Is Essential Oils safe during pregnancy?
Concentrated plant oils vary widely. Some should be avoided in pregnancy; others are likely fine diluted. Never swallow them.
What the sources say
FDA notes that 'natural' doesn't mean safe: many plant materials are toxic, irritating or allergenic on skin. AAD advises using essential oils such as rosemary, basil, jasmine and sage sparingly in pregnancy and discussing them with your dermatologist. A 2021 review advises avoiding oils rich in camphor, methyl salicylate (wintergreen), thujone (sage), anethole (fennel, anise) and pulegone (pennyroyal) in pregnancy. Limit: diluted, occasional use; check the specific oil.
Also listed as
aromatherapy, aromatherapy oil, essential oil, oil blend, volatile oil
Sources
- FDA: Aromatherapy
- AAD: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care
- NIH PubMed (peer-reviewed review): Maternal Reproductive Toxicity of Some Essential Oils and Their Constituents (Int J Mol Sci, 2021)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.