Aromatherapy during pregnancy is amongst the most scientific and essential natural procedures which aide in providing relief from various kinds of aches and complications associated to this period. One will come across a large variety of aromatherapy oils which are utilized by numerable pregnant women to ease themselves of excruciating lower back cramps, stomach cramps and other pregnancy-related health issues. Certain massages in aromatherapy are also employed by mothers-to-be, which aide in help them curb the trauma and even the labour pains during delivery.

Aromatherapy Oils Pregnancy
The first three months of pregnancy are the most taxing for one`s body. An aromatherapy bath can be very relaxing. Burning one of Chamomile and Lavender Oils, Sandalwood Oil and Neroli and Ylang Ylang Oil in the room can also do wonders. Even during the second phase of pregnancy, aromatherapy oils can prove to be very advantageous and help relax better. At this time, one should religiously look after the skin. Taking care of the skin at this period of life will pay dividends later. Constipation can also be a problem in the early stages of pregnancy, so use of laxatives should be avoided. One should emphasize on eating a high-fibre diet including raw foods and plenty of water. Aromatherapy can also help get rid of constipation.

To overcome the feeling of nausea, one must mix up a blend of two drops each of fennel, lavender and sandalwood oils with 100 ml of carrier oil. It should be massaged on the abdomen of the pregnant woman at regular intervals during the day. One can also dab it under the nose so that it can be inhaled. Inhaling peppermint oil can also relieve morning sickness, but massaging with peppermint oil during pregnancy is not advisable. During pregnancy, almost every woman tends to vomit. If a woman vomits daily then a mixture of two drops each of lemon, fennel and rose oil with 100 ml of carrier oil must be taken and gently massaged onto the upper and lower abdomen. One can also inhale this blend. Varicose Veins or tired legs cane be checked by adding three drops of lemon and three drops of lavender oil to 100 ml of a light carrier oil, such as grape seed oil.

Pregnant women often suffer from problems related to fluid retention. However, this issue can be tackled safely by mixing two drops of eucalyptus oil, two drops of geranium oil and two drops of lavender oil with 100 ml of light carrier oil. The breasts grow larger in pregnancy and the nipples become dark and soft. From the middle months onwards drops of `colostrum` (the baby`s first food if one feeds) are secreted from the nipples and sometimes they can become sore and cracked. The following aromatherapy treatment is healing and soothing and can be continued while one breast-feeds. One should add six drops of marigold oil (often known as `calendula`) to 100 ml of carrier oil (wheat germ oil is a good option) which must be applied twice or thrice a day. Marigold oil can also be added to a fragrance free cream.

Aromatherapy Massages for Pregnant Women
Massage is an excellent way to keep track of the transitions taking place in one`s body during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the amount of aromatherapy oil added in carrier oil should be reduced to half because the body is much more sensitive to oils. Even a small amount of aromatherapy oil will be enough for an effective treatment. A good massage during pregnancy helps ease tension, which is often present during pregnancy. If the pregnant woman is more than four months pregnant she will find it uncomfortable to lie on her front. Her partner should help her lie on her side supported by a cushion, or massage her back while she is in a sitting position, with a cushion to lean on for support. This massage is mainly for relaxation. The following aromatherapy blends are recommended. Six drops of aromatherapy oil must be added to 100 ml of carrier oil, viz: Chamomile& lavender, Frankincense & Neroli, Ylang Ylang & Sandalwood & Geranium & Rose.

Stretch marks are little tears in the tissue beneath the skin surface. They first show up as red or purplish marks, which fade to a silvery white scar. The skin stretching as the weight increases causes them. The following method helps curb stretch marks to some extent. Three drops of frankincense oil and three drops of tangerine oil must be added to a carrier blend of 50 ml of avocado oil and 50 ml of wheat germ oil. Frankincense has a rejuvenating effect on the skin and tangerine oil is rich in vitamin C and helps to keep the skin elastic.

Aromatherapy during Labour
Aromatherapy massage during labour helps to relax and cope with the contractions. It can also reduce the tension and fear the woman will naturally feel because of its calming effect on the nervous system. The stomach must be massaged very gently with three drops of lavender oil and it must be frequently repeated as and when necessary. A figure-of-eight movement across the tummy and under the bump must be made and this movement should be fairly light, especially if the stomach is tender. A few drops of lavender or rose oil must be added to some chilled rosewater. Then, one must dip a small face sponge into the mixture and then smooth it over the forehead, down the face and neck, gently and rhythmically. The flowery aroma is very comforting and helps to take one`s mind away from the labour pains.