Aromatherapy in Obstetrics: A Critical Review of the Literature.

Aromatherapy is the use of highly concentrated aromatic plant oils administered in various ways for a wide range of therapeutic indications. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the evidence on aromatherapy during the perinatal period. There is research on the prenatal use of aromatherapy to treat nausea and vomiting, reduce stress, and support immune function; the intrapartum use of aromatherapy for labor pain/anxiety and labor progress; and the postpartum use of aromatherapy for postcesarean symptoms, perineal trauma, sleep, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Overall, the evidence suggests that aromatherapy can be administered safely and effectively in obstetrics.