EEK! I just used a product with Essential Oils

[babytoo]

Just used a sea salt scrub which I thought was ok as it said infused with macadamia and olive oils on the bottle but when I got out the shower, thought I would read the box again and found out it contains - peppermint oil, rosemary oil, bergamot, cedarwood, spearmint, lime and citrus oils! I am 6 months pregnant...what is going to happen to me??? I am sure it would be such a small quantity but I know some of these things are a no no......

[flower]

Babytoo....better it was in the shower than you soaking in it in the bath.
Get your self some baby soap which apparently has the least amount of additives and lock all the other stuff away from your sight in the cupboard.
Nothing will happen to you. You'll be fine. Don't worry...but don't repeat it!
O's mom.

[cosmic]

I did the same thing.. bought a facial scrub that was supposed to be honey and oat or something and it turned out it had peppermint oil and other things in it. I used it once and as soon as I realised (by the smell) I couldn't get it off my face quick enough. It's locked in the cupboard, not to see the light of day for at least another 6 months! :o

[Melissa1983]

Hi Babytoo

You will be find. I use to work for an all natural products cosmetic/body place and we didnt recommand using it while pregnant (only for insurance reasons), but it doesnt hurt if it is used in small amounts. If i was you i would check with your dr if you want to use it again.

[cosmic]

Babytoo, better still if you are unsure check with a naturopath. A lot of doctors aren't familiar with the effects of essential oils. I know that rosemary oil in particular is a BIG no-no... but again, as a once-off I don't think you need to stress. I just wouldn't use it again. :)

[H&B'sMum]

If you only used a littel bit and washed it off in teh shower straight away, you'll be fine. Cause youw ashe dit off immediately it didn't have time to be absorbed into your system so you have done NO damage at all.

[Funkychicken]

Hi Babytoo, Just thought I'd let you know about my experiences with essential oils during pregnancy. I actually practice aromatherapy and make products ranging from shampoos and soaps through to lotions and scrubs and they all contain essential oils. Having not planned this pregnancy, I was a bit freaked out when I did find out as I had literally had pure essential oils all over my hands as well as using my own products. I use a huge range of oils in my products including the nasties like clary sage and rosemary (only nasty when pregnant). I immediately took to wearing gloves and a mask at all times whilst mixing and handling and had to accept that there wasn't a lot else I could do. I spoke to a couple of naturopaths as well as aromatherapists who all said if baby has stayed with me until now (6 weeks at the time) all would probably be OK. The comparisons given to me where-driving in heavy traffic with windows down, exposure to household cleaners etc... In fact, I was told cleaning products in the house (disinfectants, window cleaner etc...) are actually more likely to cause damage to the unborn baby than essential oils! Because essential oils are considered alternative, they are actually hyped to be more dangerous than they really are. If you are 6 months pregnant you probably have nothing to worry about. The concern is generally during the first trimsester when baby is forming and even then, the biggest concern is of an abortive nature, so you are quite safe now. Having said that, it is a good idea to avoid certain oils throughout pregnancy and lists of these ones are readily available on websites. If you would like me to provide you with more info on which oils to avoid etc.. just send me an email personally and I will be happy to provide this info.
---------------------------------
Sal- 6 weeks to go!

[cosmic]

Thanks Sal. That's good information. :)