There are some divided ideas on the dangers of certain essential oils used in aromatherapy during pregnancy, but since this time should be a time to enjoy and to prepare for the upcoming birth of your child, it would be wise to rather give some essential oils a miss. Essential oils can play a significant role in balancing the ups and downs and bring some pleasure to what should be the most rewarding time of a woman's life. Due to this factor and other contraindications, the below essential oils should never be used during pregnancy, not even in diluted or cut amounts;



* Anise

* Angelica

* Basil

* Laurel

* Cedarwood (all sorts)

* Cinnamon

* Clasry Sage

* Clove

* Fennel

* Hyssop

The first trimester is also the time when the sense of taste and smell are heightened and the skin is more permeable. Certain smells can seem sickly sweet or too strong and can turn one's stomach. This is the body's own natural protection mechanism so it is important to listen to the changes you are going through. Using a mist spray with spearmint essential oil may help with nausea or if you prefer something more earthy and warming try ginger essential oil in a mist spray. A warm lemon drink last thing at night and first thing in the morning (if you are feeling nauseas get your partner to make it so you can have it before you get up) followed by gentle slapping with your hand over the liver (the liver is found under the right breast). This technique worked not only for me but for other woman to whom I have recommended it to.

During the second trimester hopefully the morning sickness will be gone and you can start to feel good about yourself again. Citrus essential oils can be used to help prevent stretch marks and this is the best time to begin your prevention ritual. A safe and effective bath and massage oil is the New Life blend containing essential oils of Tangerine, Neroli and Sandalwood in a base of Sweet Almond, Apricot, Avocado, Carrot, Camelia and Wheatgerm oils. Use this to massage the tummy and thighs not forgetting breasts and buttocks. These beautifully moisturising oils will keep your skin soft and supple. The Joyous blend of essential oils of Tangerine, Lime, Grapefruit and Sandalwood in a base of Sweet Almond, Apricot and Wheatgerm oils is another ready made alternative. Not only will these oils help with your skin condition they will also help your mood especially if you already have young toddlers or babies to care for.

When birthing time is approaching and you get that nesting feeling this is the perfect time to get some oils organised for the big day. Once you are in labour you tend to have enough to focus on and it's a time to stay calm allowing your breath to guide you. This is where the support person comes in handy as your partner can also have enough to focus on when labour drags on. The support person can be more detached and is there to make you feel as comfortable as possible. It would be good to have the support person and partner learn a simple figure of eight massage technique over the sacrum to perform during labour. This feels wonderful so get them to practise well before you go into labour. Otherwise the midwives these days have had massage experience which really is a bonus as they know what you are going through and are not afraid to be assertive if you need them.

Here's a summary of the rules to remember:

* Do not apply pure essential oils directly onto the skin or take them internally

* Do not use the same essential oil all of the time

* Do not exceed the recommended dosage

* Safe dilutions for making massage oils varies for adults, children and people with sensitive skin

* Photosensitivity - avoid bergamot, lemon and cold pressed lime

The essential oils you should use for dry skin are geranium, lavender, and rose. For inflamed skin, use chamomile. For itchy skin, use a combination of chamomile and lavender. These remedies should soothe the skin and make it smoother. There's just no getting around stretch marks. If you are getting them, though, you might like to have a way to soothe them and keep them from itching. Just put lavender, geranium, and rosewood essential oils in your vegetable oil for massaging.

If you are a pregnant woman reading this and are still unsure which oils are safe and which ones are not it is advisable to consult the proper professionals. Medical doctors are the best source of advice as well as aromatherapy specialists.

It is important to do as much research as possible before making the decision to use different scented oils during pregnancy.