A Mama’s Guide to Essential Oils During Pregnancy:

 

Pregnancy is a wild, wonderful ride — filled with excitement, anticipation, and yes, a fair share of “Wait… is this safe?” moments. As your body nurtures new life, it’s natural to start questioning what you’re putting on and in it. And if you’ve started down the clean beauty path, you’ve probably stumbled into the world of essential oils — those tiny bottles of plant-powered goodness… and sometimes confusion.

Let’s be real: not all natural ingredients are automatically safe during pregnancy. But don’t worry — we’ve got you. At AporeNaturals, we’re all about simplifying safe, effective, feel-good personal care. So here’s the lowdown on essential oils while you’re expecting — what to reach for, what to pause on, and how to confidently support your skin, mood, and overall well-being.

Why Essential Oils Need a Second Look During Pregnancy

Your skin absorbs what you put on it, and during pregnancy, your body becomes more sensitive and reactive. What may have worked perfectly before could suddenly cause irritation or discomfort. Some essential oils can even affect your hormones or stimulate uterine contractions — definitely not what we want.

That’s why it’s worth taking a moment to make sure your “natural” products are truly safe for pregnancy — especially when it comes to deodorants, body oils, and anything you use daily.

🌿 The Feel-Good Essentials: Pregnancy-Safe Oils

These are the gentle, mama-approved oils that can support your journey — mind, body, and soul.

🌬 Eucalyptus

Fresh, minty, and oh-so-invigorating. It’s a natural decongestant and mood booster. We use it in our AporeNaturals roll-on deodorant for that clean, crisp all-day freshness that still feels safe and soothing.

🍊 Sweet Orange

A cheerful, mood-lifting essential oil that’s perfect for those emotionally wobbly days. It’s found in our Orange & Green Tea blend — a customer favorite for its gentle zest and uplifting aroma.

🌼 Bergamot

Think sunshine in a bottle. This citrusy oil promotes calm and reduces anxiety — ideal for grounding your mood. We recommend it diluted in a lotion or light body oil.

🍋 Lemon

Naturally cleansing and energizing, lemon oil is a bright, zesty pick-me-up. It’s refreshing in skincare and great for reducing morning fatigue (yes, even when it’s technically afternoon).

💜 Lavender

The OG of relaxation. Calming, soothing, and known to help with sleep — something most mamas-to-be can use more of. Find it in our Lavender deodorant for a spa-like moment every morning.

🍵 Green Tea

Rich in antioxidants, green tea extract helps to soothe and protect sensitive skin. It’s gentle, balancing, and perfect for the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy.

🌹 Rose

Romantic and nourishing, rose oil hydrates and comforts both skin and spirit. Great for dry, itchy skin and for a moment of indulgence when you need it most.

 

🚫 Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy

While natural, these oils may cause contractions, hormonal disruption, or skin sensitivities and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• Clary Sage – May induce contractions

• Rosemary – Can increase blood pressure

• Peppermint – May reduce milk supply late in pregnancy

• Cinnamon – Stimulates blood flow and can irritate the skin

• Juniper Berry – Affects kidneys and uterine activity

• Wintergreen – Contains aspirin-like compounds

• Pennyroyal – Toxic and unsafe during pregnancy

Tip: Always check product labels or ask the brand about their essential oil use — transparency matters.

Everyday Products to Rethink

Let’s not forget: it’s not just the oils in your diffuser — essential oils are in so many personal care products, including:

• Deodorants

  Avoid aluminum and synthetic fragrances. Our AporeNaturals deodorants use only pregnancy-safe essential oils and clean ingredients — no parabens, no phthalates, no baking soda. Check our range of deodorants here.

• Body Oils & Lotions

  Always check that the oils used are diluted and safe for pregnancy. Essential oils should never be applied undiluted to the skin.

• Aromatherapy & Diffusers

  Use in a well-ventilated room and limit exposure to short bursts. Essential oils are powerful — less is often more, especially when your sense of smell is heightened.

Other Concerns We Hear from Mamas-to-Be

“Can I use essential oils postpartum while breastfeeding?”

Yes — but some oils (like peppermint) may reduce milk supply. Stick to the safe list, and always consult your care provider.

“What if I’ve already been using products with these oils?”

Don’t panic. Occasional use is unlikely to cause harm, but now’s a great time to pivot to cleaner, safer options. That’s why we created AporeNaturals — so you don’t have to second-guess your choices.

“I want to smell good, but I don’t want to risk anything.”

We hear you. That’s why our natural roll-ons are designed for long-lasting freshness with essential oil blends that are safe, effective, and mama-tested.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy can be overwhelming — but your personal care routine shouldn’t be. Trust your intuition, lean into what feels good, and choose products that respect both your body and your baby’s. With the right essential oils, clean ingredients, and a little guidance, you can nurture yourself confidently every step of the way.

Here’s to a pregnancy journey that’s not just safe and gentle — but also empowered, fresh, and full of care. 🌿

From one mama to another — you’ve got this!