Rose otto (rosa damascena), also known as rose damask or Bulgarian rose, has many recognised actions on the body and is a favourite with aromatherapists for use on females in general. Physiologically, it balances the hormones, calms the nerves and has a strong affinity with the female reproductive system.

It is to be avoided during the 1st and 2nd trimesters because of its emmanagogue action (bringing on menstruation), but if your pregnancy is progressing well AND your midwife agrees to it, you may use it during the 3rd trimester. Rose otto aids elasticity and, blended in a carrier oil, can be massaged into the perineum in the last few weeks. The same action can be performed during labour. Rose otto is also good for strengthening the womb and the Braxton Hicks contractions. (I can only think you would want the latter to give you good practice for the real thing!)

The down side is that rose otto is a very expensive oil; expect to pay well over £20 for a 2.5ml bottle. Bulgarian rose is usually the most expensive since it is considered superior for its perfume. Cabbage rose (rosa centifolia), also known as rose maroc or rose de mai, is a slightly cheaper alternative to rose otto. There is very little difference between the two in terms of therapeutic indications. That said, cabbage rose is harder to find.

Clary sage (salvia sclarea), one of the oils you are strongly advised to stay away from during your pregnancy, can be extremely beneficial to you on the big day. It has a narcotic effect and can be used either blended into a carrier oil which your birth partner massages into your lower back, or in a warm compress pushed onto the lower abdomen or lower back – basically, where it hurts most.

Another way to use it is to dab a couple of drops onto a face pad or tissue to hold to your nose/mouth when you need some relief. A good combination is clary sage with rose oil. This might be a substitute for gas and air. Just before you feel a contraction coming, breathe in deeply from your face pad, then after the contraction has passed, breathe in gently and rhythmically from the face pad.