Pregnancy & Maternity Reflexology
Reflexology can benefit a woman at every stage of her pregnancy, from conception through all three trimesters, during labour and even post-partum. Pregnancy can be a stressful time for a woman and reflexology can help ease any anxiety and fear she may be experiencing throughout the pregnancy. It is common for mothers-to-be to worry about many things during their pregnancy, from whether or not they are eating the right foods, to exercising enough or too little and to how they will cope when the baby is born. These worries may develop into anxiety and stress. If stress continues to manifest over long-periods of time, this could in turn result in poor pregnancy health where some of the more common conditions associated with pregnancy such as tiredness, nausea/morning sickness, pelvic and lower back pain, sciatica, heartburn, constipation, insomnia, swollen limbs etc are exacerbated. Regular reflexology treatments throughout pregnancy will support mothers-to-be by helping them to relax, relieve tension and stress.
Trimesters 1, 2, 3
It is safe to receive reflexology throughout all three trimesters from a properly trained reflexologist. A Level 5 qualification allows me to be insured to treat mums-to-be before they have even reached the 12 week mark. During this trimester, I avoid any reflexology and acupuncture points that can stimulate labour. Having reflexology throughout pregnancy is a safe form of self-care that can help improve well-being, relax the body and the mind which can only benefit your growing unborn child. As the use of medicines whilst pregnant is limited, reflexology is a useful modality due to it being a non-invasive therapy. It will help to enhance optimal health and prepare you for birth.
Priming for Labour and Childbirth
There is no evidence that reflexology will induce labour, however, it does help the body to relax at a stressful time and to reach the optimium level for when the body is ready to go into labour naturally. After 37 weeks, when you are classed as full term, certain reflexes are stimulated that are connected to the induction of labour to ensure that they are prepared for when the body is ready to begin the birth process. Working these specific reflexes will never cause premature labour.
According to some recent studies, reflexology can help with both reducing pain and the length of labour* as well as being a basic touch therapy for reassurance and comfort.
Postnatal (puerperium) - the first 6 weeks
Reflexology can also help to restore balance and boost recovery in the post-natal period. This time can be a hugely life-altering period in a new mum's life. Whilst it is often the most exhilarating and happy phase in a new mum's life, they could be recovering from major surgery such as a c-section or a forceps delivery. They may have had an epidural during labour and suffering with related side-effects such as numbness or tingling. Their joints and lower back could be aching, have breast engorgement or mastitis, perennial pain or urination difficulties. Post natal blues are fairly common and this can develop further into post-natal depression. It can be a stressful time, worrying if you are "doing the right thing" for your new baby, making sure they are fed and happy. It's no secret that it is likely to be the most exhausting period and this combined with stress can make everything feel overwhelming. Reflexology can help manage these feelings of stress and fatigue and improve your wellbeing.
Maternity & Pregnancy Reflexology Treatments
Pregnancy & maternity reflexology initial treatments include a health, diet and lifestyle consultation which will allow me to design a personalised treatment plan. We will discuss your pregnancy in more detail - for example any symptoms you may be currently experiencing as well as general info about where you are having the baby, your scans and any other relevant info to your pregnancy.
Whatever stage of your pregnancy the sessions can help bring your body into balance. You will be able to move around during the session if required. At the end of the treatment I will offer homecare advice to prolong the effects of the treatment.
Reflexology in Pregnancy Research Studies
*Some recent studies have shown that reflexology during pregnancy significantly reduced pain during labour & reduced the length of the first stage of labour (1 & 2) and improved the quality of sleep in post-natal women (3)
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Valiani M. et al (2010) Reviewing the effect of Reflexology on pain and outcomes of the labour primiparous women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research 15(Dec) p.301-310 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3208928/
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Manju Mohan, and Linda Varghese (2021) Effect of Foot Reflexology on Reduction of Labour Pain Among Primigravida Mothers. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2021 Mar; 14(1): 21–29. Published online 2021 Mar 1st https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7892334/
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Li C-Y et al (2011) Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst post partum women. Midwifery 27. P. 181-186 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/195778
Contraindications to having reflexology whilst pregnant
There are a few conditions considered to be contraindications to having reflexology whilst pregnant:
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Fulminating Pre-eclampsia
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Hydroamniosis (after 32 weeks)
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Placenta Previa - if Grade III or IV after 32 weeks)
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Oligohydramnios
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Threatened pre-term labour
If you are unsure it is always best to seek advice from your midwife or GP.
The below images are examples of two clients' swollen feet/ankles before and after they had reflexology in my clinic
