It’s among the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy the world over: Bergamot. Sweet and citrusy, this wonder oil possesses an array of properties said to calm, uplift, soothe and stimulate the mind and body. But is it OK to use Bergamot when pregnant?
In this article, we’ll discover more about Bergamot and whether using this much-loved essential oil during pregnancy is safe.
Introducing Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot – or Citrus Bergamia to use its botanical name - is a highly-popular essential oil used in aromatherapy. Derived from cold-pressing the fruit’s rind, Bergamot has a distinct and refreshing essence that’s fruity and floral and is said to possess multiple properties that support health and wellbeing.
Fans of aromatherapy believe Bergamot essential oil is:
- Great for the skin, from acne to ageing.
- Calms the nerves and over-active minds.
- Boosts immunity and fights infections.
- Improves sleep and rest.
Using Bergamot When Pregnant: Is It Safe?
Calming, soothing and a great sleep support. It’s no wonder Mums-to-be turn to aromatherapy oils like Bergamot for help during pregnancy. Because while it’s an exciting time, being pregnant can be completely draining too! Carrying around those extra kilos takes its toll on the body, not to mention the new life drawing on your resources to fuel its growth.
Health-wise, some women seem to breeze through their pregnancy while others struggle with all kinds of aches and pains as their body accustoms to its new role. Over-the-counter medications can help, yet many expecting Mums look to natural remedies for support – including essential oils like Bergamot.
But is Bergamot essential oil safe when pregnant?
Pregnancy and Bergamot
The moment you announce your pregnancy, the many dos and don’ts begin. It feels like everyone around you has an opinion about what you can and can’t eat, how you should look after yourself and so on. It’s no wonder the so-called ‘baby brain’ kicks in – more than likely due to an overload of information from all angles!
When it comes to Bergamot and babies, you will find lots of information on the internet – some conflicting. Here are a few Bergamot claims you might spot during your research:
- It’s OK to use Bergamot during your second and third trimesters.
- Bergamot is only safe in trimester three.
- Stay clear of Bergamot altogether when pregnant.
- Bergamot is bad for your baby when breastfeeding.
- There is absolutely nothing wrong with Bergamot – pregnant or not!
With all these different opinions about Bergamot essential oil during pregnancy, it’s no wonder many expecting mothers ask themselves, “Can I use Bergamot oil when pregnant?”.
Just how safe is Bergamot when pregnant?
Aromatherapists have their own take on Bergamot. For an essential oil thought to have multiple healing properties and deemed as ‘natural’, how can Bergamot be bad for you?
The truth is no one is really sure. Some health professionals – such as the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy – suggest that essential oils may cross the placental barrier and potentially affect the baby. If this is the case, how much reaches the placenta is questionable, particularly when diluted down to the tiny amounts most essential oil manufacturers advise. And this is far from a proven fact.
Regardless, this leads many to recommend not using essential oils during trimester one, when the baby is in its early developmental stage and at its most susceptible should something go wrong. We agree, for something so crucial as the health of your unborn baby, why would you want to take any chances and cause potential harm?
Concerns remain even when Mums-to-be pass the early pregnancy stage and progress into trimesters two and three. You may have heard some old wives’ tales that say to eat certain foods to bring on the birthing process if you’re past your due date. Similarly, some essential oils are said to cause contractions, leading many experts to advise avoiding them altogether during trimester three: Cinnamon, clove, rosemary and clary sage in particular.
So, is Bergamot essential oil unsafe?
According to the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) based in New South Wales, Bergamot is safe to use during pregnancy. That said, there are a few things to be aware of when it comes to using Bergamot oil.
A strong compound, Bergamot essential oil it is best used in small quantities, and heavily diluted – particularly when applying the oil to the skin. It is also phototoxic, which can impact the skin when exposed to sunlight. Most certainly, it can cause serious health issues when ingested.
Our take is to err on the side of caution and not take any risks - particularly when it comes to your health. When you're pregnant, it's not only your health you're thinking about but the health of your baby. With this in mind, we recommend that women expecting a baby avoid bergamot during all trimesters. There simply isn't enough evidence of any type to say it's safe or otherwise. And while that's the case, it's best not to take risks that may cause harm to you or your baby.
What essential oils are safe while pregnant?
Just like with Bergamot, you will find a plethora of sources suggesting certain oils as beneficial to your pregnancy. Our advice is, apply the same caution to all essential oils while pregnant and don’t assume something that claims to be safe is automatically so – and always do your research!
Once a newborn arrives, it is highly recommended to continue applying caution - particularly for mothers breastfeeding their baby. A small percentage of essential oil inhaled or applied topically to the skin is believed to pass directly to a baby through breastmilk, potentially damaging their underdeveloped liver. Even heavily diluted oils absorb into the skin when applied directly and can carry through the breastmilk to baby. So, it is best to avoid essential oils altogether while breastfeeding.
Remember, this special bonding time between you and your newborn baby passes extremely quickly. Please make the most of it! You will soon be in a position to use essential oils readily again to support your skin, nerves or sleep. When that time comes, Bergamot will be ready and waiting – and here’s how we recommend you use yours.
Ways to use Bergamot Essential Oil Post-Pregnancy
Bergamot Essential Oil as a Body Wash
Add 2-5 drops into your bottle of regular body wash and use when showering or bathing. Steam from the hot water helps facilitate the oils’ refreshing aroma.
Bergamot Essential Oil in a Diffuser
To help calm the mind, add a few drops of Bergamot with some water to your aromatherapy diffuser. Or, for a restful sleep, pop the diffuser by your bedside for 30 minutes before bed.
Always buy Bergamot Essential Oil from a reputable supplier. Check the label for 100% oil that’s within its use-by date. Store in a cool dark place and out of reach of children and animals.