Using essential oils to induce labor has been a popular practice among midwives and doula. But most women are not familiar with this natural way of easing the discomfort during labor.
Birth is a remarkably beautiful time. But it is also very uncomfortable and intensely painful for the expecting mother.
Essential oils may assist in labor by providing emotional, mental, and physical support to the laboring mother with no side effects or synthetic properties. (1)
Recent medical experiments suggest that some essential oils may prove to be effective in inducing labor and for the newborn. (1)
Read on to learn about the efficacy and uses of some safe essential oils for labor induction.
5 Safe Essential Oils to Induce Labor
1. Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage oil is not recommended to use during your pregnancy, but if you are past the due date, then you can use this essential oil by consulting with your gynecologist. (3)
The oil may be effective for inducing labor naturally. To use you may massage clary sage oil on your abdomen, ankles, and shoulder.
2. Rose Oil
Rose oil in the diffuser will open and expand the pelvis. The aroma will help the baby to pass through.
Along with this, the rose oil will rejuvenate your tired skin, cleanse the uterus and soften the ligaments of your body. The smell of rose essential oil is very pleasing, and it helps you to calm down and be patient. (2)
3. Jasmine Oil
Jasmine is one of the most loved essential oils. The oil is one of the top favorites of the expecting mothers.
This essential oil induces uterine contraction to push the baby during labor. Just like Clary Sage, it is not recommended to use Jasmine oils during pregnancy. (4)
This essential oil has the magic of easing the pain while strengthening contractions in an utterly natural way.
4. Lavender Oil
Most mothers fall in love with lavender oil after using it during the long nine months of their childbirth. The herbal oil is one of the most used essential oils for labor and delivery. (5)
This oil is a pain reliever and natural sedative. The relaxing quality of the oil may help you to keep calm during the strenuous period of childbirth.
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5. Ylang Ylang Oil
Just like lavender, ylang-ylang promotes relaxation and calmness during labor. In addition to this, this essential oil slows your rapid breathing and decreases your blood pressure to an average level. (6)
How to Apply Essential Oils to Induce Labor
You have already read about the best five essential oils but do you know how to use these? There are two ways of applying it.
1. Topical Application
Dilute 2-3 drops of any of the essential oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your shoulder, neck, and stomach.
2. Essential Oil Diffuser
Use an essential oil diffuser just beside your bed.
The aroma will help you to keep calm. However, when it comes to diffusing, there are some limitations as most of the diffusers are stationary. (7)
Pregnancy is the time when you might want to carry a portable diffuser. Lava stone necklaces or bracelets are available in the market.
The lava stones are porous, so they can diffuse the essential oils for the day just by using a couple of drops.
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Precautions for Using Essential Oils
If you are an expecting mother then here are a few things we want you to know about essential oils.
People have been using essential oils to induce labor, and these are natural. However, this does not mean that these oils are safe for everyone in every situation. Just like herbal supplements, essential oils do not suit everyone.
We always recommend pregnant mothers consult with a midwife or a doctor before using these oils. Here are a few things that you should know at the time of using essential oils:
1. Know Which EO is Safe
Not all the essential oils are safe for pregnancy. Few essential oils are suitable for helping with issues such as delayed labor (like Jasmine and Clary Sage), and some are excellent after childbirth on the mother’s body. So, if you have not crossed your due date, do not use the essential oils.
2. Don’t Forget to Dilute It
Do not forget to dilute it. If you are not using a diffuser, then it is a must for you to dilute it before applying topically. You can choose the carrier oil of your choice.
Some use coconut or almond oil as a carrier oil. Mix 1-2 drops of essential oils with it before applying it to the specific parts of your body.
3. Don’t Overuse
Do not overuse it. Add one to two drops in case you are applying it to your body and three to four drops if you are using a diffuser.
Pregnancy is a beautiful time. Only a mother can understand the pain and discomfort of labor. If essential oils can ease your pain a little bit then why not use them? But, do not forget to consult your gynecologist before starting using it during pregnancy.
Bottom Line
It’s been grueling and long nine months, and you are ready to bring your baby into this world. You can’t wait to meet your little prince or princess, but the problem is, he or she is not cooperating.
If you are undergoing such a situation then, the doctors will tell you to induce the labor.
From ancient times, people have been using essential oils to induce labor naturally. (8)
The above discussed essential oils are the most effective and safest for expectant mothers.
But, do not forget to consult your gynecologist before starting using it during pregnancy.
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