Reflexology for Pregnant Women

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Reflexology is extremely beneficial to use as an holistic therapy during pregnancy and labour. It will not interfere with the viability of the pregnancy but some pregnant women may prefer to wait until after the twelfth week to begin treatments.

Reflexology helps to realign energies throughout the whole process of pregnancy, promote relaxation, bring about balance at a physical, emotional and mental level and prepare the body for labour. The focus centres on the woman's own self-regulating and self-healing capacities.

During pregnancy your body will go through significant changes, which will affect the emotional, hormonal and physiological balance of your body. Reflexology can help to alleviate or prevent discomfort arising from this imbalance. Reflexology is now recognised as an effective complimentary therapy during pregnancy, and is recommended by the national maternity hospital, Holles street, Dublin.

Regular reflexology during pregnancy can help alleviate a number of ailments including

Reduce morning sickness
General relaxation
Reduce stress and anxiety
Alleviate heartburn
Relief from indigestion, constipation and hemorrhoids
Sciatica
Boost energy levels
Aid better sleep
Hormonal imbalances

Reflexology is safe and effective during pregnancy. It is, however, not recommended if there is a history of premature labour, severe hypertension, placenta previa, eclampsia, deep vein thrombosis or recent vaginal bleeding. If you suspect any problems in your pregnancy it is important to contact your doctor or midwife.

It is always advisable to make your doctor and/or mid wife aware that you are receiving reflexology treatments. From my perspective, if I have treated you prior to conception, I am happy to treat throughout the whole pregnancy, I believe it can help greatly during those first few months. However, if I have not treated you prior to the pregnancy, I prefer to wait until after the twelfth week to start treatments.