Aromatherapy has been used in the hospital setting in England, France and Germany for more than 20 years. A study in England evaluated the effect of aromatherapy on 8,058 pregnant mothers over eight years. Mothers in labor were offered aromatherapy to relieve pain, anxiety and nausea, or to strengthen contractions. More than 50 percent foundaromatherapy useful, while 14 percent found no benefits from its use. The amount of adverse reactions was 1 percent. Reactions included symptoms commonly found in labor, such as headache, nausea or itchy rash. The amount of medications needed by thearomatherapy group was greatly decreased versus the control group.
Aromatherapy can bring comfort, relaxation and an improved sense of well-being to women during the childbearing years. For more information, the books referenced below describe the use of essential oils for pregnancy and birth, including precautions and oils to avoid.