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 you stress which may result 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 oils may help.
Massage oils are a great way to relieve pregnancy stress, 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 for your pregnancy aches.
How to Choose the Best Massage Oil For Pregnancy
Do note that massage oils can only be used after the 2nd trimester. Always check with your doctor or certified prenatal massage therapist on how to use the massage oil correctly. You should never use undiluted massage oil. Ideally, you should mix 5 to 6 drops of essential oil with 1 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.
Different types of oils have different benefits, so do choose one based on your specific condition. Here are some conditions that massage oil can help alleviate:
Swollen ankles
Diuretic essential oils can aid in lymphatic drainage and the removal of fluid 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: 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 tissue with one drop of peppermint essential oil on it. You can also apply a drop of peppermint oil into your feet with a tablespoon of massage oil. 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 to 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 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops Roman chamomile to 1 ounce of massage oil. 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
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, as well as 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:
- 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.
- Bitter almond oils can increase the risk of birth defects.
- Wintergreen, garlic, and onion inhibit blood coagulation and may affect the foetus.
- Cinnamon Bark essential oil contains saffrole, which can lead to kidney and liver issues in the fetus. It could even trigger contractions or induce preterm labour.
- 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
Best Massage Oil For Pregnancy
 | Mama's Choice Relaxing Massage Oil |  | View Details | Buy from Shopee |
 | Organic Belly & Body Oil by Thena Natural Wellness | | View Details | Buy now |
 | Nausea Relief Essential Oil | | View Details | Buy now |
 | Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil | | View Details | Buy from Amazon |
 | ALIVER Ginger Essential Oil | | View Details | Buy now |
Best massage oil for total relaxation
This 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 massage with this oil also improves your sleep quality, relieves stress, and stabilizes hormones.
Why we love it:
- Multi-purpose – serves as a moisturizer, massage oil, and aromatherapy oil
- Affordable
- Dermatologically tested, non-greasy, Halal origin
- Natural ingredients such as lavender.
Best organic massage oil
This organic massage oil is gentle & natural with 100% pure & finest grade coconut oil, jojoba, antiaging hyaluronic acid, rosehip seed oil, witch hazel, arnica extract. Enriched with antioxidant vitamin E, this oil contains natural plant collagen that helps improve the appearance of stretch marks with daily regular use, restore resilience, evens out tone, moisturizes and repairs skin.
Why we love it:
- Doubles as a non-greasy 100% natural pregnancy moisturizer
- Cruelty-free, vegan, fast-absorbing
- Lightly scented with lavender oil for optimal comfort
- Elasticity-boost blend to restore the natural glow and deeply hydrate skin.
Best massage oil for nausea relief
This essential 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 on it on your handkerchief, or add a few drops in your massage oil. It effectively relaxes your senses and reduces stress from both 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, gas bloating
- Functions as aromatherapy oil and has therapeutic qualities
- 100% pure essential oil including ingredients such as lavender
Best massage oil for sore muscles and joints
This oil is specially formulated with a unique blend of pure massage essential oils to relieve your sore muscles and joints. Enjoy a rejuvenating massage, 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
Best budget-friendly massage oil
ALIVER 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 moisturizing the skin. It also helps treat colds, fever, diarrhoea, and blood stasis.
Why we love it:
- Affordable price
- Relieves muscle soreness, reduces swelling, renews skin cells
- Works as a massage oil/aromatherapy/skin moisturizer
Price Comparison
Here’s a price comparison of the best pregnancy-safe 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 massage oil to make you feel relaxed, here are some helpful tips in 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 breads 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 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!
