Should You Use Essential Oils While Pregnant? Here’s What You Really Need to Know
Let’s start with a real talk moment: essential oils have blown up as a go-to self-care pick lately, right? Everyone’s raving about them for everything from easing headaches to helping you wind down after a long day. And since so many people swear by natural products these days, it’s no wonder they’ve become a staple in a lot of self-care routines—including for folks who are expecting.
But hold up a second. Just because something says “natural” on the label doesn’t mean it’s safe for every single stage of life, especially pregnancy. I know, I know—you want to do everything possible to keep your little one healthy, and the last thing you want is to accidentally use something that could cause trouble. That’s why we’re breaking this down completely today.
Here’s the quick version: you absolutely can use essential oils safely during pregnancy—if you know which ones to pick and how to use them properly. But first, you need to learn which ones to skip entirely. A lot of common essential oils have been linked to everything from birth defects to miscarriage, and that’s not a risk you want to take, even if you’ve used them a hundred times before you got pregnant.
Don’t stress though! We’re going to walk you through every single oil you should avoid while you’re expecting, trying to conceive, or even breastfeeding. We’ll also explain exactly why each one is off-limits, so you don’t have to guess. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what to keep out of your essential oil stash right now.
First: Why Are Some Essential Oils Dangerous During Pregnancy?
Before we dive into the full list, let’s cover the basics. What makes certain essential oils risky for pregnant people? It all comes down to the active compounds in each oil, and how they interact with your body and your growing baby.
For one thing, a lot of essential oils are super concentrated. Even a tiny drop can pack a huge punch, and when you’re pregnant, your body is processing everything differently. Your liver and kidneys are working overtime to filter out toxins for two people, so adding extra strong compounds can put unnecessary strain on those organs.
Then there’s the fact that some essential oils contain what’s called teratogens—substances that can cause abnormal development of the embryo or fetus. That’s the last thing anyone wants when they’re growing a tiny human. Others can trigger uterine contractions, which can lead to premature labor or even miscarriage. And some oils are toxic to the developing nervous system, which can cause lifelong issues for your baby.
Oh, and let’s not forget hormone balance. A lot of essential oils can mess with your estrogen and progesterone levels, which are already all over the place during pregnancy. Even if you’re just using a little bit, that could throw off your body’s natural rhythm and cause problems for your little one.
Pro tip: Always check with your OB-GYN before using any essential oils during pregnancy, even if they’re on the “safe” list. Every pregnancy is different, and your doctor knows your unique health needs best.
The Full List of Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy
Alright, let’s get into the big list: 44 essential oils you should skip entirely while you’re expecting, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. We’ve grouped them by the specific risks they pose, so it’s easier to remember why each one is off-limits.
1. Oils That Can Prevent Implantation or Disrupt Early Pregnancy
First up are the oils that can mess with the earliest stages of pregnancy, even before you might know you’re expecting. If you’re trying to conceive, these are extra important to avoid.
- Wild Thyme Oil (Clinopodium vulgare): Also just called thyme oil sometimes, this one has been shown to interfere with the ability of a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall. That means it could make it harder to get pregnant, or even cause a very early miscarriage if you do conceive.
- Spanish Sage Oil: This is a specific type of sage, not the common garden sage you might use in cooking. It’s a known teratogen, meaning it can cause birth defects by disrupting fetal development. Yikes.
2. Known Teratogens: Oils That Cause Birth Defects
Teratogens are substances that can cause permanent physical or functional defects in a developing embryo or fetus. These oils are at the top of the “do not use” list, no exceptions.
- Fennel Oil: Fennel has compounds that mimic estrogen, which can throw off your hormone levels and interfere with fetal development.
- Star Anise Oil: This oil has high levels of a compound called anethole, which has been linked to birth defects in animal studies.
- Myrtle Oil: Used in a lot of skincare and aromatherapy products, myrtle oil can disrupt normal fetal growth.
- Yarrow Oil: This floral oil has been shown to cause abnormal development in growing fetuses, especially when used in concentrated amounts.
- Carrot Seed Oil: Even though it’s often marketed as a “detox” oil, carrot seed oil contains compounds that can cause birth defects, especially when used during the first trimester.
- Cinnamon Bark Oil: Wait, not the cinnamon you put in your coffee! The concentrated bark oil is a teratogen that can disrupt fetal development. Regular cinnamon in small amounts is totally fine, though!
3. Oils That Can Trigger Miscarriage or Uterine Contractions
These oils are especially risky because they can cause your uterus to contract, which can lead to premature labor or even miscarriage, especially if used in large doses or over a long period of time.
- Birch Oil: This oil contains methyl salicylate, which is related to aspirin and can trigger uterine contractions.
- Pyrethrum Oil: Often used in insect repellents, this oil can cause intense uterine contractions and should be avoided entirely during pregnancy.
- Peppermint Oil: Wait, you probably use peppermint oil all the time! But concentrated peppermint oil can stimulate the uterus, so it’s best to skip it while you’re expecting. A small amount in a diffuser might be okay in small doses, but always check with your doctor first.
- Parsley Oil: Even small amounts of parsley oil can cause uterine contractions, which is why it’s a big no-no during pregnancy. Again, eating small amounts of parsley in your food is totally fine!
- Indian Dill Oil: Like parsley, dill has compounds that can trigger uterine contractions, so concentrated dill oil is off-limits.
4. Neurotoxic Oils That Can Harm Your Baby’s Developing Nervous System
Your baby’s nervous system is one of the first things to develop during pregnancy, and it’s super fragile. These oils contain compounds that can damage developing nerves and brain tissue, which can lead to lifelong developmental issues.
- Wormwood Oil: Also called absinthe oil, this oil contains thujone, a neurotoxin that can damage your baby’s developing brain.
- Tansy Oil: This floral oil has been linked to nervous system damage in growing fetuses, and it can also trigger uterine contractions.
- Western Red Cedar Oil: Often used in aromatherapy for its woody scent, this oil can be toxic to the nervous system when used during pregnancy.
- Eastern Red Cedar Oil: Similar to western red cedar, this oil contains compounds that can harm your baby’s developing nerves.
- Wormseed Oil: A strong, pungent oil that’s used as an insecticide, this oil is extremely neurotoxic and should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.
- Hyssop Oil: This herbaceous oil contains compounds that can damage the developing nervous system, so it’s best to skip it entirely.
5. Oils That Block Blood Vessel Formation
Blood vessels are how your baby gets all the nutrients and oxygen they need to grow, and how waste products are removed from their body. If these oils block blood vessel formation, it can lead to serious developmental issues or even miscarriage.
- Myrrh Oil: Used in a lot of skincare and aromatherapy products, myrrh oil can block the formation of blood vessels in the placenta and fetus.
- Sandalwood Oil: Wait, sandalwood is such a popular calming oil! But concentrated sandalwood oil can interfere with blood vessel growth, so it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy.
- Ho Wood Oil: Also called Chinese sandalwood, this oil has similar effects to regular sandalwood oil and can block blood vessel formation.
- Atractylodes Oil: This traditional Chinese medicine oil has been shown to disrupt blood vessel development in animal studies.
- Blue Cypress Oil: A relatively new essential oil, blue cypress has been linked to blocked blood vessel formation in growing fetuses.
- Turmeric Oil: Even though turmeric is great for inflammation in small doses, concentrated turmeric oil can block blood vessel growth, so it’s best to skip it during pregnancy.
6. Oils That Are Toxic to Developing Fetuses
These oils have a wide range of toxic effects on developing fetuses, from organ damage to developmental delays.
- Pennyroyal Oil: One of the most toxic essential oils for pregnancy, pennyroyal oil can cause liver damage, kidney failure, and even death for both you and your baby. Never use this oil at all during pregnancy.
- Rue Oil: This herbaceous oil contains compounds that can cause fetal toxicity and should be avoided entirely.
- Juniper Berry Oil: Concentrated juniper berry oil can irritate the kidneys and cause damage to developing fetal organs.
- Sassafras Oil: This oil contains safrole, a compound that’s been banned by the FDA for internal use because it’s a carcinogen and can cause fetal damage.
- Calamus Oil: A traditional medicine oil that contains compounds that can cause fetal toxicity and birth defects.
- Tarragon Oil: This culinary oil has high levels of estragole, which is a carcinogen and can cause fetal damage.
7. Oils That Disrupt Hormone Balance
Your hormone levels are already going through a ton of changes during pregnancy, and adding essential oils that mess with those levels can cause a whole host of issues, from preterm labor to low birth weight.
- Clary Sage Oil: Wait, not the same as Spanish sage! Clary sage has high levels of linalyl acetate, which mimics estrogen and can throw off your hormone balance. It’s also been linked to uterine contractions.
- Black Cohosh Oil: A traditional herbal supplement used for menstrual cramps, black cohosh oil can disrupt hormone levels and cause uterine contractions.
- Licorice Root Oil: Even though licorice is a common candy, concentrated licorice root oil can raise your blood pressure and disrupt hormone levels, which is dangerous for both you and your baby.
- Chaste Tree Berry Oil (Vitex): Also called vitex, this oil is often used to balance hormones for people trying to get pregnant, but once you’re pregnant, it can throw off your progesterone levels and cause issues.
- Fenugreek Oil: This oil has compounds that mimic estrogen, which can disrupt your hormone balance during pregnancy.
- Wild Yam Oil: Often marketed as a “natural hormone replacement” product, wild yam oil can interfere with your body’s natural hormone levels during pregnancy.
8. Other High-Risk Essential Oils
There are a few more essential oils that don’t fit neatly into the other categories, but are still definitely off-limits during pregnancy.
- Wintergreen Oil: Contains high levels of methyl salicylate, which is related to aspirin and can cause bleeding and other serious issues during pregnancy.
- Mustard Oil: A strong, pungent oil that can cause intense irritation and even damage to your skin and mucous membranes, as well as disrupt fetal development.
- Cajeput Oil: Often used in aromatherapy for respiratory issues, this oil can cause uterine contractions and should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Tea Tree Oil: Wait, tea tree oil is so popular! But concentrated tea tree oil can be toxic to developing fetuses, especially when used internally. Small amounts in a diffuser might be okay, but always check with your doctor first.
- Rosemary Oil: Concentrated rosemary oil can trigger uterine contractions and disrupt hormone balance, so it’s best to skip it during pregnancy.
- Thyme Oil: Not the wild thyme we talked about earlier, but even regular thyme oil can trigger uterine contractions and should be avoided.
Wait, What About Oils That Are Safe During Pregnancy?
I know you’re probably wondering: are there any essential oils that are actually safe to use during pregnancy? Absolutely! A lot of gentle, calming oils are totally fine when used properly, like lavender oil (in small doses, of course), chamomile oil, and rose oil.
But remember: even safe oils can be risky if you use them in high concentrations or if you have a sensitive reaction. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil before applying them to your skin, and never use them internally unless your doctor specifically tells you it’s okay.
And again, the absolute best thing you can do is talk to your OB-GYN before using any essential oils during pregnancy. They can help you make the best choice for your unique pregnancy and health needs.
Final Tips for Using Essential Oils Safely During Pregnancy
Even if you’re using an oil that’s generally considered safe, there are a few rules you should follow to keep yourself and your baby safe:
- Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin. Never use undiluted essential oils directly on your skin, as they can cause irritation or even chemical burns.
- Stick to small doses: a drop or two of essential oil in a diffuser, or a few drops diluted in a carrier oil for a massage.
- Avoid using essential oils internally, even if they’re on the “safe” list. Your body processes things differently during pregnancy, and even small amounts of internal essential oil can cause issues.
- Test a small amount of diluted oil on your inner arm before using it all over your body, to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
- Avoid using essential oils during the first trimester, when your baby is developing the most rapidly. If you really want to use them, wait until your second trimester, and always check with your doctor first.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to prioritize your health and your baby’s health. Essential oils can be a great part of a self-care routine, but they’re not worth risking your pregnancy over.
Take the time to learn which oils are safe, which ones to avoid, and always check with your doctor before trying anything new. And if you’re ever unsure about an oil, just skip it—better safe than sorry, right?
I hope this post helped you feel more confident about navigating essential oils during pregnancy. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job growing a tiny human, and every little choice you make is helping to keep them healthy.
