Pregnancy reflexology
How can reflexology help pregnancy?
I have seen the wonderful effects reflexology has on pregnant mums. How nurtured they feel, how relaxed they become. Creating a harmonious peaceful environment for which baby can grow. Happy mummy, happy baby.
Regular reflexology treatments can help restore balance within your body and help prepare you for these changes. Stress is known to increase maternity complications, so treating yourself to a relaxing pregnancy reflexology session is a wonderful way to focus on you and your baby while reducing stress & anxiety . It can also help you to view your pregnancy in a more positive way by reinforcing your self confidence and encouraging a sense of wellbeing.
What to expect before your treatment…
When you complete your booking you will need to complete an online consultation which gives me an initial overview of your health and lifestyle. At your first appointment we will go through an in depth consultation giving me an opportunity to understand how your pregnancy is progressing, if you have had or have any pregnancy related health conditions and any current non-pregnancy related health conditions.
I will then plan your treatments around your symptoms and stage of pregnancy.
When is the best time to start maternity reflexology?
Many women choose to start maternity reflexology in their second trimester, but it can be beneficial at any stage of pregnancy, including postpartum.
Does reflexology have any side effects?
Reflexology is generally a safe modality of alternative therapy. Hence, you should not expect to experience any major side effects apart from the usual feeling of tired, lightheaded, or emotional. But this is totally dependent on the individual. The majority of my clients come out feeling well rested and energised.
What to expect during your treatment…
Your initial reflexology session usually lasts between 45 – 60 minutes During the session, you will lie on a reflexology chair. I advise you to wear comfortable clothing, ideally gym wear. I will be playing relaxing music and use pregnancy friendly essential oils in a diffuser.
During the treatment I will be working on specific areas in your feet which are associated with different body organs and systems in your body. The pressure applied is quite firm but generally not painful. The experience you have can also be a good indicator about the area treated, for example, more discomfort equals an area being congested and needing more treatment.
My aim to make you as comfortable as possible working in a safe position according to which trimester you are in and what your symptoms will allow. You then have the opportunity to sit/lie back, relax and have time to connect with your baby.
Are there any risks or contraindications?
While generally safe, there are some contraindications, such as certain high-risk pregnancies or complications. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure reflexology is appropriate for you.
Can reflexology induce labour?
Most babies will deliver naturally by 42 weeks, but approximately 15% will need to be induced. In a similar way to turning a breech baby, inducing labour is a medical procedure carried out in a hospital. What we do as reflexologists is again much more subtle than the medical procedures and we talk in terms of preparing the body for birth. Even encouraging relaxation at this time, when women are often worried about the birth, can sometimes be enough for labour to start. If the body has high levels of stress hormones the body is essentially in fight or flight mode and so her body is saying – don’t go into labour but run somewhere that is safe for you.
As your due date approaches, you may find it useful to visit a reflexologist more frequently.
Although there is no evidence that reflexology can induce labour, the general view is that it will help support the body to prepare for the birth and promote relaxation at a time when anxiety levels are often high.
Having a baby, whether or not it is your first pregnancy, will bring you plenty of wonderful experiences and new challenges and using reflexology may just help you on this journey.
What symptoms can reflexology help during pregnancy?
Nausea, and heartburn
Fluid retention/ oedema in hands and feet.
Anxiety, stress and insomnia
Backache
Blood pressure regulation
Muscular fatigue and tension
Constipation or any other change in bowl movement
Hemorrhoids
Urinary tract problems
Inflexibility of the pelvic floor
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)