Maternity Reflexology

Not only is Maternity reflexology is a key tool in helping conception, it can be continued throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy brings on many changes; not only physical, emotional, hormonal and psychological but reflexology can help to alleviate the stress of these changes.

Research has showen that women who have reflexology during their pregnancy are more likely to give birth at full term and have shorter labours, that require less pain relief.

Benefits of Maternity Reflexology:

• Relief from morning sickness and nausea
• Relief for sciatic pain and backache
• Reduction in swelling to ankles and general fluid retention
• Reduces stiffness and improves flexibility
• Encourages physical healing
• Stress relief and anxiety
• Helps to lower high blood pressure
• Turn a breech baby
• Improves clarity of mind, lifts mood and improves concentration
• Preparation for labour

However, there are also times when it is not advisable to have reflexology during pregnancy. You should avoid if:

• You have pre-eclampsia
• You have a risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• You are likely to have pre-term labour, any time before 37 weeks gestation
• You have placenta previa after 32 weeks gestation

Time to give birth

If you have been having regular reflexology treatments throughout your pregnancy, and are still in optimum health, there is no reason why you can not have a treatment when you are in labour. The process of labour takes u a lot of your energy, but you do need to reserve as much of that energy for when it actually comes to giving birth. Having reflexology in labour can keep you clam, relaxed as well as help you with some of these conditions associated with labour:

• Trying to regulate contractions
• Helping to clear out bladder and bowels prior to giving birth
• Trying to minimise the risk of medical intervention to induce
• Aiming to help with the pain of the contractions
• Regulating body temperature
• Helping to deliver the placenta

It is worthwhile asking the midwife whether you will be allowed to have a reflexologist in the delivery suite alongside your birthing partner. Treatments can be carried out in the comfort of your own home (depending on time and location) until you are required to go into hospital.