Sushi, saunas, raw cheese, microwaves, herbal medicines, alcohol - for pregnant women the list of things to avoid can seem especially long. But there is a healing modality that is not only acceptable to receive during pregnancy (in the final two trimesters) but is also designed to alleviate many of the discomforts that come up during those nine months.

As with any form of medicine, aromatherapy should be approached with caution preferably with the guidance of an experienced aromatherapist. Essential oils should not be used during the first trimester and the many oils (basil, cedarwood, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, cypress, fennel, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lemongrass, myrrh, parsley, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosemary, sweet marjoram, and thyme) should be avoided throughout the entire pregnancy

There are many essential oils that can be used during pregnancy. Again, consult your doctor or midwife as well as an experienced aromatherapist before experimenting with aromatherapy.

Following are a few of the top picks:

Bergamot

Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.

Grapefruit

Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Helps with water retention.

Lavender

Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.

Lemon

Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in massage for varicose veins.

Tangerine

Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.

Tea Tree

Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.

For more on aromatherapy and pregnancy visit AromaWeb.

[via Natural Bloom]