Does Essential Oils Help to Induce Labour?

If you’re in the last leg of pregnancy and your labour is overdue, you must be scouring the internet, looking for ways to induce labour. There are many ways to induce labour, but if you’re looking for a natural remedy, essential oils can be your best bet. Essential oils are all in rage and are suggested for every possible ailment, including combating labour pain and inducing labour pain too. They are generally considered safe and are quite easy to use. However, it may be best to implement them only after consulting an OB/GYN. Before we discuss which oils are safe, let’s understand what is labour induction.

What Is Labour Induction?

Labour induction is a method of stimulating childbirth which can be brought about by drug treatment or non-pharmaceutical procedures. The labour processes like breaking of water, the opening of the cervix, starting contractions are usually triggered artificially. A pregnant woman who is overdue or has certain health conditions may be recommended labour induction in order to avoid any risk to her health as well as her baby’s health. In such an incidence, she may not be able to select the process of induction. But some moms-to-be can opt for it voluntarily too. In any case, it is always advisable to discuss with an OB the possibility of applying essential oils in the instance of being medically induced.

Should You Use Essential Oils for Inducing Labour?

Essential oils, but not all of them, can bring about labour. If your labour is overdue, you can consider essential oils for labour induction, if yours is a low-risk pregnancy. Find out how an essential oil may help:

1. Essential Oils Can Calm You.

Essential oils are believed to calm both the mind and body of an expectant mom thus making the labour process easy.

2. They Can Make You Feel Energetic.

During labour, a lot of energy gets consumed usually leaving a pregnant woman drained and exhausted. Essential oils may not only alleviate some of the pain but also help a pregnant woman to feel energised and more focussed to push effectively.

3. Essential Oils Can Help You Relax.

These oils can help generate the feelings of relaxation and peacefulness which can be primarily useful in a volatile situation like labour. They can create a sense of control given the unpredictable nature of the labour process.

4. Essential Oils Can Help You Heal.

Essential oils may encourage the course of healing naturally by taking the edge off postpartum emotions like depression. They may thus promote the overall well-being of new mothers by helping them become fitter faster.

Which Essential Oils are Good for Labour Induction?

Some of the best essential oils for labour induction are given below: 

1. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is a versatile oil known for its many health benefits.

Pros 

Lavender oil can successfully calm and relax a woman during labour thereby reducing an otherwise distressing process. Only two drops of this magical oil can shorten the duration of labour at every stage of its development. You can also start using the oil towards the end of the third trimester to set the stage and lessen the feelings of anxiety.

Cons

Lavender oil can cause burning if used undiluted. It can also prompt nausea if used in large quantities.

2. Clary Sage Oil

Aromatherapists popularly use it for medicinal purposes.

Pros 

The oil may allow the muscles to release tension and relax thus naturally charging up contractions. It can also bring about relief from pain and uneasiness. Moreover, it doesn’t possess an overwhelming scent.

Cons 

Since it works fast, it is recommended to use it only for induction in the supervision of a doctor. It should not be applied neat.

3. Jasmine Oil

It is a widely used natural remedy for dealing with emotional stress and anxiety.

Pros

Jasmine oil, with its sweet alluring smell, can offer pain relief during each phase of labour thus hastening it with relative comfort. It can also intensify contractions and ensure smooth advancement of labour.

Cons 

It should be used only for labour induction and not in pregnancy. Some women may find its sweet smell irritating.

4. Rose Oil

It is commonly recognised for its healing properties.

Pros 

The aromatic oil can work swiftly to help proceed labour faster by stepping up the contractions. It can also provide quick relief from pain.

Cons

It should not be applied neat. Some women may feel repulsed by its sweet smell.

5. Frankincense Oil

This oil is known to have stress-relieving properties. It provides relief from chronic stress and helps with labour pain.

Pros 

It can prevent damage to the perineum and help diminish the pain during labour. Its calming abilities can foster relaxed muscles and hurry the contractions.

Cons 

It can cause problems if used in the diluted form.

6. Evening Primrose Oil

It is a potent healing essential oil as it contains gamma-linolenic acid.

Pros 

It can have a significant impact on softening the cervix which is usually the first step in labour induction. It can further fasten the progression of labour. It can also prove useful in managing postpartum feelings.

Cons 

It can cause thinning of the blood. It can also give rise to digestive issues or headaches during labour.

7. Peppermint Oil

It is known to be valuable in treating several health conditions.

Pros

Its use can bring immediate relief from pain. It can also help in combating nausea during labour. Its merits can extend even after childbirth for postpartum conditions.

Cons 

Some people can find its scent a bit overpowering.

8. Geranium Oil

It is acknowledged for improving the mental, physical and emotional health.

Pros

Most people find its earthy, nutty scent comforting. Therefore it can relax the tense muscle and re-energise sparking off the labour process.

Cons 

Some women may find its smell unbearable.

How to Use Essential Oil for Labour Induction

You can use the following blends of essential oils for labour induction:

1. Rose and Clay Sage Oil Blend

This blend has a divine scent which can work wonders. 

Ingredients 

• Rose oil
• Clary sage oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Vanilla oil

Method 

• Combine a few drops of rose oil, clary sage oil, and sweet almond oil in a bowl. 
• Stir in the vanilla oil.
• Apply the mix on the tummy to bring forth contractions.

2. Lavender Oil Blend

This fantastic blend can work wonderfully to boost things naturally.

Ingredients

• Lavender oil – 2 drops
• Chamomile oil – 1 drop
• Shea butter

Method 

• Mix all the ingredients.
• Apply twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening, to relax and calm the stressed muscles.

3. Peppermint Oil Blend

Peppermint oil blend can keep the pain and anxiety experienced during pregnancy and labour, and help you relax.

Ingredients 

• Peppermint oil
• Chamomile oil
• Frankincense oil
• Coconut oil

Method

• Mix together all the oils.
• Apply the blend on the aching body parts to get respite.

Ways to Apply Essential Oils to Induce Labour

Some of the ways you can apply essential oils for labour pain can be as follows:

1. Diffusers

Some essential oils like rose oil, peppermint oil, chamomile oil, lavender oil, Ylang Ylang oil, orange oil do better in diffusers. Merely place a diffuser beside your bed and pour a few drops of your preferred essential oil in it. You may also opt for a portable diffuser so that you can carry it along with you.

2. Topical Application

Dilute a couple of drops of your chosen essential oil by mixing a carrier oil like olive oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil or jojoba and apply it on the neck, shoulders and stomach to calm and soothe your senses.

Things to Keep in Mind While Using Essential Oil for Labour Induction

Certain things that you may like to keep in mind while using essential oils for labour and delivery are:

• Be sure that you use only pure and therapeutic grade oils.
• It may bear well to have a doctor around when you use essential oil for labour induction as a precautionary measure.
• All essential oils may not suit you. Find out which one will help your situation the most.
• Always remember to dilute the oil before applying it topically.
• Refrain from over-using it. One or two drops are generally enough when applying topically and three or four drops while diffusing.

Natural birthing options are gaining popularity among pregnant women as it is beneficial for both the baby and the mom. Essential oils can be a safe technique to support the progression of labour without any side-effects. This way, an expectant mother can avoid medications and experience a stress-free delivery. But they should always be used with precautions and after consulting with a doctor!

Also Read:

How Reflexology Helps to Induce Labour
What kind of Interventions Done in Labour and Delivery
Type of Dress You Should Wear for Labour and Delivery