Are Essential Oils Safe During Pregnancy? What to Use, Avoid & When
Are Essential Oils Safe During Pregnancy?
Essential oils are not universally safe during pregnancy — many should be strictly avoided as they can stimulate uterine contractions, raise blood pressure, or interfere with foetal development, while a smaller number are considered lower-risk when used with care in the second and third trimesters.
Pregnancy significantly heightens sensitivity to smell and increases skin absorption, which means that oils considered mild for general adult use may have a stronger effect during pregnancy. The first trimester carries the highest risk — most aromatherapy practitioners and healthcare providers advise avoiding all essential oils during the first 12 weeks entirely.
This guide covers which essential oils are known to be harmful during pregnancy, which are considered lower-risk in specific circumstances, and how to use a diffuser safely if you choose to continue aromatherapy practice while pregnant.
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your obstetrician, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oil during pregnancy. Never ingest essential oils. These statements have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
What Essential Oils Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?
Essential oils to avoid during pregnancy include clary sage, rosemary, wintergreen, cinnamon, clove, basil, fennel, and peppermint — these oils can stimulate uterine contractions, raise blood pressure, or contain compounds that pose toxicity risks to the developing foetus.
The following oils are most commonly identified by healthcare providers and aromatherapy practitioners as contraindicated during pregnancy:
| Essential Oil | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Clary Sage | May stimulate uterine contractions — avoid throughout pregnancy; sometimes used under midwife supervision during active labour only |
| Rosemary | Can raise blood pressure and stimulate the uterus; avoid throughout pregnancy |
| Wintergreen and Sweet Birch | Contain high levels of methyl salicylate — toxic to the developing foetus even in small amounts |
| Cinnamon (Bark and Leaf) | Skin irritant and potential uterine stimulant; avoid topical and aromatic use |
| Clove | High eugenol content; avoid during pregnancy |
| Basil (Holy Basil / Tulsi) | Contains estragole which may affect hormone levels; avoid during pregnancy |
| Fennel | Contains anethole which may affect oestrogen levels; avoid during pregnancy |
| Peppermint | High menthol content; avoid in first trimester; use with caution in second and third trimesters only |
| Camphor | Can cross the placental barrier; avoid entirely during pregnancy |
| Aniseed | Contains anethole; avoid during pregnancy |
Which Essential Oils Are Lower-Risk During Pregnancy?
The essential oils most commonly considered lower-risk during the second and third trimesters — when used in very low dilutions and with healthcare provider guidance — include lavender, Roman chamomile, ginger, and frankincense, though no essential oil should be used in the first trimester without medical advice.
It is important to note that "lower-risk" does not mean "safe for unrestricted use." Pregnancy increases skin sensitivity and absorption rates, which means even gentle oils should be used at lower dilutions than normal — typically 1% or less (2 drops per 10ml carrier oil) rather than the standard 2% adult dilution.
| Essential Oil | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Most widely referenced lower-risk oil during pregnancy; aromatic use or very dilute topical application in second and third trimesters only |
| Roman Chamomile | Gentle and calming; lower irritation profile; aromatic use in second and third trimesters |
| Ginger | Commonly referenced for morning sickness support via aromatic inhalation; consult your midwife before use |
| Frankincense | Generally considered lower-risk when properly diluted; short diffusion sessions in well-ventilated spaces; consult healthcare provider first |
When using any essential oil topically during pregnancy, always dilute to 1% or less in a carrier oil. Fractionated Coconut Oil is a lightweight, odourless carrier oil suitable for pregnancy skin care dilution.
Is Lavender OK in Pregnancy?
Lavender is one of the most commonly referenced lower-risk essential oils during pregnancy and is generally considered acceptable for aromatic use in the second and third trimesters — but should be avoided entirely in the first trimester and never applied undiluted to the skin at any stage of pregnancy.
Lavender's main constituents — linalool and linalyl acetate — have a relatively gentle safety profile compared to many other essential oils, which is why it is frequently cited by midwives and aromatherapy practitioners as one of the more acceptable options during pregnancy. However, pregnancy heightens skin sensitivity and increases absorption, so dilution to 1% or less is recommended for any topical use.
For aromatic use, inhaling lavender from a tissue or cotton ball — rather than running a diffuser continuously — allows for controlled, limited exposure. If the scent triggers nausea or headache, discontinue immediately. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any aromatherapy practice during pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Breathe in Essential Oils When Pregnant?
Breathing in essential oils through a diffuser during pregnancy carries lower risk than topical application but is not without precaution — short diffusion sessions of 15–30 minutes in a large, well-ventilated room using lower-risk oils only are the minimum safety standards that apply.
Inhalation is generally considered a lower-exposure route than topical application because the aromatic compounds do not directly contact or absorb through the skin. However, pregnant women often experience heightened sensitivity to smell, which means aromas that were previously tolerable may trigger nausea, headaches, or dizziness during pregnancy.
The following guidelines apply to diffuser use during pregnancy:
| Rule | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Avoid all oils in the first trimester | The first 12 weeks carry the highest risk — most practitioners advise avoiding all essential oil use during this period |
| Use lower-risk oils only | Lavender, chamomile, ginger, and frankincense are among the most commonly cited lower-risk options for aromatic use |
| Diffuse for 15–30 minutes maximum | Short sessions limit aromatic exposure — do not run a diffuser continuously in a bedroom or living space |
| Always ventilate the room | Open windows or doors during and after diffusion to prevent aromatic compounds from building up in the air |
| Stop if you feel unwell | Nausea, headache, or dizziness during diffusion is a signal to stop immediately and move to fresh air |
| Consult your midwife or OB-GYN | Individual health conditions, medications, and pregnancy complications can affect which oils are appropriate for you |
What Scents Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, scents to avoid include not only toxic essential oils but also synthetic fragrances containing phthalates, heavy chemical fumes, and any strong aromatic that consistently triggers nausea, headaches, or dizziness — regardless of whether it is considered "natural."
Beyond the specific essential oils listed above, pregnant women are commonly advised to avoid:
- Synthetic perfumes and air fresheners — many contain phthalates, which are endocrine-disrupting compounds. Switch to fragrance-free products where possible during pregnancy.
- Solvent-based paints and varnishes — contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that should be avoided, particularly in enclosed spaces.
- Strong cleaning products — oven cleaners, bleach, and glycol ether-based products should be used with maximum ventilation or avoided entirely.
- Secondhand smoke and vehicle exhaust — restrict oxygen and blood flow to the developing baby.
The general principle during pregnancy is to reduce overall chemical and aromatic load where possible. If a scent — natural or synthetic — consistently makes you feel unwell, that is a reliable signal to avoid it regardless of whether it appears on a "safe" list.
Can You Use Essential Oils in a Bath When Pregnant?
Essential oils can be used in a bath during pregnancy only in very strict conditions — they must be diluted in a carrier oil first before adding to bathwater, restricted to lower-risk oils only, and avoided entirely in the first trimester.
Never add undiluted essential oils directly to bathwater. They will float on the surface rather than dispersing evenly, creating a concentrated film that can cause intense skin irritation and increased absorption — a particular concern during pregnancy when skin sensitivity is heightened.
For bath use, mix a maximum of 2–3 drops of a lower-risk essential oil into a tablespoon of carrier oil first, then add to bathwater. Lavender, Roman chamomile, and ginger are among the oils most commonly referenced as acceptable for bath use in the second and third trimesters. Always consult your midwife or obstetrician before use.
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider — your obstetrician, midwife, or GP — before using essential oils during pregnancy. Never ingest essential oils. purelyBlack essential oils are formulated for general adult aromatic and topical use and are not specifically formulated or tested for use during pregnancy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
About the Author
Written by H.R. Kim
Founder at purelyBlack — an Australian-owned perfumery and essential oil supplier based in Sydney. H.R. specialises in molecular ingredient chemistry and scent profiling, with a focus on pure, single-origin essential oils for aromatherapy, skin care, and natural wellness.
