REFLEXOLOGY IN PREGNANCY

Are you feeling tired, uncomfortable, or nauseous in your pregnancy?
You may be surprised to know that an ancient form of healing called reflexology can actually help treat many comon pregnancy ailments and even help you during labour.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to the reflexes (pressure points) on the feet or hands to clear the vital energy pathways that can become blocked due to the stresses and strains of life. It is thought that the hands and feet are like mirror images of the body, with various points representing different structures and organs.

A treatment involves the therapist applying pressure and movement to find the blockages and break up patterns of stress, restoring balance and relieving tension.

Is it safe in pregnancy?

Reflexology is generally considered safe in pregnancy, provided all is well with your pregnancy and your reflexologist knows that you are pregnant.
However, some reflexologists will not treat a pregnant woman during the first trimester.
The Association of Reflexologists (AOR) says that this is due to a misplaced patient fear that reflexology may cause a miscarriage.
The AOR says that there is no evidence that this may be the case; however, as miscarriages are more common in the first term of pregnancy, some reflexologists are not prepared to take the risk that the client may blame them should a miscarriage take place.

A miscarriage is a reaction of the body, NOT a reaction to reflexology. Under no circumstances has reflexology ever been shown to have caused the body to do something it didn't want to do.

When should be avoided?

Refleology is like exercise, it should be done gradually and within your comfort range.
However, there are some conditions where it should be avoided altogether and these include:

- Pre-term labour - at any time before 37 weeks gestation.
- Placenta previa - if Grade II or III after 32 weeks gestation.
- Hydroamnios - if there is too much amniotic fluid around the baby after 32 weeks gestation.

Women with certain conditions should seek medical advice before having reflexology. These include:

- women with a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Women with a risk of pre-eclampsia.

In cases where the mother-to be is diabetic, she should check her blood sugar before and after treatments, as reflexology helps to balance the endocrine system and insulin production.

How can it help?

The AOR says: '' Nearly everyone can benefit from having reflexology during pregnancy.''

It is very successful in the treatment of a wide variety of pregnancy discomforts and conditions.

- morning sickness

- nausea and headaches

- pain and discomfort

- loss of bladder control

- backache

- stress and anxiety

- lack of sleep and fatigue

- digestive problems e.g. constipation

- fluid retention and swelling

- cramps

During labour itself, it can be used for relaxation and pain relief and research has shown that women who have regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy have far shorter labours than those who don't.

Both expectant parents will benefit from reflexology treatments during pregnancy to help couples during the emotional changes of pregnancy and birth.

As well as this, much research has shown that reflexology is excellent for maintaining or increasing milk supply as well as helping with postnatal depression and general relaxation.