While some mothers-to-be look and feel their best during pregnancy, this is unfortunately not the case for many of us. The tremendous changes our bodies undergo during pregnancy lead to many discomforts -- from morning sickness to stretch marks. And since nearly all medicines and traditional remedies are off- limits to expecting moms, natural methods come as a great relief to help ease these symptoms. In addition to proper nutrition and regular exercise, the use of herbs and aromatherapy during the latter part of your pregnancy can alleviate many of your ailments. 

Except for the morning sickness remedy below, it is important that you do not use essential oils during the first three to four months of your pregnancy. Moreover, even if your essential oils come from natural sources and are certified pure (as they should be), that does not necessarily make them safe to use during pregnancy. In fact, if you are pregnant there are some herbs that should be absolutely avoided, including bay leaves, clove, basil, clary sage, sage, marjoram, oregano, thyme and wintergreen. 

The following aromatic blends can be safely enjoyed after your first trimester to positively affect your overall physical and emotional well-being. Enjoy! 

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Morning Sickness

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Select one of the following essential oils to alleviate nausea and queasiness. Inhale either directly from the bottle or pour up to 4 drops of one of the essential oils on a tissue and breathe in. Repeat as needed.

-Peppermint

-Spearmint

-Lemon

******************** Indigestion ******************** To ease heartburn and gassy discomfort in your chest or abdomen, pour 5 drops of lemon essential oil on a tissue and inhale after your meal. ***************** Stretch marks ******************** While it's true stretch marks cannot be prevented, this recipe can help ease the itching and discomfort associated with them. Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the area each morning and evening. -3 drops Lavender -2 drops Geranium -2 drops Rosewood ******************** Skin problems ***************** What has been called the "glow" of pregnancy can often wreak havoc on your skin. Use the following recipes to aid your skin problems. Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the afflicted area. Itchy skin -2 drops Roman Chamomile -2 drops Lavender Inflamed skin -4 drops Roman Chamomile Dry skin -2 drops Lavender -2 drops Geranium -1 drop Rose Otto ****************** Back rub ****************** Enlist your partner to massage your back with the following blend to ease muscle aches and tension. The recipe should be made by pouring the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle, and then adding organic vegetable oil to fill. -3 drops Lavender -2 drops Roman Chamomile ****************** Fatigue ****************** Need an added boost since giving up caffeine during your pregnancy? This blend will give you a refreshing lift. Pour the oil essences into a 60-ml bottle and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Inhale during the day as needed. Anoint your solar plexus and the sacrum. -3 drops Grapefruit -2 drops Orange -2 drops Lavender ****************** Edema ****************** Swollen legs and feet, common in pregnancy and caused by the build-up of fluid, can be eased with a gentle massage of the following blend. Pour the oil essences into a 30-ml bottle and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Gently massage the area. Be careful not to massage deeply, as some pressure points in the feet, ankles and legs can induce labor. -3 drops Lavender -2 drops Cypress -2 drops Juniper ****************** Muscular cramps ****************** Ease leg cramps and other muscle aches with this aromatic blend. Pour the oil essences into a 30-ml bottle and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the area. Again, be careful not to massage deeply, as some pressure points in the feet, ankles and legs can induce labor. -3 drops Lavender -3 drops Roman Chamomile Watch for continuing articles in this "Aromatherapy and Pregnancy" series in the months ahead. ``````````````````````````````` Visit www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html to purchase or read more about the essential oils used in these blends. ``````````````````````````````` In Good Health, Francoise Rapp www.aromalchemy.com This article was originally published by Françoise Rapp in "The Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to healthy mind, body and soul through the use of aromatherapy and flower essences. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education/index.html