Best Massage Oils for Pregnancy: A Useful Guide for Mums-to-Be

Growing a child inside of you is one of the greatest miracles a woman can experience. However, there are also many changes during this period that can make this journey less than pleasant. There will be major changes in your body due to the shifts in hormone levels brought about by pregnancy, causing discomfort. Outside factors can also cause stress, resulting in insomnia, fatigue, and various aches, such as back pain, joint pains, or headaches.

Even changing sleeping positions at night could result in body pain! Taking medication upon your doctor’s approval may be tempting to alleviate the pain.

However, doing so might not be healthy in the long term as there may be adverse side effects. This is where massage oil for pregnancy may help.

A product for oil massage is a great way to relieve pregnancy stress and alleviate morning sickness, pains, and swollen joints. This is why we've made a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know when looking for the best massage oil Singapore has to offer for your aches.

Wanna check out what massage oil for pregnancy is the best in the country? Scroll for more.

Getting an oil massage during pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a rough time. You're tired, you have aches and pains, and your body is changing—all the while, you're still managing to get through your day-to-day activities. It's true—you might even have trouble falling asleep when you get massaged!

Luckily, there are ways to make it easier on yourself during pregnancy. One of those ways is by using massage oil for pregnancy. Oil massage can help reduce stress and tension in the body, which is especially helpful during pregnancy because so much of your body is expanding at once.

It also helps to release muscle tension in your neck and shoulders, as well as tight stretch muscles in your back and hips.

How to choose the best massage oil for pregnancy?

Do note that massage oil for pregnancy can only be used after the second trimester. Always check with your doctor or certified prenatal massage therapist on how to use the body massage oil correctly.

You should never use undiluted massage oil for pregnancy. Ideally, you should mix five to six drops of essential oil with one ounce of carrier oil. 

Look out for organic oil to avoid absorbing toxins like herbicides, which are present in oils that come from conventionally farmed plants. Opt for neutral-scented plant oils to avoid any allergy triggers. 

The different, several types of massage oil Singapore have different benefits, so do choose one based on your specific condition. Here are some conditions that massage oil for pregnancy can help alleviate: 

Swollen ankles 

Diuretic essential oils can aid in lymphatic drainage and fluid removal from a pregnant mother's ankles. Add five to six drops of any of the following essential oils to one ounce of unscented massage oil for pregnancy: lemon, cypress, geranium, juniper berry, and lavender. In a gentle upward motion, rub into the ankle and foot.

Morning sickness and nausea 

Peppermint typically relieves nausea; even inhaling it can be highly effective. If you feel queasy, inhale from a tissue with one drop of peppermint essential oil on it.

You can also apply a drop of peppermint oil to your feet with a tablespoon of massage oil for pregnancy. Studies have shown that there are no proven toxic effects of using peppermint during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Headache 

Add two drops of lavender, one drop of peppermint, and one drop of frankincense to one ounce of unscented lotion or oil. Apply a dab to the client's temples and gently massage in circles.

Nasal congestion 

This is yet another condition that can be easily treated by inhaling the aroma of essential oil. To help open your sinus passages, apply one drop of eucalyptus, peppermint, or spearmint to a tissue, and then inhale.

Varicose veins 

Varicose veins during pregnancy are caused by an increase in progesterone, which relaxes the vein's muscular walls. They can cause leg pain, swelling, and itching. Essential oils that are cooling and astringent provide relief.

Add five to six drops of any of the following essential oils to one ounce of unscented lotion: lemon, cypress, or geranium. You might also use a chilly compress soaked in essential oils for the affected area.

Lower back pain 

Back pain can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but it is most common in the last trimester and is felt in the lower back. Warming and analgesic essential oils can help with both pain and tension.

Add three drops of lavender and three drops of Roman chamomile to one ounce of massage oil for pregnancy. Massage the lower back and abdomen, especially where the baby's weight is most noticeable.

Stretch mark prevention 

Add five drops of helichrysum essential oil to one ounce of jojoba wax and massage over the tummy, hips, and thighs to help avoid stretch marks throughout your pregnancy.

Emotional Stress 

At any rate, the massage oil Singapore has in the market is important as ever emotionally. Here are ten essential oils that are both calming and safe to use topically in low dilutions during pregnancy, as well as being beneficial to overall well-being:

• Bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, and orange citrus oils are excellent for raising spirits and instilling a sense of well-being. All of these oils, with the exception of sweet orange, are phototoxic, thus, you should avoid direct sunlight on the skin for 12 hours following a massage with them.
• Lavender oil helps pregnant mums to feel relaxed and balanced.
• Neroli oil can help with pain alleviation and anxiety relaxation and encourage skin cell regeneration.
• Patchouli oil is grounding and relaxing, benefiting the skin. 
• Sandalwood is a natural antidepressant and sedative which helps you to sleep better. 
• Ylang Ylang reduces blood pressure and eases feelings of anxiety. 

What to avoid when buying a massage oil for pregnancy

Generally, it’s safest to consult with your healthcare professional on what essential oils you intend to get, and the right way to consume them. You may also want to request an allergy test so that you will be able to avoid any oils that can result in an allergy. 

Here are some essential oils to avoid during pregnancy due to their potentially harmful toxic side effects: 

1. Star anise and fennel should be avoided as they have a strong estrogen effect and can disrupt hormone levels. They also have anti-platelet properties which could adversely affect the immune system of both mother and baby. 
2. Bitter almond oils can increase the risk of birth defects. 
3. Wintergreen, garlic, and onion inhibit blood coagulation and may affect the foetus.
4. Cinnamon Bark essential oil contains safrole, which can lead to kidney and liver issues in the fetus. It could even trigger contractions or induce preterm labour. 
5. Basil essential oil has a high amount of estragole, a compound that may lead to uterine contractions. Hence, pregnant or expecting mothers should avoid it. 

Choose the best massage oil for pregnancy available in Singapore

With various brands of massage oil Singapore has in the market, we made a list of the massage oil Singapore has for different needs and functions. Check out our top picks below.

Mama's Choice Relaxing Massage Oil Review

Best massage oil for total relaxation 

The good news is that there are ways to make it easier on yourself during pregnancy, and one of them is to use oil massage. And what a great way to have an oil massage with a product from the ever-trusted Mama's Choice.

This pregnancy massage oil is made with natural ingredients like lavender, grapefruit, and orange, which calm your mind, improve blood circulation, reduce irritation, and soothe your senses for complete relaxation.

Prenatal oil massage with this massage oil for pregnancy also improves your sleep quality, relieves stress, and stabilises hormones. 

Why we love it: 

• Multi-purpose - serves as a moisturizer, pregnancy massage oil, and aromatherapy oil.
• Affordable.
• Dermatologically-tested, non-greasy, Halal origin. 
• Natural ingredients such as lavender. 

Organic Belly & Body Oil by Thena Natural Wellness Review

Best organic massage oil 

This organic pregnancy massage oil is gentle and natural with 100% pure and finest-grade coconut oil, jojoba, antiaging hyaluronic acid, rosehip seed oil, witch hazel, and arnica extract.

Enriched with antioxidant vitamin E, this pregnancy massage oil contains natural plant collagen that helps improve the appearance of stretch marks with regular daily use, restores resilience, evens out tone, and moisturises and repairs skin. 

Why we love it: 

• Doubles as a non-greasy, 100% natural pregnancy moisturiser. 
• Cruelty-free, vegan, and fast-absorbing. 
• Lightly scented with lavender oil for optimal comfort.
• Elasticity-boost blend to restore the natural glow and deeply hydrate skin.

Nausea Relief Essential Oil Review

Best massage oil for nausea relief

This pregnancy massage oil is designed to relieve you from stomach upsets, morning sickness, and nausea. Simply diffuse the oil in your living space, put a few drops of it on your handkerchief, or add a few drops to your massage oil.

It effectively relaxes your senses and reduces stress from both your mind and body so you can complete your daily tasks with ease. 

Why we love it:

• Suitable for pregnant mums to relieve nausea, indigestion, motion sickness, and gas bloating. 
• Functions as an aromatherapy oil and has therapeutic qualities. 
• 100% pure essential oil, including ingredients such as lavender.

Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil Review

Best massage oil for sore muscles and joints 

This body massage oil is specially formulated with a unique blend of pure massage essential oils to relieve sore muscles and joints. Enjoy a rejuvenating oil massage, and reduce anxiety and pain, all while nourishing and hydrating your skin. 

Why we love it:

• Relieves aching muscles and joints to reduce tension while hydrating the skin. 
• 100% natural blend of chamomile and lavender essential oils.
• Cruelty-free.

ALIVER Ginger Essential Oil Review

Best budget-friendly massage oil

ALIVER's pregnancy massage oil is an affordable yet effective massage oil that is made with ginger and grape seed oil. It works wonders in relieving stress, alleviating muscle aches, and moisturising the skin. This body massage oil also helps treat colds, fever, diarrhoea, and blood stasis. 

Why we love it:

• Affordable price.
• Relieves muscle soreness, reduces swelling, and renews skin cells. 
• Works as a body massage oil, aromatherapy, and skin moisturiser.

Price Comparison Table

From functions to effectivity, the brands of massage oil Singapore has online and in-store differ in one thing too. The price! Here's a price comparison of the best pregnancy-safe body massage oil for your quick reference:

Editor's Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.

Tips on how to manage pregnancy stress

Aside from using the best body massage oil to make you feel relaxed, here are some helpful tips for managing and staying away from stress during your pregnancy: 

Eat a healthy diet. 

To receive all of the nutrients you require, eat a variety of meals. Six to 11 servings of pieces of bread and grains, two to four servings of fruit, four or more servings of vegetables, four servings of dairy products, and three servings of protein sources are all recommended daily servings (meat, poultry, fish, eggs or nuts).

Consume fats and sweets in moderation. Having a healthy diet will help you be more energetic and keep negative emotions at bay! 

Have a relaxing bedtime routine.

Pregnant moms who get more sleep are less likely to develop complications. Avoid electronics for at least an hour before bedtime. Relieve stress with yoga, mindfulness meditation, or oil massage therapy. 

Journal your worries away.

If you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts, get a paper and pen to make a list of your worries. For each worry, write a short paragraph on why you should not worry about it. This will help you ease your anxiety and worries about pregnancy! 

Put relaxing first.

Because of all the changes your body is undergoing as part of the human growth process, not getting enough sleep might increase stress levels. Plan a bedtime that will help you achieve your goal of seven to nine hours of sleep per night. 

On Japanese oil massage

Japan oil massage is a type of massage therapy that originated in Japan. In doing Japanese oil massage, it involves the use of warm oil, typically called "Nuru oil", which is applied to the skin using a variety of massage techniques. These techniques are designed to relax the muscles and promote overall wellness during Japanese oil massage.

How to use Japan oil massage?

The Japanese oil massage typically begins with the therapist applying the oil to the client's back, before moving on to other areas of the body.

The therapist may use their hands, fingers, or even their forearms to apply pressure and perform various Japanese oil massage strokes.

Japan oil massage is known for its ability to relieve stress and tension and to promote relaxation and well-being.

Is Japanese oil massage okay for pregnant moms?

It is generally not recommended for pregnant women to receive any type of massage therapy, including Japanese oil massage. Pregnancy can be a delicate time for a woman's body, and certain massage techniques or pressures during a Japan oil massage may be harmful to the baby.

Additionally, the use of Nuru oil during a Japanese oil massage can increase the risk of slipping and falling, which can also be dangerous for pregnant women.

Nuru oil is made from a type of seaweed called "Nori" and is mixed with water to create a gel-like substance.

The oil is applied to the skin using a variety of Japan oil massage techniques and is designed to help the therapist quickly glide their hands over the client's skin.

The slippery texture of Nuru oil allows for smooth and fluid Japan oil massage movements, which can help to promote relaxation and well-being.

It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before receiving any type of massage therapy like the Japanese oil massage, especially during pregnancy.

Also read: Best Pregnancy-Safe Acne Patch Brands You Can Use to Heal Pimples Overnight