AROMATHERAPY DURING PREGNANCY 

During pregnancy a woman can experience many uncomfortable symptoms such as congestion, headaches, fatigue, just to name a few.  But the most common of pregnancy symptoms is "morning sickness."  And it can be quite debilitating, especially during the first trimester.

The Fragrant Pharmacy

The following essential oils are a "must have"  for every home during pregnancy:

• LAVENDER 

uses include: 

Burns, inflammation, cuts, wounds, eczema, dermatitis, fainting, headaches, influenza, insomnia, migraine, nausea, nervous tension, infections, bacterial conditions, sores, ulcers, acne, boils, asthma, rheumatism and arthritis.

• EUCALYPTUS

uses include:

Ulcers, sores, coughs, fever, candida, bronchitis, respiratory problems, viral infections, headaches, flu and sore throats

• PEPPERMINT and/or SPEARMENT

uses include:

Peppermint:  Inflammation, nausea, indigestion, fevers, flatulence, headaches, migraine, liver problems, arthritis; as a stimulant

Spearmint:    Flatulence, indigestion, intestinal cramps, fevers, nausea, colic, hemorrhoids

REMEDIES FOR MORNING SICKNESS:

For morning sickness relief,  set a bowl of boiling water next to your bedside - (either on the floor or on your nightstand) and add 6 drops of either spearment or peppermint essential oil (depending on your palette preference); 4 drops of Lavender essential oil and 4 drops of Eucalyptus oil.  The aromatic molecules will drift up and gently do their work as you sleep.  After about three nights, your morning sickness should be reduced dramatically.

This remedy not only helps with morning sickness, but the Eucalyptus plays a part in helping to regulate your sinuses, which can often be a symptom of pregnancy, as well as increasing the onset of morning sickness. 

Many women also experience headaches and fatigue, which all three essential oils are known to reduce, especially the Lavender. 

AROMATHERAPY, MUSIC AND MEDITATION FOR MORNING SICKNESS:

Using this aromatherapy combination along with proper breathing techniques used in pregnancy meditation helps to relax the stomach muscles that tense up during severe episodes of nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness ( and especially with hyperemesis gravidarum).  The pregnancy breathing techniques also increase the oxygen supply to your organs, (as well as to your baby's organs), and helps to produce a hormone called melatonin in the body, which instills a feeling of calm, deep relaxation and well-being helping you to sleep better during pregnancy.

A combination of aromatherapy, guided pregnancy meditation accompanied by soft, relaxing music   helps to increase the hormone, Seratonin, ( a natural hormone in the body that helps to alleviate symptoms of depression and bring about feelings of happiness and well-being). 

Researchers have also found evidence that serotonin may play a role in regulating milk production in the breast, and that a defect within the serotonin network may be one underlying cause of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

AROMATHERAPY FOR NAUSEA ON THE GO:

Another great way to reduce the onset of nausea while you're out and about, especially those nauseating trips to the grocery store, is to simply carry a sachet of lavender potpourri laced with 3 drops of pepperiment oil and 1 drop of eucalyptus oil.  Put approximately 8 ounces of Lavender potpourri in a ziplock freezer bag, add the 3 drops of peppermint oil and 1 drop of eucalyptus oil to the potpourri.  Seal and shake the bag and place it in the freezer over night.  In the morning, place the potpourri in a sachet - either store bought or homemade - and you have instant relief whereever you go!  Also try using the breathing techniques that are taught in guided pregnancy meditation throughout the day, it only takes a few seconds to focus on your breath, which, again, helps to release tension and relax those stomach muscles.

FOODS FOR NAUSEA:

STRAWBERRIES:

Most over-the-counter anti-nausea medicines contain one main ingredient, "Dextrose," which in simple terms is just plain sugar.  Sugar is a natural remedy for morning sickness.  Of course being pregnant you don't want to load up on too much sugar, increasing your chances for gestational diabetes.  So finding a sugar source that is healthy yet helpful in minimizing the symptoms of morning sickness can be a wonderful blessing during pregnancy.  So the number one choice is - you guessed it - strawberries!  Why?  Because they're tasty, they contain natural sugar to help alleviate feelings of nausea, and as an added benefit, they are loaded with folic acid.  

As you may already know, one of the most important things you can do to help prevent serious birth defects in your baby is to get enough folic acid every day — especially during early pregnancy.  So make sure you put strawberries on your shopping list.

 ICE:

Simple yet profound, ice can really help curve nausea symptoms.  Try using crushed ice so as not to damage your teeth.    If you are experiencing a very violent morning sickness, also known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum, ice can be a huge blessing because it dramatically reduces feelings of nausea, while at the same time helps to keep your keytone levels (hydration ) in balance.   With hyperemesis, even water can be difficult to keep down, so ice can be very, very helpful for those suffering with hyperemesis. 

POPSICLES:

Popsicles are also very effective because they are essentially ice with flavored sugar.  So popsicles can be very effective in helping to reduce morning sickness.  Again, be careful of your sugar intake.  Try buying all-natural fruit flavored pops with no added sugar.  Again, if you're suffering with hyperemesis, popsicles are a great way to help reduce your symptoms.  And better a little extra sugar than the amount of weight you can lose with this extremely difficult type of morning sickness.

And, remember, all these pregnancy symptoms are only temporary, although it is a very difficult time for some women.  Just remember this little affirmation and repeat it each day:

"Thank you for this Gift (the symptoms) and the Treasure that lies within" (Your Baby)

The "Gift" actually is the morning sickness, because that means you have a healthy baby!

Contact us today!
We welcome your questions and queries. Please see our Contact Us page for complete contact information.

LISTEN TO SAMPLE TRACKS 

   BABY ZEN PREGNANCY MEDITATION CD

LISTEN TO BABY ZEN TRACK 1 - BABY IN THE LIGHT

LISTEN TO BABY ZEN TRACK 2 THE SECRET GARDEN

    BABY ZEN TRACK 3 

CRYSTAL WALLS AND WATERFALLS

ORDER INFORMATION