Maternity Reflexology
Reflexology during pregnancy can be an excellent way of maintaining your body's own healthy balance as well as that of the developing life. Many of pregnancy's discomforts respond well to reflexology and regular treatments may make for an easier and more efficient labour.
Some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy that may be relieved by reflexology include:
Nausea, Vomiting, Heartburn | Constipation, Haemorrhoids | Craving (pica), Hypersalivation | Breast Tenderness | Backache, Sciatica, Symphysis Pubis Pain | Ligament Pain | Headaches, Tiredness, Insomnia | Leg Cramps, Varicose Veins | Mood Changes | Muscle Tension and Fatigue
Having reflexology after the birth of your baby can help in a variety of ways, most notably by:
- helping the adjustment to the demands of coping with a new baby
- providing support as the menstrual cycle returns to normal
- maintaining or increasing milk supply
- helping with post-natal depression
- aiding general relaxation
Cautions
Reflexology is a very safe therapy and it only seeks to add balance to the body. However, there are some instances when reflexology cannot take place during pregnancy:
- Pre-term labour (pre 37 weeks)
- Placenta previa (Grade II or III after 32 weeks gestation)
- Hydroamnios (too much fluid around the baby after 32 weeks gestation)
Prior to receiving reflexology in pregnancy, medical advice should be sought if you are at risk of:
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pre-eclampsia
Reflexology can be beneficial in the first trimester, if you have a history of unstable pregnancies or if you have a pre-existing medical condition. However, each instance is sensitive and treatment can only take place when both you and I have fully discussed and understood the options.
Reflexology to encourage labour
Given reflexology's success in making labour shorter and more efficient, there is a case for it to be used to encourage the onset of labour. However, a one-off reflexology treatment specifically to encourage labour is not always appropriate and there is no guarantee that it will be successful. If you would like to receive reflexology to encourage labour, you must be able to show that your:
- Obstetric caregiver (consultant or midwife) has given permission for the treatment to take place
- Due date has passed
The Treatment
In the first session there is a brief confidential consultation to discuss any medical conditions and the treatment itself lasts approximately 45 minutes. Various types of pressure will be used directly on the hands or feet depending on your needs at the time. I will provide feedback and aftercare advice at the end of the session.
You are advised to bring your maternity notes to the first session.
Frequency of Treatments
There is evidence that shows that regular reflexology throughout the pregnancy and, in particular, during the last 6 weeks may make labour easier and more efficient.
Reflexology is a very personal therapy and much depends on your individual requirements and in some cases, even just one treatment can help.
A general recommendation is a treatment every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the pregnancy, rising to once a week during the last 6 weeks.