Are Essential Oils Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

Aromatherapy with essential oils can help the mental and physical wellbeing of pregnant and nursing women, including helping them calm anxiety and improve sleep.

However, because essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, there are important safety considerations during pregnancy and lactation that are worth understanding before use.

This evidence-based guide explains recommended dilution limits, oils to avoid, and expert advice to help reduce risk while enjoying essential oils' many benefits. 

Benefits of Using Essential Oils During Pregnancy and Post-Partum

Research suggests certain essential oils, when used appropriately, may offer benefits during pregnancy and after birth.

Here are a couple of research-based benefits:

• Inhalation of lavender essential oil by post-partum women reduced anxiety, stress, and depression

• Aromatherapy with neroli and geranium each reduced anxiety during labor

These findings highlight potential benefits — but they do not override the need for caution, proper dilution, and professional guidance.

Essential Oil Safety Experts and Sources

Well-respected sources for evidence-based information on essential oil benefits, use, and safety include:

• The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) 
• Essential Oil Safety, by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young — a 775-page reference detailing chemical components of individual essential oils, as well as their physical effects, regulatory guidelines, and safety recommendations 

The IFPA Pregnancy and Lactation Guidelines appear to rely heavily on the work of Tisserand and Young. 

Pregnancy and Aromatherapy Guidelines

The IFPA supports the use of aromatherapy during pregnancy for stress relief and related concerns, while emphasizing an important limitation:

"All essential oil components pass through the placenta and reach the baby; therefore, some components in some essential oils are not safe for the fetus." [I added the italics.]

Additional precautions are advised if there is a history of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications.

Essential Oil Use While Breastfeeding

The IFA explains why new moms should use caution when using essential oils: 

"Essential oils have been found in breast milk, so some essential oils are contra-indicatory during lactation." [I added the italics.]

Essential Oil Dilution Ratio for Pregnant and Nursing Women

The IFPA recommends topical dilution of essential oils be in the 1% to 2% range when used by pregnant or nursing moms. 

These relatively low dilutions reduce total exposure while still allowing for potential benefits.

What Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There are two levels of essential oil avoidance for pregnant and lactating moms:

1. Oils to be avoided entirely.

2. Oils that should be limited.

1. Oils to Avoid

The IFPA has a long list of essential oils to be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

The only relatively common oil I spotted on the list is Wintergreen. 

Others include specialized essential oils you may be exposed to in professional settings, such as in the culinary industry. 

Note that Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is on the IFPA and Tisserand/Young no-no list, but the Lavender species Lavandula angustifolia is not. These are very different EOs. 

• Lavandula stoechas contains high levels of camphor (up to 50%), giving it a strong, pungent scent not suitable for relaxation and skin use. 

• Lavandula angustifolia is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, known for their calming, soothing properties, making it ideal for relaxation, skin care, and therapeutic uses. (That's why the Lavandula angustifolia variety made my Top Essential Oils for Relieving Anxiety and Stress List.)

2. Limited Exposure Oils

I've already noted that essential oils in general should be used in 1%-2% dilution rates that limit exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are also some recommendations for limiting specific oils during these life phases.

Tisserand and Young mention about a dozen oils as safe, but recommend they be kept in the 1% range when used by pregnant and nursing women for full-body massage or full-body lotion.

They include a couple that are commonly enjoyed for their relaxing properties:

• Lemongrass
• Melissa 

Since you probably aren't getting massages every day, the practical application of this safety note is more about caution when using body lotion. 

Bottom Line

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before using essential oils for aromatherapy or in products you use regularly (e.g., shampoo, lotions), or if you are exposed to essential oils at work.

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