What kind of harm to a fetus can happen with Aromatherapy?

Answer:
Hi Jodie B Davis,
Rare side effects of aromatherapy can include allergic reaction including rash, headache, liver and nerve damage, as well as harm to the fetus (this is why aromatherapy should be avoided during pregnancy unless specifically instructed by an expert).Essential oils get into the bloodstream, so you don't know how much of it gets to the baby. It's best to lean on the conservative side and simply not use any essential oils during the first trimester.If you have big side reaction of essential oils, I would recommend a thorough examination by your doctor. In any event Jodie, you needed to quiet down, most likely your awe
a exaggerated.
Jason Homan

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Should anyone avoid aromatherapy? Women in the first trimester of pregnancy as well as people with severe asthma or a history of allergies should avoid all essential oils. Pregnant women as well as people with a history of seizures should avoid hyssop oil. People with high blood pressure should avoid stimulating essential oils such as rosemary and spike lavender. Those with estrogen-dependent tumors (such as breast or ovarian cancer) should not use oils with estrogen-like compounds such as fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary-sage. Caution should be exercised when considering use of aromatherapy in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

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Probably nothing, but considering the usefulness of aromatherapy (not!), why take a chance?

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1. Avoid using/applying any other essential oil other than mandarin e.o.(safe throughout pregnancy) during the 1st trimester cos that's the crucial formative time for the fetus. But using some uplifiting oils in a vaporiser is fine.
The reason is because some properties of some aromatherapy oils are :-abortifacient - will induce abortion
emmenagogue - promotes menstruation
neurotoxic - destructive to the nervous system
2. If you are concerned about stretch marks, you can mix a very light blend of 2 drops of mandarin oil to 10mls of carrier oil(sweet almond or jojoba) to apply on your abdomen.
3. always find a good pure or organic oil. don't use fragrant oil they are nothing but some chemical smell.

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I have used aromatherapy for years and like it. Though it is natural there could be adverse effects to a fetus and I urge you to please, for the sake of your baby, see a naturalpathic doctor trained in this field and only take on his advise not that of untrained lay persons speculating on a web site.

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Do not Risk it, more chance to loose it than benefit.

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If you want to use aromatherapy during pregnancy, please do so under the guidance of a holistic practitioner.

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