Q&A: Are lavender scented products harmful to a fetus during pregnancy?

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Are lavender scented lotions, soaps, and hair products harmful to a fetus during pregnancy? I read in a pamplet at a health food store pertaining to lavender essential oil that it should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.

The first trimester is the one wherein a developing baby is most susceptible to affects from substances. The warning indicates there have possibly been some reported incidents of ill effects, so I'd follow the recommendations. Also, the warning is vague, meaning there probably isn't any proven harm, so don't panic if you've used it already, just stop now.

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