Aromatherapy During Pregnancy

We tend to think of aromatherapy as it relates to general wellness, but on some occasions it can help to support specific concerns as well. For instance, many may not have heard before that aromatherapy can actually help to support the digestive system during the first trimester, and as a result help pregnant women to maintain a high level of athletic capability. It’s certainly something that’s handy to know if you’re pregnant and dedicating yourself to fitness – or if you just want to take any shot you can at getting rid of the worst of morning sickness!

The idea actually surfaced, for me, in an article about Serena Williams, the tennis star who won the 2017 Australian Open despite being in the early stages of her pregnancy. In fact, Williams would have been roughly two months in, which ought to have meant she was experiencing morning sickness, as well as potentially acid reflux and heartburn. Knowing this it’s simply remarkable that she managed to triumph at one of the biggest events in tennis. And as articles suggest, aromatherapy and anti-nausea medication may help with the symptoms. To be clear this wasn’t a report that we know for a fact that Williams practiced aromatherapy – but it’s certainly interesting to think about.

To give you an idea of how impressive Williams was if you don’t happen to follow sports as closely, she was even expected to be a favorite at the same event in 2018 if she had decided to play. Just a few months removed from giving birth, Williams supposedly toyed with the idea of playing the Australian Open, and she was taken seriously enough that the women’s tournament was declared to be very much up for grabs when she announced she wouldn’t in fact play. To wrap that up nicely, Williams played well enough while pregnant in 2017 that she was a possible favorite in 2018 months into motherhood.

If that doesn’t get any pregnant readers excited about the idea of aromatherapy, perhaps nothing will! Again, we don’t know for a fact that Serena Williams used this particular method, but she’s a glowing example of how physically active you can be during pregnancy if you make an effort to combat some of the more uncomfortable symptoms. And we do know that aromatherapy can be a tool in that effort.

Moving away from specific examples and into the actual concept of treating morning sickness with aromatherapy, the idea is actually quite simple. Essential oils can calm your mind and your stomach, and even help to ease cramps in some circumstances. One mother writing on the topic recommended peppermint essential oil, though also mentioned fresh cut lemons. But really, you can go for whatever scents work best for you in general.

Overall it’s definitely an exciting thing to keep in mind if you’re pregnant or hope to be one day. Granted, it probably won’t catapult you to the Australian Open title. But with the right therapies you might find you can manage that first trimester and stay active during your pregnancy.