Reflexology in pregnancy aims to optimise the physical and emotional health of the pregnant woman and therapists are also able to provide general lifestyle advice and offer support. One benefit of receiving reflexology during pregnancy is that it allows time away from often busy lives and provides a time and space where you can focus purely on yourself and your growing baby.

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Pregnant women seek reflexology for support with common conditions that can arise during pregnancy such as constipation, low back pain, heartburn, anxiety, depression etc or to help prepare their body for birthing.  

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Reflexology in First Trimester

 

Reflexology can be used safely throughout pregnancy; Reflexologists will take a full history to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate to carry out a treatment.

 

The first trimester is a time when there are huge changes in hormone levels as well as anxieties and concerns about the changes that are going to happen. Both of these factors may leave you feeling delighted, anxious, exhilarated, weepy and exhausted – sometimes all at once. The therapist will aim to aid relaxation, de-stress and offer support.

 

Although there is a small risk of miscarriage in any pregnancy there is no evidence that reflexology can cause a miscarriage or increase the risk.  Many women find the support reflexology offers of great benefit at this time.  Do check the reflexologist has experience and training in Maternity Reflexology.

 

Reflexology in Second and third trimester

 

In the second and third trimester, most of the discomforts of early pregnancy have gone.

 

However, as the baby grows you may begin to experience other physical symptoms. Your stress levels may also rise as the birth becomes more imminent. Reflexology can be used for general well-being or to address other health issues such as sleeping problems as they arise. 

 

Reflexology in the Post-natal period

 

This joyful time is the start of a new and exciting era in your life but it can also bring new challenges; you may be questioning if you are doing everything right, falling hormone levels can leave you feeling low, tearful or anxious.  These feelings can then be exacerbated by lack of sleep. This is another key time when reflexology can be of great benefit yet it is a time when women often wonder how they can fit it in when their baby is not yet is a fixed routine.

If the baby needs a feed you can feed the baby during the treatment, wind them on your shoulder and then lie the baby tummy to tummy and as you relax with the reflexology, the baby calms and will sleep soundly there on your tummy .