The main symptom of abruptio placenta is bright red bleeding from the vagina. The bleeding does not always occur, though, because the blood can be trapped behind the placenta or the baby. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, tenderness around the belly, lower back pain, rigidity of the uterus, contractions, and decreased fetal movement.

RISK FACTORS

While the cause of abruptio placenta is generally not known, there are risk factors associated with it. The known risk factors are as follows:

1. High blood pressure, chronic or pregnancy induced (This is the most common risk factor.)

2. Trauma to the abdomen, such as in the case of domestic violence

3. Smoking

4. Cocaine use

5. Use of alcohol

6. Mother over 40 years of age

7. Previous abruptio placenta (increases the risk to 10%)

8. Premature rupture of the amniotic sac

TREATMENT

The diagnosis for abuptio placenta is made by ruling out any other possible causes of the symptoms. Sometimes an ultrasound is used to find the abruption, but it does not detect an abruption every time. If the baby is not in danger the mother will be hospitalized to allow the fetus to mature before delivery. A fetal monitor will be used to observe the baby’s heart rate. If the bleeding is severe or there is apparent danger to the baby, a cesarean will be performed immediately.

It is estimated that 1 in every 200 pregnancies results in an ectopic pregnancy. Once you have experienced an ectopic pregnancy, if you conceive again you have a 10-15% greater risk of having another. Approximately 30% of women who have had an ectopic pregnancy will have difficulty getting pregnant again. There is no clear reason for ectopic pregnancies. If you develop one, there is a great chance that you have some sort of scarring within your uterus or fallopian tubes. This may have been caused by infection, a previous ectopic pregnancy, the use of an IUD or as a result of your mother taking (DES) Diethylstillbestrol during your own fetal development. If you became pregnant while using an IUD or if you had surgery on your fallopian tubes in the past, such as a tubal ligation, you may be at a higher risk for an ectopic pregnancy.

30770 Symptoms to look for in an ectopic pregnancy:

* Abdominal or pelvic pain.

* A missed period.

* Signs of early pregnancy.

* Vaginal bleeding not caused by menstruation.

* Dizziness or fainting.

* Low blood pressure when bleeding is severe.

If you have symptoms that suggest an ectopic pregnancy, your doctor will want to examimine you immediately. He will perform a pelvic exam to determine if your uterus is enlarged. During the exam he will also try to feel for a mass in the area of the ovaries and fallopian tubes indicating where most ectopic pregnancies develop.

Another test is to check hormone levels in the blood. The hormone HCG will be lower with an ectopic pregnancy than in a normal one. Also the progesterone hormone in an ectopic pregnancy will be lower as well. Depending on the levels, the doctor may require you to have blood drawn on several consecutive days in a row to see whether the hormone levels decrease or increase. Your doctor will also perform an ultrasound to see where the pregnancy lies. If it is suspected that the pregnancy has caused a rupture then a needle will be inserted through the vaginal canal and into the pelvis to see whether it is bleeding internally.

The diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy is usually under emergency conditions. These type of pregnancies can rupture at any time. If you have been diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, treatment will depend on the location, size and whether you want to be able to become pregnant in the future. Ectopic pregnancies caught early can sometimes be treated with medication. More advanced pregnancies or if the pregnancy has ruptured, may require surgery. In the past, doctors would have to remove the entire fallopian tube when the ectopic pregnancy was located there. Now it is possible for the majority of the fallopian tube to be salvaged so you have a better chance of getting pregnant again. Depending on the size of the of the ectopic pregnancy and whether or not it has caused the fallopian tube to rupture, surgery can be performed by doing a laparotomy or a laparoscopy.

At this time there is no known way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy. If you are sexually active and not trying to conceive, you can decrease your risk by using condoms to protect against infection. If you use an IUD, yearly checkups and pelvic exams are neccessary. If you develop or suspect any pelvic infection from a urinary tract infection to a sexually transmitted disease, contact your doctor immediately for treatment.

Make sure to contact your doctor if you experience:

* A missed period or other signs of pregnancy.

* You develop any abnormal vaginal bleeding while pregnant or in between periods.

* You develop pelvic or abdominal pain while pregnant or in between periods.

* If you have dizziness or faint during preganacy or while mentruating.

* If you experience pain in your shoulder (especially the left one) during pregnancy.

* Also check with a physician if you suspect a problem or infection while pregnant, proper teatment and medical care can help to prevent any further complications or the need for surgery.

In the 1930′s, it was discovered that the hormone, progesterone, could cause a woman to stop ovulating. When a woman ovulates each month, she produces eggs that, if fertilized by the male, result in a pregnancy. But, it wasn’t until 1960 that the birth control pill got approval in the United States from the Food and Drug Administration.

32880 Birth control pills contain synthetic (man-made), estogen and progesterone, which are natural hormones produced in a woman’s body. The synthetic hormones are extremely similar in chemical make up to the natural hormones, and have the same effect on the woman’s body. To understand what effect “the pill” has on the body, we must, therefore, know what roles estrogen and progesterone play in the woman’s body.

Estrogen is one of the two female hormones produced in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. The woman’s menstrual cycle is controlled by these hormones. Each month, the hormones trigger the uterine lining to build up, or mature, in preparation for pregnancy, then if there is none, to then, slough off. Estrogen is produced in the first few weeks of the menstrual cycle, and progesterone and estrogen are produced in the last half of the cycle, after ovulation, (release of the egg). Ovulation occurs around the middle of the cycle. Each cycle is about 28 days, roughly or each month.

Although there are other types of contraceptives, or birth control, such as the IUD, which is a device put in place by your doctor in the uterus, to prevent pregnancy, one of the most popular and common forms of birth control is oral contraceptives. “The Pill” is an oral contraceptive. There are two types of oral contracteptives. Combination control pills contain the synthetic hormones, estrogen and progestin, which mimic the natural hormones, estogen and progesterone. The combination pill is more effective than the mini-pill.

Birth control pills that contain the synthetic hormones, estrogen and progestin, to prevent pregnancy. The pill is taken orally and the hormones in the pill are absorbed into the bloodstream. The hormones reach the hypothalamus in the brain and the anterior pituitary gland near the brain. The hormones send a signal to the hypothalamus, and then this reacts by signaling the anterior pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, which is responsible for producing the female hormones, natually that normally would stimulate the ovary to produce a mature egg and release it, is now inhibited from producing the hormones, due to the pill. The ovary does not release the egg, because the hormones were not produced and released by the pituitary gland. Thus, ovulation does not occur. Obviously if a mature egg is not ovulated and sent out, the fertilization and pregnancy cannot occur.

Another way the pill works is that the progestin in the pill produces a thick cervial mucus that is hostile to sperm. And lastly, even if by a rare chance, ovulation and fertilization did occur, while a woman is taking the pill, the hormones in the pills act direcly on the lining of the uterus to keep it in a state that makes implantation of a fertilized egg impossible. Oral contraceptives usually stop ovulation by their action, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, but they also have effects on cervial mucus and the lining of the uterus.

Birth control pills are said to be 99.66 percent effective in preventing conception if used correctly. Many women, do, however, take them incorrectly, such as missing a pill here and there, thus, decreasing the effectiveness of the pill and giving the chance that she will become pregnant.

First of all the pill is convenient because the pill is taken daily, routinely, so there is no worry as to the timing related to sexual intercourse. Oral contraceptive use, also, is said to reduce the occurance of menstrual cramps. Another pro is that the periods or flow is lighter. Women lose less blood so there is a less chance of iron deficiency in the blood. There are less PMS symptoms because there is no ovulation, acne diminishes or improves and there is a 75% less chance of developing ovarian cysts. This is because ovarian cysts are caused by eggs in the ovaries that are not released and continue growing in the ovary and develop into cysts, which can be painful and sometimes have to be surgically removed.

Now for the con’s. Like almost anything, there are good and bad sides. Some of the down sides of using “the pill” include the following: you have to see a doctor in order to get the pills prescribed to you. Next, a woman must be very accurate and faithful in taking them or they are not effective. Nausea, weight gain, swelling, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, which is unexpected bouts of bleeding, some women have trouble with their contact lenses because of the estrogen-related fluid retention changes the shape of the cornea. Some women have reported a decrease in libido while on the pill. Breast feeders say it can decrease the amount of milk. Headaches are common complaints. For a small percentage, acne or other facial complexion problems get worse instead of improving.

Strokes, hearth attacks, and blood clots are eight times more likely in women who smoke while using the pill than those who do not smoke. The pill does not cause cancer, but you should have an annual Pap smear, as should all women to detect for early signs of cervical cancer. Women who have high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer or a history of blood clots, it is not recommended to take the pill. Overall, birth control pills have come a long way, they are made much better than when they first came onto the market 40 years ago. They contain lower doses of hormones, so there are not nearly as many side effects, yet their effective-ness is has remained excellent. With weighing the positive and the negative attributes of the pill, it is clearly believed that, for most women, the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor, to find out what is the best alternative for you. Finally, one last note, the pill does prevent pregnancy, but it does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

How it works: No sexual intercourse.

Effectiveness: Almost 100%

Average cost: Free

Advantages: Almost 100% effective. It is possible to get pregnant without having sexual intercourse if there is ejaculation near the vagina. There is protection against STDs if there is no sexual contact at all. You can get STDs with vaginal intercourse. Herpes can be contracted through oral sex. Genital warts is possible.

Disadvantages: It can be difficult to resist peer pressure, partner pressure or your own sexual feelings.

How to use it: Refrain from having sexual intercourse.

MALE CONDOM

How it works: It prevents sperm from reaching the cervix.

Effectiveness: 80-90%

Average cost: $1.00 – $3.50

Advantages: No prescription is needed. Protects against sexually transmitted diseases. Safe. Fertility returns upon discontinued use.

Disadvantages: It can break. Need to plan ahead. Woman may be allergic to spermacidal or latex. Can be used only once. Must be used each time. May interfere with spontaneity. Animal membrane condoms don’t protect against HIV.

How to use it: Unroll the condom over an erect penis allowing a pocket at the end to collect sperm.

FEMALE CONDOM

How it works: It prevents sperm from reaching the cervix. It lines

the inside of the vagina and covers the cervix like an inverted male condom.

Average cost: $1.50 – $4.00

Advantages: It protects against some sexually transmitted diseases. No prescription needed. Fertility returns immediately upon discontinued use. Can be inserted up to eight hours before love-making. Medically safe. Allows women to control use.

Disadvantages: Decreased vaginal sensation. Need to plan ahead. Protrudes outside the vagina which may be distasteful to some couples. May be difficult to insert. Cost more than male condoms.

How to use it: Place sheath into the vagina prior to intercourse. You must be sure it is properly in place. See additional information for proper placement.

THE PILL

How it works: Man-made hormones mimic the ones your body naturally produces monthly so your body thinks you are already pregnant.

Effectiveness: 99%

Average Cost: $25-45 (per month)

Advantage: It reduces the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts. It may also decrease PMS, acne, bleeding, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and breast tenderness. Periods become more regular and it can be used by women over age 40. It does not interfere with lovemaking.

Disadvantages: It does not protect against STDs and must be taken daily. Cannot be used by those with a history of breast cancer, blood clots or at risk to develop blood clots, liver disease, kidney disease,

unexplained uterine bleeding, smokers over age 35, melanoma (a type of skin cancer) and those on certain medications. It also should not be used by those with light periods, high blood pressure, diabetes, migraine headaches, depression, sickle cell disease, fibroids.

How to use it: A prescription hormone pill is taken at the same time daily for 21 days after which no pill or a sugar pill is taken for 7 days to complete a 28 day cycle.

DIAPHRAGM

How it works: A soft, rubber dome forms a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the cervix. A spermicidal gel which is used with it kills or immobilizes sperm.

Effectiveness: 85%

Average Cost: $20-45 (excluding cost of gel)

Advantages: It is safe and fertility returns immediately with discontinued use. Can be inserted two to three hours before having sex. It may reduce the risk of cervical cancer and has some STD protection.

Disadvantages: It needs a prescription and must be fitted by a health care professional. It must be left in place for six to eight hours

after intercourse and must be used each time. It may become dislodged and some women may be allergic to spermicides. Should not be used by women with a history of toxic shock or frequent bladder infections.

How to use it: Apply spermicide inside and around the rim of the diaphragm and then place it deep inside the vagina, covering the cervix.

There are other types of contraception but the ones mentioned above are most commonly used. It is important to use contraception every time you have sex unless you are planning a family. If you and your partner have not been tested for STDs, it is important to use a condom for protection.

Aromatherapy is especially suited to pregnancy because of the gentle nature of many essential oils, although, they must be used with knowledge and care. The old adage, “if a little is good, a lot is better” does not apply to aromatherapy. Rather, a little goes a long way is a better philosophy when using essential oils.

And essential oils during childbirth are a safe, natural and beautiful way to help you feel calm and confident while going through one of the most empowering experiences of your life as a woman.

When buying essential oils always look for labels that state “pure essential oils”. Price is usually a good indicator of quality so buy the most expensive oils you can afford. Although an oil might smell nice, if it isn’t pure it will not have the therapeutic qualities you might expect. Essential oils will last longer if stored in a dark glass container. Never buy or store oils in plastic.

As a pregnant woman there are certain precautions that you must consider when using essential oils. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin without first diluting them in a carrier oil, or bath water or mixing them with a cream or lotion. Essential oils should only be used externally and never taken by mouth. As a rule of thumb, pregnant women should only use essential oils that are derived from flowers, rather than herbs.

One final caution, if you have experienced a miscarriage in the past, it is best not to use any essential oils for at least the first three months of pregnancy.

Massage is especially good for a woman during pregnancy to help relax the body and ease discomforts.

Scenting the air can also relax or rejuvenate you, and it’s easy to do. Add 2 to 6 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, or 2 to 4 drops of essential oils to a diffuser to add a soft fragrance to the air.

You can also add 2 to 6 drops of essential oil to a cotton ball and place it behind a radiator or, with a gentle oil such as lavender, place it under your pillow.

Where Aromatherapy Helps Most

Some of the most important ways in which Aromatherapy can help you enjoy your pregnancy and your new baby are:

It can help you deal with stress.

It will aid relaxation, help develop a more positive outlook, and, therefore, help with the birth. A happy, relaxed mother is one who is more likely to cope well with labor and to relax and bond with her baby afterward.

It can help with tiredness, aches, and pains, and it can provide relief from all kinds of minor ailments that result during pregnancy. It can back up and complement what is learned at relaxation and prenatal classes.

It can help prevent stretch marks by keeping the skin well nourished, and it can aid in helping the mother feel good about herself during her pregnancy.

Mothers-to-be who experience the benefits of aromatherapy are more likely to be in touch with their bodies and their pregnancies, which benefits both mother and baby.

The caring touch of a massage, either from a qualified aromatherapist or from a partner, is highly therapeutic. A woman who can appreciate the touch and care she receives while being massaged is more likely to bond well with her baby using her own tactile sense.

Mothers-to-be often report a feeling of extreme peace and well being after an aromatherapy massage. The massage can also help relieve the tensions in her life; her face may take on a look of tranquility. Aromatherapy cannot remove day-to-day problems, but someone who is relaxed can deal with them much better.

During the late 1940’s a new era opened up for women, an era that encouraged the use of breathing methods, relaxation, and massage as aids to a pain controlled labor. Aromatherapy has also become a highly acceptable form of treatment over the last decade. Women can be in control of their pain and emotions using the time-tested healing powers of aromatics. Women also now have a choice about how they give birth; even for those in favor of modern methods of pain relief, aromatherapy and massage can still play an important part in their labor, as backup to conventional treatment.

How To Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be worked into the body in several different ways. The most common and safe way is:

Massage:

Massage is helpful for relieving stress and tension, for aiding relaxation, for easing aching muscles, and for general pain relief as well as for improving skin tone and general well being. For an aromatherapy massage, essential oils are added to a carrier oil, such as almond or jojoba before applying to the skin. Pour a small amount of prepared massage oil in the palms of the hands (1/2 to 1 teaspoon will do a back or leg adequately). Massage gently and always massage toward the heart. Do not massage near varicose veins (glide around them), on hot, swollen joints, or when a fever is present.

Foot Massage:

A foot massage is excellent for relieving tension and to revive and re-energize a tired body. It’s complete bliss for swollen or aching feet. Spread the prepared oil all over one foot and around the ankle. With hands cupped around the foot and fingers steadying the front of the foot, use the thumbs to make circular pressures on the sole. Gently squeeze and press the foot as though you were trying to make it into a pliable piece of dough. Repeat with the other foot.

Facial Massage:

Facial massages will help care for any type of skin in every condition, both during and after pregnancy.

Apply the prepared oil very sparingly to the face and neck at night after cleansing. Always use gentle upward movements to apply the oil (to reverse the effects of gravity). Try not to drag the skin.

Aromatic Baths:

For an aromatic bath during pregnancy, add 2 to 4 drops of the chosen essential oils to a warm bath (never too hot). Swish the water around to disperse the oil. Relax and soak in the bath for ten to fifteen minutes to enjoy the aroma and let the oils to their work.

Sitz Bath or Bidet

Both a sitz bath and a bidet are used for washing and soothing the hips and genital area (particularly useful for just after childbirth). A sitz bath can be improvised by filling an ordinary bath with enough warm water to just cover the lower abdomen. Add 2 drops of the chosen essential oil to a sitz bath or bidet. Mix the water well before stepping in. Soak for five to ten minutes.

Footbaths

Add 2 to 3 drops of the chosen essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Soak the feet for ten to twenty minutes.

Showers

Essential oils can be used in the shower. They are best used by washing as normal, then add 2 to 3 drops of your chosen essential oil to a sponge or washcloth and rub it over the body while standing under the water and breathing the vapors.

Compresses

Compresses are wonderful for treating labor pain. They are useful for muscular aches and pains, sprains or bruises and to help reduce pain in general. For headaches, swellings, sprains, wounds, etc. use a cold compress. For chronic pain such as backache, muscular pain, labor pain, earache, etc. use a hot compress.

Add 2 to 4 drops of essential oil to ½ pint (300 ml) of water (either hot or cold according to what is needed). Agitate to mix the oils. Take a small cloth, washcloth or towel and lay it on top of the water so that the oils are picked up on the underside. Lay the cloth on the affected part. Cover with a small dry towel and leave in place until the cold compress has warmed to body temperature or the hot compress has lost heat. Repeat as required.

Inhalations

Inhalations are used to clear congestion that comes with colds and sinusitis. They can be extremely effective in unblocking the nose and helping relieve the nasal passages. Steam inhalations are not suitable for asthmatics (essential oils may be used in the bath) or for children under ten years of age. It is also very difficult to get a small child to sit over a bowl of water. Children over ten should be supervised at all times and they should only inhale steam for a few minutes. In fact, if they have a cold, it is better to sniff the oils on a tissue or have the oil vaporized in a room near them. Smaller children can have the same oils in the bath in a low dilution (1 to 2 drops only). For sniffly babies, the oils can be used in a special room vaporizer.

Steam Inhalations:

To a bowl of very hot (but not boiling) water, add 2 to 4 drops of the chosen essential oil.

Cover your head with a small dry towel (if you so choose), lean over the bowl and breathe in the vapor for about 1 to 5 minutes.

Using a Tissue or Handkerchief

Add 1 drop of essential oil to a tissue or handkerchief and sniff when needed. This is a very handy method of using essential oils if you have a cold, but it is also quite comforting postnatally if you can’t have essential oils beside the bed in hospital. It’s also very useful during labor.

Cotton Balls

Cotton balls can be used in the rooms of babies or small children, but take great care and make sure the cotton ball is placed where it cannot possibly be reached. If in doubt, don’t use this method. Add 2 to 6 drops of the chosen essential oil to a cotton ball and place in a very safe area of the room.

Guide To Essential Oils During Pregnancy

There is a vast range of essential oils available but only certain ones should be used during pregnancy; those that are gentle and soothing. Stimulating oils should never be used because their effects are not particularly desirable during pregnancy.

Essential Oils of Greatest Use During Pregnancy

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) from the lavender flower

Lavender oil is known as the great all rounder as it has many uses. It is antibiotic and antiseptic and good for pimples, grazes and minor burns. Used in skin creams it can help cell renewal and minimize scarring. It soothes insect bites, fights off infections, relieves headaches and eases muscular aches and pains.

In pregnancy lavender oil is useful for soothing aching backs, legs and ligaments. Lavender has relaxing and antidepressant properties. It has a mild sedative action so it helps insomnia. It is one of two oils (the other being Tea Tree) that are gentle enough to be used directly on the skin.

Lavender essential oil is excellent for baths, massages, room fresheners and facial oils.

Mandarin (Citrus nobilis) from the rind of the mandarin

Mandarin has similar properties to that of tangerine essential oil – calming, gentle and cheery – but has a slightly fresher smell.

In leg and ankle massages, mandarin can ease fluid retention. When used in the bath it helps relieve fatigue.

Mandarin essential oil is excellent for baths, massages and room fresheners.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium) from the flowers of the bitter orange tree

Neroli essential oil is absolutely heavenly, but expensive and worth every penny just for the exquisite aroma.

It is wonderful as a facial oil, good for dry or sensitive skin and will aid in regenerating skin cells. It is one of the best oils for nervous tension (known also as the “anti panic” oil) because it is so calming and relaxing.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium) from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, cont’d.

During pregnancy, neroli essential oil is excellent for its ability to promote healthy skin cells.

Neroli essential oil is excellent for baths, massages, room fresheners and facial oils.

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium) from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree

Petitgrain has similar properties as Neroli – calming and soothing – but is slightly less sedating with a fresher scent. It can be used as a cheaper alternative to neroli.

Petitgrain is particularly helpful for dealing with depression, either prenatal or postnatal.

A very special massage mix can be made using all three oils from the orange tree (mandarin, neroli and petitgrain). When blended together they make a “total balance” oil – a complete blend for treating depression.

It is excellent oil for baths, massages and room fresheners.

Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) from the rind of the tangerine

Tangerine has a wonderfully uplifting smell. It is a nice, happy oil. It prevents stretch marks and is excellent to use in massage during pregnancy.

It is also calming, gentle and good for the nerves and skin. Because it is so mild, it is also a good oil to use for children and the elderly.

Tangerine is excellent to use in baths, massages and room fresheners.

Ylang Ylang (Canaga odorata) from the flowers of the tropical ylang-ylang tree

A very exotic oil that is famed for its perfume. It has relaxing, restoring and aphrodisiac properties and can even help lower high blood pressure. It can also be used to help those who are tense and worried.

Ylang Ylang is excellent to use in baths, massage and room fresheners.

Essential Oils for Limited Use During Pregnancy

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) from the evergreen tree

Cypress oil may be used AFTER the fifth month of pregnancy, as it is particularly helpful, when mixed with a cooling lotion or gel, for varicose veins. It is a gentle diuretic that can assist in decongesting fluid retention in heavy, aching legs and swollen ankles.

Use AFTER the fifth month of pregnancy, in local applications only (lotion/gel).

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) from the geranium plant

Geranium oil is known as an all around balancing oil because it puts the body back in balance. It is a very strong oil and is best avoided as a body massage during pregnancy.

Geranium is astringent, refreshing and relaxing with a lovely aroma. Geranium may be used AFTER the fifth month of pregnancy for the wonderful relief it gives to tired and aching legs – it is good for poor circulation.

Use in room fresheners and AFTER the fifth month of pregnancy in local massage gels, footbaths and carrier oils.

Lemon (Citrus limonum) from the rind of the lemon

Lemon essential oil has a sharp, fresh citrus scent. It is refreshing, cooling and antiseptic and aids in circulation.

During pregnancy it can be used in a burner (lamp ring/diffuser) for morning sickness and mixed with lotion or gel for varicose veins.

Sandalwood (Santalum album) from the sandalwood tree

Sandalwood is very exotic, relaxing and is excellent for dry or sensitive skin. It can be particularly helpful for urinary tract infections during pregnancy.

Use in baths and for skin care.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) from the tropical tea tree

Tea Tree is incredibly useful (along with lavender) and mild enough to be used in small quantities directly on the skin. It can be used to deal with thrush during pregnancy.

Use in local applications, mixed with lotion or carrier oil.

Essential Oils To Be Avoided During Pregnancy
Angelica, Hyssop, Peppermint, Aniseed, Jasmine, Rosemary, Basil, Juniper, Savory, Camphor, Lovage, Sage, Cedarwood, Melissa, Spanish Marjoram, Clary Sage, Myrrh, Sweet Marjoram, Clove, Marjoram, Tarragon, Cinnamon, Origanum, Thyme, Fennel, Parsley,

A Word Of Caution

If you suffer from epilepsy or any sensitivity of the nervous system, always consult an Aromatherapist for advise about your choice of essential oils. Some oils, if used indiscriminately or without case, could aggravate your condition or even trigger an attack. DO NOT USE FENNEL, HYSSOP, SAGE AND ROSEMARY.

If you suffer from asthma, eczema, dermatitis or any other allergies, aromatherapy can certainly be of help, but ask the advice of an Aromatherapist BEFORE buying essential oils.

Consult a physician prior to using any essential oil.

Safety and Storage Tips

Please remember: Never use essential oils internally. They can damage the lining of the digestive tract.

Some citrus oils are “photo toxic”, meaning they increase skin pigmentation when used prior to sun exposure. Avoid the use of lemon, orange, grapefruit and lime at least 6 hours before exposure to sun.

Pregnancy: Refrain from using the following essential oils while pregnant: basil, camphor, clary sage, cypress, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram and rosemary.

If you have epilepsy or high blood pressure avoid peppermint, fennel and rosemary due to the stimulating action these oils have on the nervous system.

Babies and children’s skin is more sensitive than adults. Any oil used on a baby or child should be diluted with sweet almond oil (available at most health food stores). The table below can be used as a guideline:

0 to 6 months: lavender, roman chamomile: 1 drop oil; 2 tsp. sweet almond oil

6 to 12 months: lavender, roman chamomile, rose: 1 drop oil; 2 tsp. sweet almond oil

1 to 6 years: roman chamomile, lavender, orange, rose, tea tree: 2 drops oil; 2 tsp. sweet almond oil

7 to 12 years: all essential oils. Use 1/4 strength as used for adults.

Keep essential oils away from heat, direct sunlight and oxygen as they will deteriorate and their therapeutic value will be reduced.

Store essential oils in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.