Pregnancy Reflexology
Pregnancy Reflexology
Reflexology is one of the most popular complementary therapies used by women during pregnancy. It is a wonderful, natural and simple way of helping your body through pregnancy from infertility issues, the discomforts associated with pregnancy and preparation for birth. Reflexology is also very good at helping the body cope with the post natal changes in the body being very balancing and restorative to help the body back to the pre pregnant state. The Association of Reflexologists says, "Nearly everyone can benefit from having reflexology during pregnancy." Reflexology is becoming more commonly accepted and used in the NHS and many midwives are now recommending Reflexology to help their patients through pregnancy.
Reflexology and Infertility
Reflexology can help prepare your body for conception by rebalancing your endocrine system (hormones) to boost ovulation and restoring the flow of vital energy. It will also help to reduce stress by calming and relaxing you whilst you are trying to conceive.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-172952/Reflexology-aid-fertility.html http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-20980/Is-reflexology-new-cureinfertility.html
Benefits of Ante-natal reflexology
Reflexology can help bring relief from common pregnancy ailments such as:- Morning sickness/nausea
- Back ache
- Headaches
- Fluid retention
- Helps to normalise blood pressure
- Improve sleep patterns
- Prevention of heartburn
- Reduce swelling – swollen puffy ankles
Reflexology can also help to oxygenate the baby by improving the blood flow within the whole body, helping the uterus and the baby’s placenta.
Birth
Reflexology can play an important role during the birth. Many women have reflexology to encourage labour, especially if they are overdue thereby reducing the need for medical induction at hospital as well as intensifying contractions during labour and shortening labour as a result. Reflexology stimulates the release of oxytocin, the hormone that starts uterine contractions.Benefits of Postnatal Reflexology
The arrival of your new baby is a very exciting and life changing time as well as an exhausting time for both parents in particular the mother. Your baby can bring broken routines, poor quality sleep and general tiredness and exhaustion.Reflexology can help balance and restore the body at this demanding time by and can help to bring the body back to the pre pregnant state. Reflexology can help the postnatal body in various ways;
- Rebalance and restore the body
- Deeply calming and relaxing
- Improve energy levels
- Aid lactation
- Support as your menstrual cycle returns to normal
When should it be avoided?
There are very few contraindications to reflexology but you do want to make sure that it is safe for you and your baby Reflexology should be avoided when:- Pre-term labour - at any time before 37 weeks gestation
- Placenta previa - if Grade II or III after 32 weeks gestation
- Hydro amnios - if there is too much amniotic fluid around the baby after 32 weeks gestation
Treatments – When to commence treatments
Pre – conceptionAs soon as you think about starting a family or if you have had difficulties trying to conceive.
Pregnant
13 – 16 weeks pregnant. It may be appropriate to commence treatment earlier depending on individual situations particularly if the client used Reflexology to help with conception.
Frequency of treatment
Varies depending on the pregnancy, however, a total of 5 to 10+ treatments would be recommended to gain the most benefit.
Treatment time
The first lasts about 1hr15 mins which includes medical history taking. Following treatments last about 1hr.
The above information was produced as an article for the NCT Branch Newsletter September 2008