SUMMER PREGNANCY – HOT & STICKY OR COOL AND CALM?
Pregnancy Massage
If you are in your last trimester and on maternity leave you may very well be enjoying this lovely summer sun, however it may be too hot for you and you are feeling rather large, uncomfortable and fed up!
Did you know that you can relieve some of those uncomfortable feelings with a few essential oils and applications that will cool you down.
My recommendations
One Essential Oil in particular Palmarosa –Cymbopogen martini, has the effect of cooling the skin. In an earlier blog I explained how to prepare an aromatherapy bath, so check that out if that appeals.
If you can’t face a bath; even the idea makes you feel hot! Why not try placing your feet in a bowl of tepid water with 5ml of base oil to which you can add 1 drop of Roman Chamomile – Anthemis nobilis and 1 drop of Palmarosa – Cymbopogen martini. The Chamomile is soothing and anti-inflammatory and the Palmarosa will cool the skin. Its important in pregnancy to always dilute the essential oils into a base oil before they come into contact with your skin. Stay like that for at least 10 min!
You may also be experiencing swollen feet and hands. This is most definitely something to run past your midwife but is usually no more serious than fluid retention. However it is a nuisance and can be uncomfortable. It can also be worse when it’s hot. Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens, can be helpful where there is Oedema (fluid retention). Ask you birth partner to massage your lower legs and feet or hands too if they are affected.
Measure out 10 ml of vegetable base oil and add 1 drop of Geranium Pelargonium graveolens and 1 drop of Lemon – Citrus limonum. Now get yourself comfortable preferably in a position that allows your birth partner to massage your lower legs and feet in an upward stroke towards your knee so that they are aiding your circulation in an attempt to relieve the Oedema. Remember to keep your fluids up, water is by far the best for rehydration. Fizzy, sugary drinks will not help your fluid balance and may even make your fluid retention worse.
Too hot to sleep?
Again Essential oils can help! About 30 min before you go to bed add to a burner or vaporiser 2 drops of Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia and 3 drops of Bergamot – Citrus bergamia. Lavender is a sedative and Bergamot is refreshing but soothing and will make your bedroom smell fresh but calm. Make sure you blow out the candle before drifting off or unplug your vaporiser.
Summer pregnancies are great, flip flops, so easy to put on and off, floaty dresses and a good excuse to show off your bump! Both of my kids were summer babies and born in particularly hot summers so I have first-hand experience of using these remedies! Enjoy the sunshine and keep cool!