 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 common pregnancy ailments and even help you
during your labour.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology has been around for over 4000, originally practised by the
ancient Egyptians and Chinese but it was first recognised in the Western
world in 1913 when Dr William Fitzgerald noticed that pressure on specific
parts of the body could have an anaesthetising effect on corresponding
areas in the body. This was further developed in the 1930s by Eunice Ingham,
who defined reflexology as it is practised today.
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, stretching, and
movement to find the blockages and break up patterns of stress, restoring
balance and relieving tension. Reflexology treatments can also improve
a patient’s circulation and elimination - two very important factors
in maintaining good health and well-being.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
Obviously when you are pregnant you want to make sure that everything
you do is safe for both you and your baby. Midwife Hannah Hulme Hunter
says, "Reflexology is generally considered safe in pregnancy, provided
all is well with your pregnancy and your reflexologist knows that you're
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.
"There is no evidence to even suggest that this may be the case," the
AOR says. "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 occur."
In their book, A Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology, authors Kevin and
Barbara Kunz say, "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." Hannah's
advice to expectant mothers would be to contact a qualified reflexologist
who specialises in pregnancy for further information.
When should it be avoided?
Although there are very few contraindications to reflexology, it should
be undertaken by a qualified practitioner, preferably with experience
in all stages of pregnancy.
Kevin Kunz recommends, "Reflexology 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
Suzanne Ezner, a midwife and reflexologist, also advises women with some
conditions to seek medical advice before having reflexology. These include:
- Women with a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Women with a risk of pre-eclampsia
She also suggests that in cases where the mother-to be is diabetic she
should be asked to check her blood sugar before and after treatments,
as reflexology helps to balance the endocrine system and insulin production.
How can it help?
The Association of Reflexologists says, "Nearly everyone can benefit
from having reflexology during pregnancy."
Babyworld moderator and complementary therapist Lynne Morgan says, "It
is very successful in the treatment of a wide variety of pregnancy discomforts
and conditions. "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."
Practitioner Valerie Lowe recommends that both expectant parents have
reflexology during pregnancy to help couples during the emotional changes
of pregnancy and birth. Other benefits include:
- Relief from common pregnancy ailments such as morning sickness, back
ache, fluid retention and swelling
- Adjusting to the demands of coping with a new baby
- Support as your menstrual cycle returns to normal
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.
Finding a reflexologist
Reflexology is becoming more commonly used within the NHS, especially
in maternity units. Sigal Sabag, a qualified reflexologist with a special
interest in reflexology during preconception and pregnancy, says, "Many
health care professionals now recognise reflexology as a well established,
respected and effective therapy."
The NHS Trusts Association (NHSTA) which represents the Primary Care
Trusts including all NHS GPs says, "Many NHS practitioners now endorse
its use, some recommending that patients consult a reflexologist privately,
with a growing number being prepared to fund treatment via the NHS."
They have compiled an NHS Directory of Reflexologists after a recent
debate in the House of Lords concluded that all major forms of complimentary
health should be integrated into mainstream healthcare. The Directory
allows GPs to access details of appropriate local practitioners quickly
and easily during the consultation.
Some maternity units have their own reflexologists either working within
the unit or accessible through the unit so try asking your midwife if
she knows of any that your local Trust uses.
Where to next?
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