Aromatherapy Applied to the Pregnancy and Postpartum Cycle

Code: ENF16591O

1 ECTS

Duration: 1 weeks/26 hours

Scientific Area: Nursing

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Sustainable Development Goals

3. Saúde de qualidade - Assegurar uma vida saudável e promover o bem-estar para todos, em todas as idades.

4. Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

5. Igualdade de género - Alcançar a igualdade de gênero e empoderar todas as mulheres e meninas.

Learning Goals

Learning objectives:
(1) Understand the fundamentals of aromatherapy and the safety guidelines for the use of essential oils during pregnancy and the postpartum period;
(2) Apply aromatherapy in an ethical, safe, and complementary manner, as part of woman-centered care.

Skills to be developed:
By the end of the course, students are expected to:
(1) Understand the fundamentals of aromatherapy and the safety guidelines for using essential oils during pregnancy and the postpartum period;
(2) Apply aromatherapy in an ethical, safe, and complementary manner, as part of woman-centered care.

Module 1 ? Fundamentals of Aromatherapy
?History and context of aromatherapy in healthcare;
?Fundamental concepts and principles of application;
?Essential oils: extraction methods, composition, and quality;
?Routes of absorption and mechanisms of action of essential oils;
?Safe use and risk management.

Module 2 ? Aromatherapy during Pregnancy and the Postpartum
?Physiological and emotional changes during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, and implications for the use of aromatherapy;
?Major essential oils, therapeutic indications, and safety criteria for their use during pregnancy and the postpartum;
?Safety principles and guidelines for the use of aromatherapy during breastfeeding.

Module 3 ? Practical Application and Integration into Clinical Care
?Safe, ethical, and complementary use of aromatherapy in a clinical setting;
?Health benefits during pregnancy and postpartum;
?Guidance for women on responsible use;
?Institutional implementation and clinical reasoning.

Teaching Methods

The course unit adopts a student-centered pedagogical model, prioritizing active methodologies that promote participation, critical reflection, and the application of knowledge in a professional context. Teaching strategies include theoretical presentations, analysis and discussion of scientific evidence, as well as participatory methodologies, including the practical application of aromatherapy techniques, discussion of clinical cases, problem-solving, and the sharing of experiences. Learning is further supported by digital pedagogical resources and technological platforms applied to training.