Stress during pregnancy can result in depression and increased risk of preterm delivery and low-birth-weight infants. Stress hormones transmitted through the placenta can exert neurological effects on the fetus. It is thus important to reduce stress in pregnant women. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has found extensive use for relaxation in today’s stressful modern society. A large number of pregnant women use CAM, including aromatherapy.1

Essential oils are known to have relaxing effects. Both animal and human studies have shown the benefits of essential oils. For instance, lavender aromatherapy has been shown to reduce serum cortisol levels.1

A study assessed the physical and psychologic effects of inhalation aromatherapy on pregnant women. Pregnant women in week 28 of a single pregnancy with a normal course were included in the study and were randomized into an aromatherapy group (n=7) and a control group (n=6). Aromatherapy inhalation using essential oils containing linalyl acetate and linalool was effective for the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and parasympathetic nerve activity, based on an intragroup comparison.1 Another study determined the long-term effects of daily self-care with aromatherapy using essential oils containing linalyl acetate and linalool during pregnancy. Sixteen healthy pregnant women were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy group (n=9) and a control group (n=7). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) traits demonstrated significant aromatherapy effects for reducing anxiety. A dose-response relationship was observed showing a significant difference within the aromatherapy group for the relaxing effects by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). It thus seems judicious to recommend self-care using aromatherapy with essential oils containing linalyl acetate and linalool for reducing anxiety and providing relaxation over the long-term during pregnancy.2

A randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of mixed essential oils inhalation on nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting episodes were shown to decrease at third day essential oils inhalation compared with the baseline among pregnant women in the study group. Women felt energetic after essential oils inhalation. Mood scores ranged between mild to moderate energy. Inhalation of mixed perfumes of lavender and peppermint oils was thus found to minimize the severity of nausea episodes, enhance energy level and decrease fatigability sensation in this study.3

Aromatherapy using essential oils thus seems to benefit pregnant women in several ways and can be included in their care regime.

References

1. Igarashi T. Physical and Psychologic Effects of Aromatherapy Inhalation on Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Oct; 19(10): 805–810.
2. Igarashi T, Fujita M. Effects of aromatherapy for self-care during pregnancy. Journal of Nara Medical Association 2010;61(3-4):101-112.
3. Ghani RMA, Ibrahim ATA. The Effect of Aromatherapy Inhalation on Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Natural Sciences Research 2013;3(6):10-22.