe Report post Posted September 29, 2004 I personally think that if Gingerbread Poppet came back, it might actually help me GET pregnant. Share this post Link to post
Spanglemaker Report post Posted September 29, 2004 I personally think that if Gingerbread Poppet came back, it might actually help me GET pregnant. Share this post Link to post
starrykitten Report post Posted September 29, 2004 Clary sage should be avoided. Basically, I'd say to write to Beth to double-check all the ingredients in case there's a subtle note of something. Share this post Link to post
Red_Hot_Mama Report post Posted September 29, 2004 Clary sage should be avoided. Basically, I'd say to write to Beth to double-check all the ingredients in case there's a subtle note of something. That's a very good idea. Beth is a certified aromatherapist after all. I know from experience that Peppermint oil should be avoided during pregnancy. RHM Share this post Link to post
Scylla Report post Posted September 29, 2004 It is my understanding that there is a big difference between ESSENTIAL oils and perfume oils / oil blends. Perhaps Beth will chime in? Share this post Link to post
babykitty Report post Posted September 29, 2004 I found BPAL when I was 6 months pregnant & honestly never knew EO should be avoided. Definately check. FWIW I had no complications & smelled lovely! She could tuck a cotton ball in the front of her bra with a drop of oil on it (no contact with skin to be extra safe). I like to wear BPAL in my hair--just a drop on the ends. Share this post Link to post
VorpalBunny Report post Posted September 30, 2004 From Aromatherapy & Massage For Mother and Baby by Allison England: Oils to avoid when pregnant: Angelica Aniseed Basil Camphor Hyssop Jasmine Juniper Lovage Peppermint Rosemary Sage Savory Cedarwood Clary Sage Clove Cinnamon Fennel Melissa Myrrh Marjoram Origanum Parsley Spanish Marjoram Sweet Marjoram Tarragon Thyme *takes breath* Now.... this is in the context of aromatherapy. As perfume? It's kind of iffy. You might ask your local aromatherapist (if you have one) and get her opinion. It might be safest to avoid BPAL blends containing those oils during pregnancy just in case though. Share this post Link to post
madame royale Report post Posted September 30, 2004 Ok, thanks for the tips everyone. My understanding was that perfume oil is comprised of essential oils. Guess I'll have to inquire with Beth. Share this post Link to post
Gin Report post Posted February 21, 2005 Probably too late to help you, madame royale, but I thought I'd post this in case others had the same question. In October, Nella told me that the only BPAL they strongly advise prenant women to avoid is Pain, because of the pennyroyal, but it's always a good idea to double-check with a physician/midwife. Share this post Link to post
Morrighana Report post Posted February 22, 2005 they strongly advise prenant women to avoid Pain That's kinda ironic, eh? Share this post Link to post
Requiem-of-Roses Report post Posted February 22, 2005 they strongly advise prenant women to avoid Pain That's kinda ironic, eh? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Heh, that's what I was thinking, too. Share this post Link to post
luxuria Report post Posted February 22, 2005 Just curious, what exactly does pennyroyal do to a pregnant woman? Share this post Link to post
pamiu Report post Posted February 22, 2005 Just curious, what exactly does pennyroyal do to a pregnant woman? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Once, traditionally used as an abortifacent. Messes about with blood sugar levels in low dosage and is extermely toxic to brain, liver, kidneys and other organs in higher doses. Iain. Share this post Link to post
judas_kiss Report post Posted February 22, 2005 Being PG for the third time myself, I would have to agree with watching the pennyroyal and other, possibly harmful, EO's during pg. It's just best for the mom's peace of mind, if nothing else. I would like to add when buying scented products for a pg woman, it's best to find out if she has any scent-induced nausea/stomach upset. It's fairly common, I had it at some point with all my pregnancies. Lavender, in large doses will cause me to lose my lunch everytime. Don't know why, but it does. Also, when pg, it's common for women to develop temporary skin sensitivity and have reactions to things one doesn't usually have reactions to while not pg. Share this post Link to post
Gin Report post Posted February 22, 2005 they strongly advise prenant women to avoid Pain That's kinda ironic, eh? No kidding. I would like to add when buying scented products for a pg woman, it's best to find out if she has any scent-induced nausea/stomach upset. It's fairly common, I had it at some point with all my pregnancies. Lavender, in large doses will cause me to lose my lunch everytime. Don't know why, but it does. I've also found that pregnancy can affect the sense of smell and skin chemistry, so scents that a woman usually loves might not be as appealing to her while she is pregnant. Share this post Link to post
judas_kiss Report post Posted February 23, 2005 I've also found that pregnancy can affect the sense of smell and skin chemistry, so scents that a woman usually loves might not be as appealing to her while she is pregnant. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Oh yes, believe me. I've had some strange experiences with that. Some florals (non-BPAL) with NO rose in them at all have suddenly turned rose on me, LOL! So, that is something to think about, for sure. Share this post Link to post
summer Report post Posted April 24, 2005 Reviving this thread because, although I am not pregnant, I'm planning on chucking the contraception in the very near future. I am an absolute BPAL whore, and in addition to my large collection of oils, I've got many much-anticipated blends on the way. However, in reading about pre-conception dos and don'ts, I've come across several sources that advise against the use of essential oils at all during the first trimester of pregnancy. Now, disclaimer -- I realize that this is just an internet forum and that ultimately I should consult my physician. And I will! But at this early stage, I'm just interested in hearing your opinions/experiences/lore regarding using essential oils (as perfume) when trying to conceive and during the first trimester. I'm planning to stay far, far away from my imp of Pain (as advised ) and anything else containing Pennyroyal, but I'm wondering if it's worth the risk to use ANY BPAL for those first few months? It will kill me -- LOL -- as I adore perfume so very much and use it as a mood enhancer, but obviously, the child's healthy development comes first. Any words of wisdom & experience for a perfume-loving wanna-be first-time mother? Share this post Link to post
summer Report post Posted April 24, 2005 I found BPAL when I was 6 months pregnant & honestly never knew EO should be avoided. Definately check. FWIW I had no complications & smelled lovely! She could tuck a cotton ball in the front of her bra with a drop of oil on it (no contact with skin to be extra safe). I like to wear BPAL in my hair--just a drop on the ends. By the way, I love these ideas for wearing oils without wearing them on the skin. Share this post Link to post
Arafel Report post Posted April 24, 2005 Not so much for pregnancy sake, but my mom chided me yesterday for wearing Aeval because of the sage in it, as i'm still nursing my almost 20 month old daughter. Sage dries up your milk. I'd be worried, but for the fact wee bit is a boob leech and I haven't had any problems yet, but www.mothering.com lets you know what EOs are safe and I'd think if you had any fears you could email Beth and ask her personally Share this post Link to post
summer Report post Posted April 24, 2005 (edited) [double post -- d'oh!] Edited April 24, 2005 by summer Share this post Link to post
summer Report post Posted April 24, 2005 Thanks for the link, Arafel! There are lots of great resources about essential oils and pregnancy, so I'll definitely have to educate myself a bit. I guess what I'm wondering is . . . have any of you mothers out there deliberately avoided essential oils (or BPAL or perfume oils generally) during the first trimester specifically? I gather that things are a bit more sensitive and unstable at that early stage, and that's what I'm most worried about. Share this post Link to post